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Cats/Is it okay to separate two kittens that just got used to each other?

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Expert: - 11/22/2008


Question
Hello,
I have just recently adopted two 8 week old kitten, one being a couple days older. I found out that I have to go to Los Angeles which where I'm at right now. I decided  to take one kitten with me and the other one stay with my sister. How do you think the male kitten who is staying with my sister react like? She does have a cat also. I really miss him right now and I feel really guilty about it. I would have brought both of them but I couldn't because I was staying a friend's house and with them two being together things can be really crazy and fun. I think my female kitten got car sick because she haven't ate as much as she usually does when she's back home. Do you think everything will be okay once we get home? Will the male kitten still remember her? Can you give me more information about leaving one kitten behind and traveling along with the other?
Thank You.


Answer
Hi Christine,

Sounds like your female is missing her buddy. She will be fine in a couple of days. Now, how long are you going to be away? Depending on how long will affect the way the male will respond to her when you get back. If she is going to be gone longer than a month you might have to reintroduce them with a cat intro protocol. I would take the two next time or leave both home. When you have two together they bond and miss the other for a while. Then when you bring them back together they sometimes have territorial issues. Sort of like damned if you do, damned if don't. Hope this helped. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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