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Expert: - 8/24/2009


Question

Sisu
I need help with my new kitten. I can send you photos if you would like. I really don't know what kind of mixed or non mixed breed she is. What i know, is i have had cats from the hour of my birth.... Till today. I have never had one anything like her. They all have their own distinct personalities it is true. But this one is very different somehow. I will describe some of her behaviors at 8 weeks which for me are kind of shocking and weird.

1. Boundless energy. All kittens are energetic. I have never seen anything like this and we used to allow our family cats to have a litter before being spayed so i have litterally had a minimum of 15 kittens over the course of my life. This kinda energy is abnormal.
2. She constantly hunts. Again it is much more extreme than any cat i have ever known.
3. She likes to hunt from *above* not unheard of in a house cat as an adult a bit, but in an 8 week old kitten, smacks to me of something instinctual.
4. She likes to sleep in high places.
5. I took her to the vet yesterday who declared her healthy but then i noticed this puffing or sneezing soundish thing she was doing when i was playing with her covering her with a very thin bed sheet.
6. She is fear less and assertive and very good natured
7. Has no fear of the dog.
8. Is more talkative than other house cats i have had.
9. Climbs alot and everything like no kittty i have ever seen before.
10. Over sized weird ears black bottoms of all 4 paws black nose and sort of a weird coat i think now that i stop to nootice it. When we got her, we were just looking for a nice and young cat so we could hook it up with our dog... Our vet thinks she is related on atleast 1 side to wildcats. I don't know. I don't know what kind etc... The vet thinks her wildcat geneticcs seem to run somewhat strong though she is obviously a housecat also... I have never encountered something like this....

She is a great kitten and i don't want to mess her up or mistreat her or neglect her etc in any way i want her to be a friendl,y happy healthy little girl but i need to know what she is and what she needs because she is that different from all my previous cats. What can you tell me about my cat? What i should expect to see as she grows older? How to discipline her and how to properly show her affection and honor her wildcat without creating a monster because i think if i don't honor that she will be miserable and will get mean. Please help me understand my cat.

Answer
Hi Amanda,

What a cutie. Some kits do have extra energy. Yours sounds like one of those. Extra play time works. Get a laser pointer and watch out for the fun you can have with her. I like doing something called kitty fishing. Attach a fake mouse on the end of a fishing pole. Cast and retrieve your cat. Mine love that so much that if they hear the real move they will come running. I have to hide it in the closet when not playing.

Use a spray bottle to train her. Just squirt her and say no loudly.

Check out this site. http://catinfo.org/index.htm
This will give you some good tips on what to feed her. If she has that much energy she needs the proper nutrition. You might want to get another kit to keep her company. If you do make sure you use a cat intro protocol. It sounds like you are doing great. And that sure looks like one contented kitty. Hope this helps a little. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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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