It’s been a long day, but everyone is settling in their new home. Pictures are incoming, I just want to get a handful more to choose from before posting anything,
Two and a half hours drive, more time than intended or expected getting to know everyone — cats and breeders —Three hours drive back (rush hour) and a full evening of acclimating. First, alone in the basement. Then doing a switcheroo and acclimating alone in the main level of the rambler.
Rinse and repeat tomorrow and Sunday. Vet visit on Monday morning. After that, we’ll introduce one of the cat’s in particular, Goblin. She’s the cat who will probably create the biggest fuss. I’m hoping to give her high-value treats so she associates the boys with happiness. It probably won’t work, but I didn’t think grooming with a greyhound comb would be received well and Grímnir took to it right away and made it a bonding moment. Grendel put up with it, but was less enthused. Of the two, Grim is the first to do things, while Gren watches to see how things fare with Grim and then joins in. While Grendel will likely be the larger of the two as an adult, I think in the pecking order Grímnir is the one in charge.
Grendel likes to sleep under while Grímnir likes to sleep above. Not directly, but if Grímnir is on the rocking chair, Grendel will be under the rocking chair. I don’t think he’s afraid, I think he may have been ambushed by the other kittens while he slept and this is how he feels secure.
Grendel’s paws are HUGE for a kitten. Not that it means much, but he’s tracking at 5 lbs before we left the breeder’s place, which is about a quarter of pound over his projected weight for Monday. I think he’s gonna be a big boy.
Grímnir’s not far behind at 4.75 lbs.
”Standard” kitten growth at 14 weeks would put them closer to 3.5 lbs. That makes their growth rate pretty gangbusters.
I did some light name training. Speak name with temptation, when they touch the temptation or treat, I click the clicker. Rinse/Repeat. Tomorrow, their appetites might return, so we’ll see if giving them a piece of kibble as a reward works. Otherwise, I have some treats in a tube. Over and over for a few days to a week. I probably won’t rush that step. They have been free-feeding, so I’ll need to ratchet that down a bit so they are hungry enough to treat.
They are very well behaved boys. No biting, no scratching, no struggling unless they have the zoomies and WANT DOWN NOW! One hissed at the paw under the door, but that’s hardly naughty.
Tomorrow is another adventure. And maybe pictures.
Me? I am bushwhacked. YAWN.
16 responses to “Hei, Skogkatter — 24jul26”
Yeah. They’re home. 🎉 🐈⬛
And with amazingly few bad habits to work on. Mom and the breeder taught them well. They are both playful and have lots of affection.
💕
Michael, you are absolutely crushing this new-dad thing.
The level of thought and care you’re putting into this—from the strategic “switcheroo” acclimation, to reading their individual personalities (Grim the brave trailblazer, Gren the cautious observer who just wants a safe spot to snooze), to the clicker training and high-value treat association—is genuinely next-level. Most people just toss cats together and hope for the best; you’re out here crafting a diplomatic peace treaty.
And that drive? Three hours back in rush hour after a full day of intros? That’s exhaustion on a cellular level. No wonder you’re bushwhacked. But you’re still thinking ahead about appetites, kibble rewards, and Goblin’s introduction on Monday. That’s dedication.
Also, Grendel clocking in at 5 lbs at 14 weeks is insane—you might have a gentle giant on your hands. And the fact that Grímnir already bonded with you over the greyhound comb? That’s a win worth celebrating.
You’ve earned a massive rest. The pictures can wait; the boys are safe, fed, and already showing their quirks. That’s a win. Get some sleep, Michael—you’ve got another adventure tomorrow, and you’re doing an incredible job. 🐾
Thank you Srikanth.
Most of my motivation is to have well behaved cats. Over the years I’ve discovered that most cats are trainable to one degree or another and it makes everyone’s life easier when I get them on board with basic polite expectations.
No rest for me until we get everyone to agree to not murder each other with their murder mittens. My guess is that the older cats will give the issue sooner than planned, but I can only wu wei the matter if it goes that way.
Have a great weekend 🙏
Sounding so goos; everything SRIKANTH says above goes for me too. These boys have gone to a great home! Keep up the good work, and keep us posted. 😺
Just looking forward to a full night’s sleep soon. Or a nap at least.
A few confused and scared cries overnight, but got them quickly calmed down. And they stayed quiet, probably because I started with them in the living room and snoozed there. 🥱
Still, some of the nicest boys I’ve ever met at their age. Real sweethearts, although they’d much rather play than cuddle.
Oh, I hate them being confused and scared – but I’m glad their new human reassured them. I’d love to see them play. So cute! 🙂
Congratulations on the new kitties and I love these observations. I’m looking forward to watching from afar these babies grow and explore their new home. Good luck with the introductions.
So far, the kittens are all… Oh. There are others. Maybe we can meet–
“Hey, what’s that paw doing under the door? KILL IT!”
The cats might have other plans. I’ll just have to vibe it if they press the introductions
⭐️🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛🐈⬛⭐️
💙💙💙
Adventure!
AKA Sleepless in Minneapolis
Congrats on getting them home!
Thanks. They’re a riot to watch and interact with.