Have we made a mistake?

First post here so...hello everyone!

So we always wanted a Sphynx and for a number of reasons ended up with Winston. He's a Sphynx/Moggie cross and the Love of My Life. He has the confident, loving temperament and handsome structure that made us fall for the breed...he just has a fur coat on. We got him when he was an 11 week old loony and he's 12 months old next week.

We were getting concerned about how bored he's become...we live in a 2 bed flat with no access to a garden and work in the day. We sometimes get together with friends who have cats and Winston always seems happier to be with his own kind. He's more playful than your average mog but he's never put off by hisses and swipes from other cats. For an indoor cat he's certainly well socialised!

So we looked at our bank balance and decided to get him a friend...a hairless friend who might be able to keep up with him! She's 8 months old and very small...she looks and behaves like a 4-5 month old. We introduced them on neutral territory and they seemed to get on ok but now we have them home...he just seems a bit out of sorts.

She's your classic headcase Sphynx kitten with no concept of 'personal space' and the attention span of a gnat. We got her to keep Winston company but she's just not interested in him...and he's not interested in her. It's hard to ignore a kitten like her but we keep giving Winston lots of love and attention....he just lurks in the background or sleeps. He's playing with his toys and eating/drinking fine but he seems to be a bit down about the whole thing.

I've never seen him react to another cat like this and I'm actually getting really upset that we might've ruined his quiet little life in our flat. Am I just inventing his emotions or is he really put out about the mad critter we've introduced into his life? Why won't he play with her like he does with all the other cats he's met?

We agreed with the breeder that if they don't get on we'd give her back...but that was for in case they were really fighting. It's hard not to fall for a little Sphynx but I really want to do the best for Winston. I could do with a bit or reassurance that this isn't a big mistake.

Any thoughts?

 

How long ago did you bring the little girl home?

It usually takes any animal long to readjust, and give up his "only child" status. If I were you, I would give it time. Winston is probably just taking it all in. I am sure that in a few more weeks, they will come around and become best buddies in no time!

Good Luck. Just be sure to give Winston as much attention as he used to get, and try to follow through with your normal schedule. And Congratulations on your new Sphynx kitten! We would love pictures too :Laugh:

 

I think it may be a matter of him getting adjusted. Seeing as there's no hostility involved and she's on his territory I'd venture to say he likes her. Maybe he's still checking her out that's why he's lurking in the background? How long has it been? Will they get close to each other? Like if you get on the floor with treats, will they both run up?

 

Give them time.
It has happened to me before.
My Wrinkles was so mad when we got Polar in march and they are fine now.
I am sure they will be friends in the future just give them time.

 

I agree.. time is your friend. it took my cats months to LOVE one another. I got a new cat about 2 1/2 weeks ago.. and things are still going slow.. a mini kiss here, sharing the table to eat dinner, etc. but still no snuggling.. however the hissing has stopped. I think cats need at least 1 friend! don't give her back... give them time. They aren't fighting. he's still trying to feel her out. and she's a kitten. Thankfully they're not 2 adults. it'll all work out just fine. within the next few weeks they'll snuggle

Congrats on your new babies. would love to see pictures!

 

I totally agree, it takes time. When I brought Skinny home I was sure that Pbinky was going to kill him. It took two months before I left them alone together unsupervised. Now it't ridiculos how much they love each other. The are constantly together, playing, grooming each other, snuggling, sleeping. They are so cute together and it was the best decision I made to get Pbinky a companion. I was very doubtful in the beginning too, give it time and you will see that you made the right choice!

 

It could also be a matter of perspective...My kitty, 5e, seems like a dour curmudgeon compare to our new addition.

After fretting about it, I compared his behavior to a video I had of him from before. He actually plays more than he did before, but only about two thirds as much with me-- the amount of play with me plus the amount of play with new kitty is more than the total play before the new kitty.

He can't help it if the 'new guy' is an over achiever.

 

I'm just going to chime in with the others and say that they'll be best friends soon. Your home is Winston's territory and they need to establish their pecking order. This is normal with all kitties and luckily it goes much quicker and easier if the new kitty is a baby rather than an adult. I think Winston is probably a bit bewildered at this invasion but will be happy to have a playmate in a week or two.

