Flabio gets in Shape: The Prequel

[mythteller]

I went to the YMCA today to meet with my trainer. We did a quick interview and then he setup a training program for me. It used alot of the machines I'm used to, but he added two new ones to my repertoire. They were fun.

The hardest part about working out is getting to the gym; once I get there, I'm pumped to do my workout. It's leaving the house and getting to the gym that's the tricky part. For this series of Flabio Action Adventures, I'll be focussing on getting to the gym 2 to 3 times a week. I refuse to get on a scale for at least 8 months because the weight results will be misleading and discouraging.

Also, I'm planning on trying the Cosom Hockey thing they've got going at the NDG Y. It's on Tuesday nights and promises to be active and challenging. I usually suck at team sports (mainly because of my myopia), but it doesn't mean I can't enjoy it.

In other news, after seven years of being an only cat, Newton is completely freaked out at having a new brother. Rajura had a kitten she couldn't keep and I fell for him at first sight. So I went by today to pick him up and bring him home to live with sarahcarotte, Newton, and myself. You can see a picture of him here.

So far, Newton's got the busy tail up and wagging, there's been some yowling and some hissing. He is clearly NOT happy with the new roommate. I'll be keeping Schrödinger ("Dinger" for short) in the bathroom for a day or so to let them get used to each other's scent. Then I'll put Newton in the bathroom and let Schrödinger roam around the house for a bit. THEN I'll let both cats out to interact with each other.

I'm expecting a month of fighting and fur-flying, but I'll be keeping a water bottle handy to break up any feline smackdowns. Any advice people have for getting two cats aclimatised to each other would be appreciated!

Comments

[sorceror.livejournal.com]

Is your trainer going to be there for every workout? Or is it more of a consultation-every-few-weeks thing?

If the latter, get a training partner if you can -- it helps enormously!

[grrscary.livejournal.com]

From what I can tell you of my own experience: be patient. Be VERY patient. This week, fully a year and a month after I brought Min home, was the first week they BOTH slept on the bed with me at the same time. They now co-exist peacefully, but they sure aren't cuddling together, either. I blame Max for being a jerkface, but hey, thats cats. Give it time...thats all I can say.

[silly-imp.livejournal.com]

I dunno, maybe I'm cruel but I've always just let new cats to it. I reckon they'll sort out their pecking order in the end. I als make sure I give the cat that was there first extra attention so that he knows he's not being replces. Worked so far. At least I think so.

Good luck with the gym!

stupid LJ ate my comment

[obskura.livejournal.com]

I wonder how many people common to both our FLists are thinking that's me who wrote this post :D

MY Newton had a visitor for all of 10 minutes over the summer. He was NOT amused. My big dark bully of a cat hissed at a really cute orange tabby about 1/3 his size. But my cat has alpha male issues.

On that note, I've heard keeping them seperate for a while is the way to go. Make sure to have seperate litter boxes and food dishes for a bit.

I know what you mean about "the tricky part is GOING to the gym". I've not been in about 3 weeks (tho I've not been well). I'm getting soft :(

Alison says:

[(Anonymous)]

I'm with Silly Imp. Pets feel your stress etc so if you are upset/stressed about the new kitten, the felines will be too. I just let the cats sort it out and after several kitten introductions over the years, no problems to report. Then again, mine were always allowed outside too..might be worse for indoor felines.
Monkey has been with us for two weeks. Flash still hisses and spits if he comes too close to her but he's been pouncing at Miss Kitty and she seems to be hating him less. Or maybe she's just tired of hissing. Today he went too far though and she did tell him off and he scurried away. Flash may never accept him..she's a bit psychotic. Miss Kitty has been through this more and seems to be adjusting better. And Monkey? He could care less...its just more mischief to get into!! ;oD Good luck.

[dragonmoone.livejournal.com]

Dinger seems to be almost as much as a belly-rub whore as you are!!!