I know it's been a while since I've posted an update, but I thought you might all like to know that PB did, indeed, decide he was ready to graduate to Fully Integrated Family Member status to mark the New Year. He had been spending pretty much all day every day for the previous week exploring at will around the house (except the basement) with not too many problems. I did (and still do) have to referee his activities to keep his residual testosterone surges in check, but he's pretty much figured out who is and isn't worth trying to intimidate.
As anticipated, the majority of the trouble occurs within the ranks of this year's additions - PB and the Three Mouseketeers. Although frustrating and bothersome at times, it is nonetheless interesting to watch the social hierarchy dip and sway with these boys. Phantom, who was submissive to everyone for the first few months, has now decided it's more fun to throw his weight around and threaten and/or jump the other males. Feather, who stretched the boundaries between aggressive play and true aggression far too often, has mellowed with all of the other cats except Mew, who he still loves to intimidate and hold captive in my office. Footsie, who is basically a live and let live kind of guy as long as his fellow Mouseketeers show him proper respect, made it very clear to Phantom that he (Footsie) is the dominant partner in their friendship. For months, Phantom has been following Footsie around like an adoring fan, but this last week has seen Phantom pouncing toward a shift in power.
I really have no idea where things stand with PB and the Mouseketeers right now. They tend to run down into the basement to have their catfrontations, and by the time I get down there to break it up, I can't tell who started what. I haven't seen Phantom interact with PB much, but there's ongoing tension between PB, Footsie, and Feather. It seems that each of them is capable of starting trouble or being the victim of it. For the most part, however, things are reasonably calm around the homestead. Thank goodness cats sleep about 23 hrs a day!
So, no more baby gates for the time being. Now if this boy would just PLEASE tell me his name!
Laurie
