Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/stressed cat due to kittens

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Expert: Dear Tabbi - 9/26/2008


Question
our seven yr old cat was brought up with his sister and a kitten introduced they all got on brilliantly unfortunatly in may we lost two cats through traffic accidents. we have just introduced two kittens,at first they were scared of teddy hissing but now do not bat an eye lid at him. teddy has now became stressed as to put it will not come into the house when we bring him in just cries to get out,will not interact with them in any shape or form cowers if they are around has completely changed character

Answer
Sara,

Kittens are not a good idea to get right now. Your cat is grieving, plus older cats DO NOT usually like kittens and usually do not become friends with them. The best you can hope for is acceptance. Be aware too that older cats can not take the stress of kittens as well as a younger cat can and if the cat gets overstressed it can lead to health problems.

If you get a new cat it should be approximately the same age and temperment as the 7 year old. It makes the getting acquainted process a little easier.

Here are some links to an article on a replacement cat and an article on cat grief that may be helpful:
(copy and paste, or type, the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.messybeast.com/replacecat.htm

http://www.messybeast.com/cat-grief.htm

You can't introduce cats immediately or there WILL be problems. You need to go through the introduction process correctly and slowly. It usually takes up to two weeks or more for things to smooth out and to have harmony, but with an older grieving cat it may take 2 months or more.

Here are a couple of good links that tell you how to do it:
(copy and paste, or type, the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.messybeast.com/first-impressions.htm

http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=cattocatintro...

You can also talk to the vet about a prescription of kitty Prozac. It is commonly used short term to calm cats that are stressed and/or have emotional issues going on.

I hope this information was helpful. I'm sorry about the loss of your kitty's friends.

Carol

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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Expertise

My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.

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Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).

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