Ember is not working out. :(

[snakemama]

Thank you everyone. I'm really discouraged and frustrated, and I know the cats are both frustrated right now too. I'm keeping Ember's claws very blunt and letting Kyubey's grow for now. I am going to call the shelter Monday if I haven't heard from them and see if they can please please make room for him.

The person I spoke to about his behavior pretty much just suggested that I play with him more and get him some interactive toys that he can play with while we're out of the house. I was rather frustrated by the advice because I already play with him a LOT, and I have bought both a battery-powered table-laser thingy and a ...er...I forget what it's called...a fabric circle with an electronic 'mouse' that whirls around for him to chase. We also have half a dozen or so of those ball-track round toys scattered throughout the house, which I hear him playing with regularly. I set aside 20-30 minutes to play with him in the morning and the evening, and I toss toys for him whenever I get a chance throughout the day. During his morning and evening play sessions, we go until he is panting and laying down every time he catches the toy. I work part-time so I'm home to play fetch with him a lot too!

When it was suggested I play with him MORE, I took the next few days and made sure he got at least two hours of active play. He was exhausted! Still, twenty minutes after I turned out the lights to go to bed he was all over Kyubey, and he started again at dawn. >.< My friend was over last night and we decided that Ember is the feline equivalent of a Jack Russell terrier...energetic, wickedly smart, with a shot-out-of-a-cannon play style.

[Pinot's Mom]

You have to give him back if he is harming your other cat, the shelter should have made the behavior issue we'll known. I'm sorry it didn't work-you did what you could.

[Randi]

Poor Kyuby. He must be so stressed and frightened. So don't feel bad about taking Ember back. They should have told you how have he behaves with other cats.

Best of luck, and hugs!

[phesina]

I am so sorry about this painful situation for all concerned. I wish all the best for all of you, especially Kyubey, Ember, and you.

[snakemama]

Something very odd has happened - I put Ember by himself in the upstairs bathroom with a cat tree, toys, etc...and once he had been alone for a few hours his entire personality changed toward me. He was the affectionate, loving kitten I fell for at the shelter again! Before I isolated him, he was so overstimulated that he bit me badly just for trying to pet him! (now he's on a ten-day bite quarantine -_-) I really do think he will be perfect as someone's only cat!

I'm going to try and spend lots of time with him while he's isolated, but I've decided that he is staying in that bathroom until the shelter calls and tells me they have room for him. Even if he's a little pent-up, he seems more relaxed without Kyubey around, as much as Kyubey seems more relaxed without him around!!

[lizbud]

Something very odd has happened - I put Ember by himself in the upstairs bathroom with a cat tree, toys, etc...and once he had been alone for a few hours his entire personality changed toward me. He was the affectionate, loving kitten I fell for at the shelter again! Before I isolated him, he was so overstimulated that he bit me badly just for trying to pet him! (now he's on a ten-day bite quarantine -_-) I really do think he will be perfect as someone's only cat!

I'm going to try and spend lots of time with him while he's isolated, but I've decided that he is staying in that bathroom until the shelter calls and tells me they have room for him. Even if he's a little pent-up, he seems more relaxed without Kyubey around, as much as Kyubey seems more relaxed without him around!!

I've been following this subject but haven't commented till now. Just want to say that I think you are doing your very best for all in the situation. I feel so sorry for Kyubey. It's not
fair that he has to be so stressed in his own home. I agree that Ember needs to be rehomed. Their two personalities don't mix at all. Keeping them separated is best until another
place can be found for him. Best of luck that things soon are a lot more peaceful at home for everyone.

[snakemama]

Thank you Lizbud. I called the shelter today about one of the foster kittens and the person on the phone knew who I was - she told me that some of the employees had worked on shuffling cages around and had made room for me to bring Ember back tomorrow to finish his bite quarantine.

I'm relieved that we will have full use of at least one of the bathrooms - right now one of them has Ember in it and one has the other four kittens! 0.0

[katladyd]

you are doing the right thing for both Kyubey and Ember. My Kimba always played very aggressively with Mac andMing. Now that they have passed he is a total sweetheart, just the cuddliest, lovingest, cat you could ever have. I think we will be a one cat family for awhile.