Back in My Cat's Good Graces: Miki and the Kittens

Hi, I'm Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and Miki, the kitten who made me a cat person.

Since getting the two kittens at the end of last year, I noticed a change in Miki’s behavior, as well as in his attitude towards me. He was always a very affectionate cat and loves being cuddled. He would jump into my lap several times per day, we would cuddle for 10 or so minutes, he would give me a gentle love bite, and then he’d be on his way. For a good three months, this hasn’t happened, since the two little mischiefs arrived. But now, in the last two weeks, it seems that Miki is getting back to his normal affectionate self.

Change Can Be Hard

Cats can be quite sensitive to change, especially if it’s sudden. Miki has been used to a certain way of life for more than a year and has thrived on it. However, it was obvious that he wanted a feline companion. But instead of one, he got two little girls. They were introduced very gradually, over weeks, but still, I could see that Miki felt more cramped with the two of them being so playful, running around the whole house, taking up his usual resting spots and requiring a lot of my attention. And he didn’t seem to obviously mind, but he wasn’t as interactive anymore. Of course, he showed a lot of interest in the kittens, but he also asked to go out a lot, and found new sleeping places, up in the loft, away from all the noise. The change that got to me the most was that he wasn’t seeking my attention as much, and would readily get away if I tried to cuddle him. When we went outside for a walk, I would see a glimpse of my old Miki, coming for cuddles and pats on the bum, as well as meowing for my attention. It was lovely to see, but it didn’t carry on inside the house.

Miki’s Tolerance Levels

Considering everything, Miki is a very tolerant and easygoing cat. He accepted the kittens more easily than they accepted one another. And just as things started to settle, I rescued another dog. It wasn’t an easy decision, knowing it would impact the balance we had just started to achieve, but she did fit in quite quickly. And Miki slowly started to behave more like himself, a good month after this newest canine addition arrived. Since the beginning, he’s been quite playful with the kittens, and will sniff the new dog and try to swipe if she becomes too forward, but it is now obvious that he has started to form a more affectionate relationship with the kittens. Besides the rough playing and chasing around the house, there is also a lot of mutual grooming and clear signs of affection.

We Are Finally Back to Cuddles

And it seems that my turn is up. Finally, Miki has restored his affection towards me and is starting to follow me around the house more. He now jumps up in my lap at least once a day, while I try to keep the kittens off, and we share our precious few minutes of cuddles, purrs and kneading. He turns around in my lap, looking very content, and will occasionally curl up and rest. After cuddles, he follows by licking my fingers and giving me a gentle nibble on the hand. This moment of bonding doesn’t last long, but it’s a start. And the most reassuring thing is, he does it regardless of me giving him treats or not. Initially, I used his favorite pâté to get him back in my lap, but he would step down as soon as he ate it. Now he comes even though I don’t have the pâté and stays there. Although we are still a bit off from the relationship we used to have, when he was the only feline, we are certainly getting there. And he is finally back on my bed! In the daytime, he will sleep there, despite the three dogs and two kittens, and sometimes will even try to find a place on top of my legs overnight.

New Dynamics Are Becoming Visible

It’s interesting to observe how their relationships develop and change, how they are starting to understand each other better and trust each other. The playing between the kittens is quite rough at times, but is also often followed by grooming. When they spend a few hours without seeing each other, or when I took Minnie to be spayed and returned her two days later, they approached each other with gentleness and touched noses, which was the cutest thing ever. It takes a toll, exposing cats to big changes in their routines and living, but with plenty of time and reassurance, they come out the other side with even more affection and new friendships they didn’t have before.