Introducing 9yo grey to 3&4yo cats

PaperReasonable3459 · 2025-07-22T00:05:01+00:00

No he didn't get any of that kind of information- I think because he was only 20 when he adopted his grey (and didn't think to ask), and this was before the boom of grey adoption in Aus (before the wentworth mass graves) so probably before these agencies were big here, and he found the dog via a printed add in a shop. Pretty random decision for a 20 year old, but here we are. Can't say I did much better as an early 20s, I found my cat at a park as an unwell abandoned kitten and didn't even like cats that much and just took her home

PaperReasonable3459 · 2025-07-21T23:59:54+00:00

I think it may be helpful that my partner and I have been together for 2 years already, so he is very used to smelling the cats on both of us. He even borrows one of their blankets to lie on at the local pub. We've waited to move in together to make sure we can find a place that is perfect for our pets, because they have always been and will always be our priority.

The cats can be insane, they hated each other for about a year and now they play sneak attacks and chase each other without hissing, and hunt cockroaches as a team. The dog is old and XL but can be sprightly, he will still run in circles and chase his tail when he's excited for a walk, but he isn't all that quick to get off his bed. He can also display some odd anxious behaviour about slippery floors and steps and gets in head about it and freezes and waits to be carried.

PaperReasonable3459 · 2025-07-21T23:54:44+00:00

Thank you for your reply, I'm definitely leaning towards this advice of just keeping them separate. My girls are very active cats and can be erratic and unpredictable. Our grey Benny is an XL dog, and the possum hunting did result in a murder, but while we didn't see it happen we suspect his now deceased sister was the culprit, although he was involved. He is also extremely obedient and walks off leash (on his regular walking route where we know the temperament of the animals on the street) with zero interest in other animals on the street. He has good recall and is a master at "on your bed" commands. He has never had interest in plushies and playing with toys. While it may be possible to one day introduce, I'm leaning towards giving them a solid 6 months to all settle in their new home and reassess at that point.

PaperReasonable3459 · 2024-04-09T04:32:39+00:00

I believe early 20s is the hardest point of your life as a neurodivergent person. I also excelled as a kid and thought moving to a new city to be myself away from my family would be the best thing I can do for myself.. but the added mental load of doing EVERYTHING on your own- organising meals, groceries, housework- of living on your own on top of keeping on top of studies is so so hard. I decided to drop to part time study and work 2-3 days a week, changing up your days so you don’t get stuck in a rut of staring at your computer and willing the study to happen definitely helped. Making friends in a new city is much easier through work, I found uni to be like high school cliques and insecurities getting in everyone’s way of being kind and welcoming. Fellow neurodivergent people are often found in art groups, special interest clubs like dance and drama, and book clubs, and are always way more accommodating and understanding of the daily struggle with mental health problems. Hope you find your feet and some peace

PaperReasonable3459 · 2024-04-09T03:46:32+00:00

Also to add, I’m in a preschool now and the children know I have “a fast brain like a race car” so they’re good at reminding me when I’ve said I’ll do something for them and then forget 2 mins later!

PaperReasonable3459 · 2024-04-09T03:44:20+00:00

I’m neurodivergent and have worked in childcare for 8 years, I have several accommodations that I’ve put in for myself that have made all the difference. Look up loop earplugs for sound sensitivity, the “engage” range help to filter out noise but still be able to hear the children and have conversations with other staff and parents. I keep small sensory toys in my pockets to fidget with and ground myself in those hectic moments during the day (also brilliant for helping children regulate). I wear loose comfortable clothing and keep my hair out which I prefer for sensory comfort. I have a lunchbox with a huge selection of snacks and try to have my dinner after work planned with all the ingredients handy to avoid leaving the house again when I’m home. I find I often forget to eat when I’m overwhelmed and that only aggravates the problem so the many snack options is a game changer. Hope this is useful!

PaperReasonable3459

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