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Question
I have a senior female cat who is 15 years old. She was once the youngest of five cats in my household, but she is the last one remaining from that group. A couple days ago I offered to adopt an orphaned mother cat with 3 kittens who were about 3 weeks old. My senior cat is very small, under 6 pounds, and is starting to look pretty frail. My hope is to keep the mother cat and one of her kittens and the other two kittens are already spoken for. Is there any chance that the mother cat and the old timer will be able to get along once the mama is finished nursing, or will I have to keep them apart forever? So far the mother cat has been very aggresive to my senior cat and - which is understandable - but I don't want my old friend to be a prisoner in her own home. I moved the mama and babies to the basement where they're comfortable enough for now - but I don't want to keep them down there after the kittens are weaned. Please advise - I need help!
Hi Helen,
This is something that will take time to settle out. Because the cat you took in has kittens she will be over protective. I would suggest that at times you move the mom cat to a different area and let your senior came and visit the kits. She may smell them and hiss at first but that's because they are new and strange. This visiting will help two ways. First the kittens will get used to her and her to them. Second, the mom cat will smell her odor near the kits and will get used to smell. You need to keep an eye on the old girl when she is near the kits. Make sure she doesn't try to strike them. She may at first but will settle down.
After about a week or two of this I would try to introduce the mom and your old girl. You might want to also get a product called Feliway Comfort Zone. This mimics happy cat pheromones. It will help calm them down. Things should be okay in about 3 weeks or so. If it doesn't seem to be going good write back and I will help you further. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Karen, Your answer makes a lot of sense - thank you so much for the advice. I never would have thought to introduce the kittens first, but it sounds so logical. I was at my wits end - the new mama cat is a gorgeous cat and I really want to keep her. I had a close call yesterday when I opened the basement door and the two cats were only a couple feet apart - I didn't realize the mama cat was at the top of the stairs. The end result was me getting a tetanus shot today, but both cats were unharmed. Thanks again! Helen | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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