Slow Integration -- Two Kittens скачать в хорошем качестве

Slow Integration -- Two Kittens

I try to have at least two foster kittens at a time so they have playmates. This was probably the first time I had two that didn’t mesh for weeks. Peanut is on the far end of the spectrum when it comes to energy and playfulness. Buttercup, who likely had a pretty rough start, was not comfortable getting physical with another kitty. She wanted to play as long as Peanut didn’t touch her, but wrestling was Peanut’s favorite activity. In the beginning, Peanut became almost obsessive about getting physical with Buttercup. I could distract him with a toy or food for a moment, but he kept trying to jump on her every chance he got. Buttercup hissed, growled, and squinted her eyes, clearly showing her discomfort. For a few weeks, they were only allowed to interact under strict supervision. Peanut needed a playmate, so I searched and searched but couldn’t find a match. Most kittens his age had contagious illnesses like ringworm, and he needed a buddy right away. GB and Phoebe ended up becoming Peanut’s playmates for the time being. Meanwhile, GB and Buttercup connected as two introverted kitties. GB respected her space, and she responded to that. She eventually opened up, and the two started playing. He helped her open up at her own pace. This was a unique situation, as GB is used to being around multiple kittens that bond with each other. He often steps back and rarely plays with them. But since he was interacting with only one kitten at a time, he developed a closer relationship with each—wrestling buddy for Peanut and hangout buddy for Buttercup. When animals are adopted into a new home, they need time, patience, and lots of support—especially if they’ve had a rough start or if there are already other animals in the house. Most of my graduates adjust pretty quickly after adoption, probably due to their age and the socialization they had while with us. But some take more time, and fortunately, the families I choose have been very patient and made it work. When you’re ready to add a new furry family member to your home, plan for extra time. I usually say at least two weeks—but it could be much shorter or longer depending on the situation. If the animal comes directly from a shelter, it may take longer because of shelter stress. If you adopt from a foster family, the adjustment may be a little easier. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure if Peanut and Buttercup could be in the same room without supervision while they were here. Four weeks later, they’re chilling in the same tree, no more tension between them. I give a lot of credit to Papa GB—he worked extra hard playing with them and showing them the way.