I am finding our current very mild weather rather confusing, it doesn’t feel very Christmasy at all although it’s very dark here – it doesn’t start getting light until well after 8.30am. I keep having to check what day Christmas day is too.
My biggest pleasure is my two kittens Flossie and Nellie, whom we have had since they were a tiny 8 weeks old. They were teeny with huge personalities. I used to be able to pick them both up in one hand. I couldn’t get over how small they were. They had been dumped with their brother in a remote carpark in South Donegal when they were 5 weeks old. Thankfully a kind person caught them and took them to the Animal Shelter (Donegal Animals in Need).
They were good travellers (it was dreadful weather the day we fetched them from Donegal Town). When we let them out of their cat carrier they ran and played and played and played for four hours! I wasn’t used to small kittens and was quite taken aback by their energy. They were busy little girls and loved playing.
They grew fast and ate loads.
“Helping” with the PC
Flossie and Nellie in Derry
We have taken our time getting them settled in (and moving them from Donegal to Derry) and taken our time introducing them to our resident cat, Artimus (Artie). I have followed this method before (see the video links at the end of the post) and I know it works. I just have to be patient. They are all indoor cats so I have to be careful that no one gets too upset as they dont have the outdoor world to retreat to. I have been introducing them one at a time on mini- “play dates”. Artie is a very laid back guy but having been a stray before he came to us, he has some “issues” and I also think he’s been grieving for our last cat Hattie.
Anyway, it took about three months in all but I think I can say that we are finally getting along. Artie has been playing with the kittens too.
Next job is getting along with the dog, Biddy. Fortunately Artie can put in a good word with her.
So here’s to a happy and peaceful Christmas and a healthy New Year to you all. Thank you for to my customers and for all your comments, likes, clicks and support here and across social media.
Tips on introducing cats to each other
Happy Christmas to you and all your household. Looking forward to seeing how your practice develops in the year to come too.
Ceri
Thank you Ceri. I look forward to reading more walks back in Britain!
I wish I’d read this a couple of years ago, when we brought our kitten into the house and introduced him badly to the senior cat, who’s never gotten over it. Ah, well. No one’s left, so it could be worse.
Wishing you a good new year. In fact, wishing us all a good new year.
Thank you, Ellen. Apparently you can start introductions all over again (with lots of cat treats) but I am sure you cant be bothered, I dont think I would if somesort of accommodation had been reached.
Hi Emma,
Your tale of Flossie and Nellie, the adventurous kittens from Donegal, is heartwarming! It’s lovely to hear how they’ve brought joy and energy into your home, especially during these darker, less Christmasy days. The care and patience you’ve shown in introducing them to Artimus, and soon to Biddy, reflects your deep love for animals. Your story is a beautiful reminder of the happiness pets bring into our lives. Wishing you, your furry family, and all your readers a peaceful Christmas and a healthy New Year! Best wishes, Mike
Thank you So much, Mike. When you have housecats you get to know each other much more intimately that when you have outdoor/indoor cars. It’s too dangerous where we live to let a cat out and I have had enough pet-related sorrow in my time I dont want to invite more! Happy Christmas to you and yours, Mike.
Merry Christmas, Emma. Happy celebrating with your friends and family. We’ve had a few cats over the years and both families of our children living nearby are “cat” and “dog” lovers.
Those kittens are adorable! I never cease to be amazed by the energy of young animals.
I know, they do make me laugh too. They love to play hide and seek with each other. I am glad I have two of them because a solo kitten might be bored although Artie has turned out to be more playful than I expected. He’s getting on for 5, so he still relatively young.
what a sweet story and happy they are all peacefully co-existing )
Me too – I worried a fight might break out the moment I published that post but harmony reigns!
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Having grown up in the temperate climate in the USA I will never get used to having a hot Christmas, so I can relate to the strangeness you must feel with unusual weather at the moment. Love animal stories and cats are hilarious. I’m sitting at our dining table watching the parrots and birds frolic in the irrigation spray and enjoy the cool breeze. It is to be 37C here today so we all make the most of the cool start. Best wishes for the coming year and a peaceful, relaxing Christmas to you and your tribe.
Yes the cat/kittens do keep me amused Ardys. I am not much good in the heat I dont think I’d be much good in Australia although the varied and colourful wildlife sound fascinating. Is there much celebration in the Southern winter solstice in June?
No snow at Christmas here in the American Midwest is getting to be the norm. I guess we’d better get used to it!
That’s interesting – I thought those were the cold and snowy parts of the US. Yes, I think expect the unexpected will be the norm for now on (I am saying this after reading about a tornada in Manchester, England the other day).
It still gets cold and snowy but it doesn’t stick around as long as it used to and the heavy wet snow borders on useless for my favorite winter sport, cross country skiing. ☹️
Season’s greeting to you and your menagerie. It looks fun.
Thank you Peggy yes it’s lots of funny although a bit tiring at times!
Wee cuties!
They are indeed, Steve!
Your kitties are catastic! I would so like to get Herbert a kitty friend, but he is a former feral kitten and he may not consent to the idea, and he refuses to discuss it in a reasonable manner!
Yes, if he’s spent most of his time with people rather than other cats he may not take to the idea too well. I like the name Herbert. I hope he fills that name well.