 

As everyone has said, if they aren't hissing I'm sure it'll be okay. Just give your boy extra love so he knows he isn't being replaced by the kitten.

 

Welcome to the Lair!

We had Gable for about 5 months before we got Amaryllis. He was 3 and she was only 8 months old when she came to live with us. Poor gable was not at all impressed with the new addition to the family. He pouted and sulked. He didn't want to play. He acted pathetic and sad. He was completely put out by this little thing that wanted to pounce, jump, run and swat at him!

Now they play all of the time and they have even been found to be cuddling! Gable just needed some reassurance that he was loved and was still "our special boy". We would spend extra time playing with him and give him treats when he would interact with the new kitten.

Give your Winston some time. He will come around.

 

Hello!! Personally, I do not think that you've made a mistake. I just brought home my Sphynx kitten Mimsy two weeks ago and my cat Gimli had a conniption fit; he hissed and fussed for the first week, he refused to come near me, and even attacked me several times...he also hid in the back room and refused to come out and play.

I was very upset by Gimli's behavior because I rescued him when he was only four weeks old, I bottle fed him and he became part of my family; he was like my shadow. I thought perhaps that I ruined such a sweet cat by bringing home a new kitten, but I had faith that he would come around.

After the first week, Gimli slowly became curious and would inch closer and closer to Mimsy, and eventually, started following him around. Now, we're on week two and they're playing together like best friends. They run around all day, and because they're sleeping in separate rooms, the first thing they do is run to each other in the morning...it's adorable.

I would give it some time, eventually, they will get along.

 

Give them time. As long as there has been no hostility etc, i'm sure she will win him rund.

Great name btw, FaceforRadio.

 

Welcome to the Lair! I don't think you made a mistake at all. Just takes time for them to adjust. Goodluck and keep us posted. I can't wait to see photos!

 

Hi guys!


Thanks for all your replies. You have no idea how nice it feels to get so much advice and reassurance.


A quick update...it's been a busy week!

Our new Sphynx came down with a sniffle and runny eyes so we shipped her to the vet. Our vet is quite stern and told us she is poorly bred and will always be very small. Thanks vet. We've talked it over for a long time and decided to keep her. We've got her insured and we will love her for as many years as she'll give us! She doesn't seem to understand that she's a runt...she's currently scurrying around and savaging my ankle.

So Winston was getting quieter and quieter and started hiding in unusual places. Back to the vet! It turns out he had something sharp lodged at the very back of his mouth and it was a little infected. He's had minor surgery and some antibiotics and anti-inflammatories and is recovering well.

Once he's back on his feet I'm sure he'll start to show more interest in the mad little critter we've let into our lives.

 

Wow! Good thing you didn't attribute Winston's offish behavior only to the adjustment period and got him to the vet. I'm certain he will be feeling better soon. It just goes to show that the best pet parents are the ones that take the time to get to know their pets so they know when something is off.

As for your "petite" girl, she might be small in size but she sounds big on personality. My 3 boys were early Sphynx and were not of the same beautiful show type you see today, but their personalities and temperments were classsic Sphynx. I have a feeling that your girl will make the perfect much loved pet.

 

I wouldn't worry about your new kitty being a runt. I love runts. They seem to have so much personality. And if they're otherwise healthy there's no extra need for concern; their lives will be just as long as full-sized kitties.

 

I'm glad you found out what was up with Winstons new attitude. Hopefully he will be in tip top shape in no time and enjoying his new friend!

 

Well they've kept us (and probably our neighbours below) awake all night chasing each other and rolling around playing. Now THIS is what I expected! :Worn-out:

 

awwwwwwwwww Great news!

 

That is great news!!

 

Excellent news. Really glad you found out what was wrong and it wasn't just him 'sulking'.

I'm sure they will be fine now, it sounds like he's accepted her, now he's feeling better.

 

Yay! What wonderful news. Now that Winston is feeling better their friendship will blossom like it should.

 

yaaaaaaaaaaay thats fab let the fun games begin then lol it will be chaos from now on lol loads of fun to watch though i'm sure