Introducing our new kitten, Bertie - we should have called him Houdini

Well at 10 am today we were on the breeders doorstep waiting to pick up Bertie. His injections had gone well yesterday and he was running around the place when we saw him. We exchanged presses, we gave flowers and chocolates and we are sinking under a full bag of catnip toys, balls, cushions, and food etc.

I introduce to you - Amazolou Bertie Wooster. Thank you Zoe for an amazing character.

On our journey back he didn't want the carrier, he miaowed and miaowed, but on your lap he was just a fidget!!!!

We placed him quietly in the kitchen and sat quietly with him as he got used to being away from smells and things he knew.

Today is now Tuesday ( we picked Bertie up on Saturday) so I've decided to do a short summary of what we have done and how Bertie is.

Day 1 -  Pick up day - On taking Bertie home we introduced him to the kitchen and quietly sat with him. We showed him  the litter box. I had conflicting information regarding whether I should have absolute fresh litter for his use or litter that had the scent of the boys so he could get used to it. I went with litter which had been changed the day before. We pulled out toys that his was familiar with and put down the food that he had had at the breeders, however he went straight and ate the raw meat we had left for the others and gobbled up loads. The rest of the day was spent slowly sitting with him or leaving him to rest. He WAS quite quiet and nervy. That night he slept in our ensuite, with another litter box,  which gave him a restricted area of play, he seemed less stressed with a small area to roam. At 4.00 I was woken up by some kitten cries, so I sat with him for an hour and a half allowing us time to get to know each other. He snuggled up in my dressing gown so I saw this as a development. He didn't keep hiding. He would play.

Day 2 - Bringing him down to the kitchen meant he was getting used to more areas. We tried him in our lounge but there were so many hiding places that we soon reverted to the kitchen, he is like Houdini - he will hide and then shoot our through the door. We've worked out his tactics now. The only problem was that the temperatures outside were nearly hitting 30c and even with fans it was stifling with the humidity. On this day he ate at 5.00am and then not until 7.00 pm due to the heat, to help things along I had put diluted Evaporated milk out which he would take. That night we progressed to my bedroom.

Day 3 Stifling heat even with the fan. I had to shut the windows to as the little tinker had managed to jump onto the bed and then the side dresser giving access to the window. I could be sure his athleticism wouldn't take him up and out the window!! We had a big break through, when I turned the light out he jumped onto the bed and came up for cuddles. He stayed there the rest of the night which happened to be until about 4.30am.
He was now a new cat, gone was his shyness. He was confident, loved playing, rolling on his back, eating happily, and using the litter tray. He demanded to be let out!!! But no.
Each day so far we had let one of the boys in one at a time when Bertie was not sleepy and they wanted to come in. Then treat time was hit in a big way. Treats and  a happy voice. Harvey tried his best but even so a head bop came along as Bertie got tooooo close and a fair amount of hissing. Reuben just could not keep his eyes of him and loved the treats, there was no animosity at all. However Monty was affected. He kept coming up and biting Bertie's neck so I would use my voice or physically split if it was too much. Monty also kept talking which is not like him as he is mute, seriously!!!
This day was a little cooler so all of the cats were a little more active. Bertie was getting more confident always want me in sight, having tummy rubs and eating. He was getting there.
I had to go and pick up the eldest son from the airport leaving my daughter ,when she got back from work, in charge. Another break through, Monty was now mothering Bertie under Reubens supervision.
When we got back Bertie was the life of the kitchen, jumping like a spring, it was coming a long.

Day 4 - Up at 4.50! No  crying just wanting to play so we started and finally came down to the kitchen. The boys were introduced again, so much better. Harvey still hissing but enjoying the treats, Reuben loving him and Monty wanting to play!!!No we moved to the dining room/conservatory.More treats and the boys seemed ok as he played with their toys and went on the  cat tree. It is now lunch time and everyone on this hot day is having a siesta!!
I think we are going well.......we have made sure the boys are all being cuddled and stroked. They are getting better daily. Bertie is just astonishing, not shy and very lively. He knows all the correct procedures, when he rushes up to the cats he immediately lies on his back still then jumps up. He has had no accidents and eats well in the morning and evening. Hopefully so far a text book introduction.
On Thursday the fencing man comes again just to put in some more kick boards and tighten up the fence in places. We have cat proofing but when this is done even the little might may be allowed out supervised!!!