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Cats/Should I seperate them?
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Question
I have a *similar* question to the woman asking about if she should separate her two older cats.
Two days ago i picked up two kittens that a friend promised me from her litter and they are both about 7 weeks old. One of the kittens I am holding for 4 days until a friend comes and picks it up from my home. Over the past few days the two kittens have really bonded and they do almost everything together; one eats and the other one is eating with it, one sleeps on the bed and the other follows.. etc etc.
I fear that my kitten will become depressed or develop SAS when separated from his sister or vice versa but because they are so young, will they be more susceptible to the change? I also have an older cat who is 9 years old but she hisses and spits whenever my kitten is near it so it won't find any companionship there when I'm at work in the mornings..(Is this also a potential problem?)
I feel bad letting one go, and I'm sure they will too.
Hi Brianna,
If you can, try to keep the two together. Separating them when they are young is very stressful for them. Again, having two together is the best for raising kittens.
Your older one will settle down with the young ones. She just needs time. Give her a couple of weeks and all should be well. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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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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