“You don’t go to a whorehouse for a kiss.” You also don’t go to the kitty shelter to “look” at the orphaned cats. So, I would like to present Donner, the newest member of the Browne clan.
Donner is a lovely black kitty. He’s about a year old and has been living in the shelter since September of last year. He was very relaxed when we visited and friendly with the staff and other kitties. Apparently he was found with some brothers and sisters way up in 100 Mile House was considered feral at the time, but was sent to the Alouette Correctional Centre for Women for socialization. I found this out when I asked why the words, “Prison Cat” were on his file. EEP! I was relieved to find out he didn’t do anything illegal, he was just part of their pet therapy program. Phew.
He’s at our house now, but he’s very scared. He’s no Moosh and he’s no Oscar, that’s for sure. Both of our other pets just waltzed in and made themselves at home. Poor Donner. He’s making himself as little as possible and squeezing into any corner he can find in my office.
We’re following the instructions on cat introductions on this page.
It says it could take up to a week for him to warm up to us and start interacting with Oscar – which means they’ll be touching paws under the door. And speaking of Oscar, this is the whole reason why we got him a little brother. Ever since Liza moved out with her kitties, he’s been yeowling and meowing and hanging out by the connecting door. There was a week lag between tenants, and Oscar was just meowing and wailing until our newest neighbour moved in. Thankfully she has two kitties, so Oscar has buddies to touch paws with, but won’t stop meowing and meowing – especially at night. Our solution? Get a brother. I sure hope this works. I’m feeling optimistic for sure. Donner was very friendly in the environment he was comfortable in. I’m hoping he’ll fell comfy here and look forward to being buddies with Oscar.
Oscar is very curious and has met Donner for a few minutes already. He was very gentle and moved around Donner slowly.
Frequently Asked Question:
What? Are you crazy? Another kitty? Don’t you remember what happened in November with Oscar?
Well, we’ve now got pet insurance for Oscar and will get it for Donner, too. So their monthly maintenance costs will be very reasonable. And then we’re covered in the event of any other misadventures. We’ve learned from that last one. That’s for sure.
I sure hope Donner gets comfortable and then I can take photos of them all snuggled up and being buddies. Oscar is very game for this…he’s hanging out by the door, patiently waiting for that tiny paw to come under the door. And he’s much friendlier with us today, too.
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We have an old male cat, and have been thinking of getting a younger female cat.
He’s a bit territorial though so we are unsure.
Would probably only work with another cat if it were female.
I’m curious to see how it turns out between them, keep posting.
We’ve been been told only one female cat per household and that males will bond to either, but two females tend to cause trouble. I know that growing up our female kitty, tiny in comparison to the male, was 100% the boss.
Hey Carol,
I got this stuff from the vet called Feliway. It’s cat pheremones (the stuff they rub on you to mark their territory when they rub against you). It’s good for anxiety (my cat hiding for a week), behavioral problems like peeing, etc, for multi-cat homes so they can relax around each other. Not a drug, all natural. Comes as a spray or as a diffuser. Kind of expensive, but not only did my vet recommend it, I know someone who used it and was successful.
Congratulations on the new family member! I can’t wait to see pictures of them both together. To me they look very similar. How sweet of you to get Oscar a playmate. I assume then that they are not allowed outside? I am interested in the cat insurance….can you tell me more?
Enjoy your new adventure!
WELCOME, DONNER!!! I’m so glad you got Oscar a brother! One should never have just one cat.
This is such exciting news!
We’ve introduced tons of adult cats to each other over the years, and it’s always stressful, but has also always worked out fine. The key is really patience. I’m sure your boys will be one big happy family before too much longer!
I have found with Tulip, my feral kitten, that she takes a lot longer to get used to new situations and other animals than cats that were raised by humans since day one. I feel its this caution that allowed her to survive the jungles of Coaldale. But she’s super snuggly now! Though not fond of strangers..
Prison Cat!! That’s so badass!
Feliway, good stuff that helped in our house of three cats. That and Bach’s ‘Rescue Remedy’. The bottle says “To calm and reassure”. Its found in the health department in several grocery stores. I am a fan of slow introductions, having lived in a house of cat upset for nearly one year.
He’s a looker! Hope it all works out.
Congrats on the new addition to your family. He’s a beauty and can’t wait to see pics of “the boys” playing together. Pet Insurance is a great idea! I should look into it for Scamp and Brutus. Welcome Home Donner!!
YAY!!!!!!! That is so exciting!!! Two cats are always better than one (unless you have a diva cat like I do
) Ha ha! They will be fast friends in no time. Yes, former ferals are always scared at first, but he will do great….. I have socialized lots of feral cats in my fostering experience, and they always come around fine and he will turn into an amazing brother for Oscar! I’m so excited for you!!! And you are awesome for getting ANOTHER black cat! We need more people like you!
Awww! Congratulations on your new kitty! Donner is very handsome! I’m sure after a few days he’ll settle in and be Oscar’s partner in crime!
hello, donner!! i hope he is prepared to be an internet celebrity like oscar has become!
We’re playing OZ Theme continuously for prison cat and changing his name to Adebisi and getting him a little hat for the side of his head.
We almost gave Whisky the name Donner. Congrats on the new addition!!
Congradulations on your new roommate! Donner looks very handsom. I am learning all sorts of things from you guys about cats. We had White and barn cats when I was a kid. I don’t remember any of this kind of introduction stuff.
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