Update of the injured spicy kitty
It's time for a much-needed update to my previous post from 2 months ago.
As of today, I'd like to introduce you to Bentley. This afternoon Mr. Bentley is getting a vaccination and full examination to be chipped to me and be a part of the family. No more stray street life for this chonker. While he initially showed himself to be quite spicy upon greeting, it's amazing how much some cats calm down when you fix them and are introduced to a calm environment. Right now, he's very playful and given his young age, rightfully so.
Since my initial post, Bentley spent two weeks in the Catio (15x8) where he mainly just slept on the heated pads and I tried to interact with him. This time was good to spend with him but I also found out how spicy he was. He sank his fangs into my hand and I felt some tingling there, total stinker there but didn't deter me from spending time with him attempting at bonding. It was at the 2-week mark that he was all healed from him injury that I got him fixed with a rabies vaccine. The picture of my right arm after is the art with the artist behind. I couldn't get myself to give up on this guy.
For the next month he spent the time in my office inside separate from the other cats to heal and adjust to a potentially new life. Shuffling cats from rooms to let the new guy out during the day was quite the challenge. Needless to say it was a bit stressful at times, especially when my 11yr old deaf cat merely saw him through a window and screamed so loud it was painful to my ears (seriously, it sounded excruciating). With bringing the new guy in, I had a lot of concern taking him around Mr. Tabby (FIV+) given his past fighting history (Bentley). One thing I learned about this new guy was that he was a TALKER. He had so much to say about his adventures and energy to show, non-stop.
After a few weeks of them exchanging scents, we had enough of shuffling cats around and just said "eff it" and let them all mix expecting a fight or two. NOPE. The girls set their boundaries to him (hissing ensued) and he followed some of the boys around a bit. For the first time in weeks, everyone was quiet. My gf and I just sat there, wondering what we just did. It was just bliss. No crazy fights or anything. I just couldn't believe we had 9 cats in the house and they were for the most part getting along. Everyone found the spaces and chilled. Yes, Bentley had a LOT of exploring to do but the others were ok with it. I kind of sat their dumbfounded it was working.
As for the dynamic of the cats in the house: three cats are 16+ so they just sleep a lot (2 male 1 female), 1 former feral tom cat who just keeps to himself/ sleeps, 1 female Siamese lap cat, two 9 yr old females (my queenie and princess), one 11yr old deaf tabby cat (my little buddy) and now a younger (2-3yr) Mr. Bentley added in. Cats aren't just collected here, they're spoiled rotten. I don't think I can have anymore as I don't have more time to give them the attention they deserve.
In the few weeks now that everyone has gotten along, I will say that Bentley has actually been a positive impact on the dynamic here. Mr. Tabby (the plump marbled tabby of the 3) who was once full feral that I brought in from the 20* weather, is now just a bit more social. He's intrigued by this new guy and checks on him. Hobbes, my deaf 11yr old and the leaner brown marbled tabby likes to wrestle and play with Bentley, a first to see him initiate it. The 3 marbled tabbies all get along and I... can't explain it. They're now the three amigos and they do spend a fair amount of time sleeping near each other.
I think I've got a full house now.