After months and months of going back and forth about getting another cat, we finally jumped right in and did it. Ladies and possibly gentleman, meet Pagoda Morby.
We named him Pagoda because we figured any Royal would need a Pagoda to go with it. See what we did there? Tenenbaum cats, anyone?
Anyway, there was an enormous cat adoption this weekend where all of the valley's animal shelters brought their cats under one roof. It was a great event, and I was so happy to see someone doing something about the amount of homeless cats in Utah.
We spent about two hours looking at the hundreds of cats up for adoption, but as soon as Mitchell bent down to see this little guy, we immediately knew he was the newest feline addition to the Morby family. Really, Pagoda picked Mitchell. It was meant to be.
Pagoda is the same age as Royal, so we figured it would be a perfect fit. Of course, Pagoda spent a day isolated in the bathroom as he needed time to mellow out after a crazy day of people and being transported. Poor little guy.
They played together under the door all day long, and after seeing no real aggression from Royal, we decided to let them finally meet. Needless to say, it went well. They love each other.
While Royal wasn't mean in the least, he definitely wasn't so sure about what to think. He went from friendly sniffs to bullying to playful bats. But mostly he just had this look of uttern concern on his face.
By the end of the day they were perfectly happy with each other and helped each other with baths and napped together.
All in all, I think we've finally found a perfect friend for Royal. Perhaps he won't sneak attack me anymore? We shall see.
All you cat ladies out there--any socializing tips? They get along well but Royal is still bullies Pagoda most of the time. To be expected I suppose.
Our two kitties are sisters and they fight all the time! I know they love each other but sometimes if Henry just looks at Lucy the wrong way all kitty hell breaks loose...maybe I just have ghetto hood rat kitties
Awwww! Tenenbaum cats! I am blown away at how cute they are together! (Although Royal does look a bit apprehensive in that one picture, hehe)
That was so nice of you guys to adopt a cat who needed you! I just love organizations that help homeless cats and dogs, it warms my dog. I can't wait until I'm allowed to adopt one!
I have three cats and I've never had a pleasant "meet and greet" like you did with your felines. Even with slow introductions the "old" cat/s were always irritated with the new cat each and every time I adopted. Low and behold I am adopting again too...a 4th cat! I'm hoping this one goes more smoothly but I doubt it. Socialization tips? Make sure to keep giving Royal lots of attention and try playing with cat toys with one or both of them so they start to interact on a playful/fun level. Good luck!
you know since I wrote this post they had a terrible night last night fighting all night long. I think Royal finally realized the implications of another cat and is freaking out a little. Nothing too scary, but just lots of wrestling and bullying Pagoda. Thanks for the tips! I think playing with a toy together is a brilliant idea. And congrats on cat #4! Yay cats!
Ugh, nothing is worse than hearing/seeing cats get into it, it's such an awful sound. My eldest cat still picks pretty intense fights with the middle "child" cat. I have to separate the oldest and put him in the bathroom until he chills out. It usually takes about a solid month to see the resident cat (old cat) resume normalcy and the new cat to start to show their real personality. It can be kinda exhausting during the "get used to each other" stage but eventually all will be peachy keen! Patience is key...and sometimes super difficult to muster up!
hahaha awww, the picture of royal cracks me up...cats have so many different expressions! I'm not the best person to ask because I just have one maine coon kitty, but I hope everything works out with your little guys
He's such a pretty cat
You got lucky that they get alone so well asides from the slaps from Royal. My mother had cats but any addition was the first cats kittens so I don't have any major tips. D'aww I can't get over how cute they are together!
-Amber P.
That second to last picture of Royal is HILARIOUS!!! You are lucky that they are getting along so well. I got my second cat almost a year ago and they still constantly bicker
Pagoda is SO adorable! He's like a darker version of Angus! So glad you two chose to get another kitten cat, and that Royal has a friend to play with! When we brought Angus home (as a kitten) Dulce was really standoff-ish with him. If he got too rough when they were playing we would snap our fingers and hiss at Dulce so he'd back off. It worked really well!
PS: Last photo of Royal made me laugh out loud! So awesome!
Oh my gosh! Tenenbaum cats! I love it! I had wondered if Royal was named after the character, but now I know for sure! Maybe they'll be just like the characters, best friends, but Pagoda has stabbed Royal more than once, better keep an eye out. Haha. And that picture of Royal concerned is so funny! Good luck!
Welcome to the madcatlady club Amy!! Pagoda is such a handsome boy. All of ours are rescues and it's so nice to know that they're in a loving home. Recommendations for socializing: give it time...and give Royal lots of 'special time' on his own. He needs to know that you still love him. Our oldest cat freaked out when we introduced new kitty last summer and she went on hunger strike! We didn't even realize it was happening until she got v. sick so keep an eye on things. It might not take them long at all and if they're already playing and wrestling, that's a great sign. Have times where they are in separate rooms because this will just give them time to 'regroup' and get used to each other's scents. They look lovely together!
Oh and I should have mentioned- get a 'turbo scratcher' - you can get it at most of the big pet stores. It's a really excellent toy that they can interact with (and you can too). It has really really helped our kits to be sociable with each other, I think. I blogged about it a while back, here: http://bthrifty.blogspot.com/2010/09/caturday-tur...
you had me at pagoda! i think i just died and the fact that you named him after the character in the royal tenebaums, oh my goodness, i think i love you! he is my favorite character! i mean with a name like pagoda you really can't go wrong. he is such a cutie too, keep us updated how the transition goes, then i can wear the mister down and we can get a second cat too!
xo,
cb
You are so lucky it went that well. When I brought Eastwood home my other cats hated every second of it. It should get better with Royal as time goes on. He is such a gorgeous cat! Good choice.
Love those yellow eyes! And that look of concern on Royal's face... heart-melting.
♥ sécia http://www.petiteinsanities.blogspot.com
I have had cats my whole life. I've been a true cat lover from a very young age. And what did I do!? I went and married a man allergic to cats! Oh man.... It is taking some getting used to. I am very jealous of your lovelies.
Ahh so cute! Our two cats are mortal enemies. Wish I could get them to like each other.
Oh my gosh, I want one!! xo
Congrats on your new addition! Pagoda is the perfect name. I would love a second cat, but my Royal (I think I commented here before--my cat's name is Royal too!)...well, I have a hunch that he would not take too kindly to another cat.
Aw! How adorable!! I would love to get a second cat but my cat has been the only cat in the household for her whole, nearly fourteen-year life, so I don't think it would be a good idea to try and introduce a new cat.
At least, not unless I get a new place that won't be *her* territory. Oh well... one day I'll have two cats.
You have a completely lovely blog! I'm now following and added you to my blog roll. <3
What cute kitties you have! Unfortunately I live with one very allergic boyfriend and not enough money/time to have cats...yet. I'm sure I can convince Fraser to tackle the sniffles for the sake of an adorable feline pet.
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