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Expert: - 3/3/2008


Question
our nearly eight year old cat recently passed due to F.A.T.E. - he was our baby and we loved him so.  We got a new five month old rescue kitten today (even though its only been four days - we have a problem with mice if we don't have a cat) - and he is hiding and crying up a storm. he;s been fixed; had his shots and all - but the foster home he was in had his sibling, along with nineteen other cats.  We know he's affectionate - before hiding he was rubbing against my legs and letting me pet him and purring.  He even let me feed him a little before that.  the first thing we showed him was the litter box - which i cleaned thoroughly to get rid of our previous cats scent.  but now he's been hiding under the buffet - and for the past two hours meowing his little head off.  help!!!!!

Answer
Hi Jeanne,

He is lost and confused. He is trying to locate his family and he is in a new place. You need to give him a little time to get used to the big changes he has had. If you can, I would suggest adopting one of his siblings. Two cat households are happier households. If you can't, just give him time and attention and love. He will relax. 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.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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