r/formerlyferal • u/InSooShunt • 8h ago
Poseidon / Chowder Update
A group of cats is called a clowder, clutter or chatter but I really wanna combine the terms and call my kitty collection (4 FFs, 2 rescues, 1 refugee) a chowder. So mote it be!
Chowder News:
1. Cairo’s and Po’s diarrhea has mostly cleared up. Yay for turds!!
2. Minnie’s internal lump isn't growing but isn’t shrinking either.
3. Po is FeLV/FIV negative, so intros were a go and went as follows:
Clio did not participate in one-on-one drills—they’re aware of each other, just didn’t have a formal meet and greet. As for the others, there was side-eying (Luci), growling (Elphie), hissing (Minnie), yowling / fleeing (Calliope), stalking / mutual combat (Cairo), and a bit of swearing (yours truly) but we made it through!
During group work, only two instances of bloodshed (Po’s and mine), mostly accidental. Blame / shame on me—there were some Jurassic Park-worthy claws that I should’ve trimmed first. Rookie mistake.
After an utterly exhausting six weeks of supervised feedings, visits, play, interactions, room rotations, behavioral time outs, etc., I can report that Poseidon is about 80% integrated. There are still a few “get outta my face/butt” moments and “you lookin’ at me?” spats and some unwanted advances. I still have to sequester Po occasionally, which he’s somewhat okay with.
Top 10 Observations:
1. The FFs are all sweet but also a wild handful, especially the boys.
2. They’re aggressive when hungry so I have to feed 4 times a day instead of 2.
3. Expending all kittyboy energy so they don’t “attack” the others is nearly impossible.
4. Count first, then identify. (“Two, four, five. OK, who’s missing?”).
5. Bringing in Po upset a tenuous balance that we’re still working to restore.
6. None of the OG residents like any of the FFs or each other. Sigh.
7. The 3 OG FFs like each other but only tolerate Po and the OG residents.
8. Po is indifferent to most but has a bit o’ beef with Calliope and Cairo.
9. Poor Clio is terrified of everyone.
- Seven cats is a LOT.