No, of course you're not a bad cat mommy.  Having a timeout is probably the
best thing for him right now as well as for you.  The stress of adjusting to
a new home is probably causing some of his behavior, and a little quiet time
should help with that.  I know Abi loves him, but children can also be a bit
stressful for kittens (my grandbabies even managed to run *Sammy* into the
ground and I didn't think *any* living being could out run Sammy!!).  So,
all told, a timeout is the best thing for all of you right now.

When Sammy first came here, she insisted on "nursing" on me almost all
night.  I have Fibromyalgia and it is essential that I get as much sleep as
I am able (usually only 4 - 6 hours a night).  So I had to put her in the
bathroom with her litterbox, toys, food, and bed.  I felt terribly guilty
(especially the night I was too sleepy to realize that I'd forgotten her
litterbox and she pooped on the rug!!!!  :<), because she learned how to
suck her toe when she didn't have her "mommy" to suck on.  But, in the long
run, it didn't dampen her spirits in the least - as you all know.  After
about 4 or 5 nights sleeping in the bathroom, we both learned how to sleep
together without her waking me up every 10 or 15 minutes (she *still* wakes
me up at least once or twice a night because she likes to suck her toe right
next to me while kneading on me, but now it is only once or twice a night).

Indeed, its the normal practice to isolate a new kitty when they are first
adopted, both for their sakes and the sakes of any kitties already in the
home.  So don't feel bad, he'll be fine.

Purrs for your frazzled nerves - I know from personal experience just how
hard the holidays can be, and I can't even imagine how hard it was for you
this year.

Hugs,

CatNipped

Naaw, you're not a bad cat mommy, you are a good one!

You may have forgotten it in "how to be a parent" class, but I still
remember they very much emphasised that, if the bub was driving you nuts and
was otherwise healthy, fed and had a clean bum, to put the baby in the cot
or somewhere else where the baby would be safe, and then go give yourself
some "me" time to get your head back together. If you *don't* do that sort
of thing, you are in danger of causing some serious damage to the baby,
yourself or something else that you'd regret later. No baby has died from
crying.

This is also sound advice for kittens. Despite the fact you love the little
guy to death, you still need to have your head in a space where you can cope
with kitten antics. Some "time out" won't hurt the little guy, but will do
wonders for your relationship with him, and may very well save him from
moments where you just can't stand it any more and take him to a shelter out
of total frustration (or worse).

I"m just amazed how similar in world outlook IBKFergus and Cary are. They
are both low to the ground, get into everything, and it all ends up in their
mouth. They also have only two settings, full steam haead, and full stop.
And despite the fact that IBKFergus regularly bites Cary, Cary thinks
IBKFergus is just hilarious, and despite the fact that Cary has manages to
catch IBKFergus in one of his "clutches of doom" (ie, a hand that doens't
know "gentle" or "let go") quite regularly, IBKFergus is always hanging
around Cary. I think they are soul-brothers.

Yowie

(snip)

Don't beat yourself up over this, Grace.  You're not a bad cat mommy!
The little one is evidently under a little stress, and feeling a
little confused.  Even happy events can be stressful, and this all
sounds like it's been pretty exciting for him.  He might be a little
overstimulated, especially with the holidays, and if he's been
bouncing around with the girls.  He may need that timeout.

Can't wait to see a picture of him. ;)

Theresa
Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh
My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com

Lots of hugs and purrs for you, Grace,

<snip>

You are *not* a bad cat mommy.  He needed a "time out".

Joy