Expert: Dear Tabbi - 10/24/2008

Question
Dear Tabbi,

I have two 4-month-old feral kittens, we got them when my boyfriends mom
discovered them, at a week old. They were in a crate outside of her work and
fell out when they were moving it with a forklift, at which point she found
them. We know they are feral because we've seen the mother many times,
she's absolutely terrified of people. Since the day we found them I have been
the main caregiver, feeding them every 3 hours and so on and so forth.
They're now up to date with all their shots and now worm free and waiting to
be spayed and neutered. They are two of the most well behaved cats I've ever
had the pleasure of owning (and I've had some amazing cats) and they love all
people they come into contact with.  

The only problem that we've been having is with the kittens and my rabbits, I
have a netherland dwarf rabbit and a Holland lop. The cats and the rabbits
sometimes get along, but during the supervised visits, the male cats instincts
come into play and he starts to stalk them, or if he's close to bat at them. I
know he's only playing and he's never used claws or pounced on them (I’m
always there to supervise when they're together) but it still concerns me.
Whenever he does this I spray him, to let him know that it’s not acceptable
behaviour but it hasn’t worked so far. I was wondering if there is any way to
stop this behaviour or if his instincts are just too much to overcome.

Just on a side note, we’re keeping both the kittens and the rabbits regardless
of how well they get along, the rabbits have a huge space (about 50 square
feet. Plus a second level and an attached cage) that is covered and separate
from the cats and the cats have the rest of the apartment, which is plenty.

Thank you for any advice you might be able to give!

Jennifer  

Answer
Jennifer,

Note: They are lucky kitties!

That's SO nice of you to be taking care of the kittens! It's sad to think how many kittens are NOT found accidently, or otherwise, and will never know love, having enough food, or even the chance to catch their first mouse. Bless you!

Ferals are natural hunters! It is inherited and inbred in them. When kittens are raised with rabbits, they can get along...BUT ferals are NOT like domesticated cats and do not behave like domesticated cats do. This inbred behavior is stronger than spraying them, and it's hard to try to teach them not to do something that comes naturally. I would not EVER trust the kittens around the rabbits...especially when the kittens get to be adults.

If the kittens do not go outdoors then indoor ferals have surpressed hunting urges that they can't satisfy if they don't go outside. Cats who exhibit this stalking behavior are usually trying to utilize their natural instinct to hunt. The only thing that the inside cat can do to satisfy this urge is to 'hunt and kill' something inside the home, like clothing (which actually is quite popular), or, in your case a rabbit.

Try getting some little furry stuffed mice that you can throw and they can 'catch' and bat around; get a pet laser light (PetSmart, Petco, etc,) so they can chase the 'little red bug' on the floors, wall, and ceilings. They also love the sparkly craft balls that you get in a package in Wal-Mart's craft dept., or at a craft store. My ferals retrieve and bring them back when I throw them. They carry the little balls around in their mouth when I get tired of throwing them. Pulling a shoestring around is also a hit.

Another thing that hunter type cats like, periodically for a treat, is a raw beef rib bone. I have the butcher cut some in half. The cats satisfy their 'fresh kill' instinct by pulling on the meat, the protein is good for them, and the fibers in the meat help clean their teeth. Not all cats are interested in them but the 'hunters' usually enjoy them. Sometimes they will growl at you if you look like you might take their prize away!

I hope this helped answer your question.

Tabbi