Expert: Teresa - 1/9/2008

Question
I have a 1yr. old mother cat and her 5 month old kitten adopted as a strays approx. 3 months ago.  They are both spayed and have had a great relationship until recently.  Kitten went to vet due to urinary tract infection and since coming home mother cat has been growling, hissing and attacking her kitten. Any suggestions?   Thank you.

Answer
hi Debbie, just try to keep the mom cat from hurting the kitten. She smells different coming home from a vet hospital so mom cat feels threatened by the smell of a non familiar cat. Try rubbing the kitten with a blanket that they both used to sleep on... or anything that can transfer her original scent back onto her. you can also try a little cologne around the kitten .. of course not in her face or mouth.. but just spray a bit in the room where she is and that will help mask the hospital scent of dogs and strange cats. Mom will settle eventually..
Teresa