arclight

The kitten whined a bit last night but eventually went to sleep. This morning I went over to pet him in Baby Jail and let him out a little under supervision. He immediately started buzzing and came over for pets and I picked him up, then he climbed on my shoulder and then onto my back.

This was a tactical error.

Very quickly we just gave up and let him go exploring. He spent most of the day poking around, disappearing under things, and finding places to nap. Donut and Gracie gave him a wide berth; neither were really prepared to deal with Interloping Kitten. Donut hissed at him a few times and Gracie spent much of the evening scowling and growling. She taught him some new cat obscenities which he's started repeating back to her. She is definitely Not Cool with the situation but she's neither moving toward or away from him. She's just big mad because now she has to think and nobody consulted with her before unleashing a kitten on the household.

All the crabbiness and stress seem within normal bounds of New Cat Day. Meanwhile our new friend has plopped in my lap twice putting like a madman. He's incredibly friendly. We just need to get past the initial crabbiness of Gracie and Donut.

Feb 23 at 5:26amWeb
Show threadarclightFeb 23
The Tiny Terror and Turtle Toucher gets to experience his first weekday today. Cat Mom is off at work, Cat Dad is parked in his work chair doing workity-work, and the newly formed Anti Kitten Loafers Front stands in uncomfortable solidarity against them. All is quiet for now - Gracie has run out of obscenities to teach the kitten and Donut is coming to grips with the uncomfortable realization he has anything in common with Gracie. Meanwhile the kitten is kittening and knocking over precariously stacked piles of books.
Show threadarclightFeb 23
The Tiny Turtle Touching Terror #CatsOfMastodon #NewKittenWeek
Show threadarclightFeb 24

So Donut decided to go exploring the kitten's Baby Jail now that the door is open and tgd kitten wasn't inside. He was comfortably hiding out until the kitten noticed him from outside and stepped halfway into the enclosure.

Donut was now trapped in Baby Jail with a curious kitten half his weight between him and freedom.

Hissing ensued. Tactical error on your part, Donut - don't complain that the kitten cut off your escape route when you're the one who got yourself in this mess. Security was your responsibility, buddy...

Interestingly, Donut's tail was not all poofy like when he and Gracie get into a serious disagreement. He's just crabby, not angry.

It also seems that Gracie is losing the energy to constantly stare at the kitten and curse at him. He's wearing her down...

Show threadarclightFeb 24

The kitten keeps nibbling my nose.

Also, kitty needs breath mints...

Show threadarclightFeb 24
Gracie and Donut (in unison): WE TOLD YOU HE SMELLED BUT YOU WOULDN'T LISTEN - NO SYMPATHY, MONKEY BOY!
Show threadGraydonFeb 24
@arclight that kitten likes you.
Show threadClifton RoystonFeb 24

@arclight

If he keeps chewing on that nose, maybe it'll finally start giving him some milk.

Show threadarclightFeb 24
@CliftonR He's a very nibbly little guy.
Show threadEla - TechnicalOtterFeb 24
@arclight will confirm that cat toothpaste is a lie and doesn’t help.
Vet suggested some for our boy and the result was the conclusion “smells about the same”.
Show threadarclightFeb 24
@technicalotter According to the vet we need to keep his gums clean for a while. Kitten has a very short digestive system which is naturally going to make him a bit smelly especially as he transitions to a new diet
Show threadOlivierFeb 23
@arclight hey! That's Gracie's spot! 😸😺
Show threadcatalotFeb 23
@dacmot @arclight and boy howdy, does she have Big Feelings about it
Show threadgabby wheelsFeb 23

@arclight

They'll work it out. The "crabiness" is the new pecking order. I swear cats can smell how aggressive a new kitten will be when they are grown. So, they need to show them who' s boss early.