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Cats/Temporarily reuniting a kitten with the rest of its litter,

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Expert: - 8/14/2009


Question
Ok so at the end of March a cat came to my back door, and she was very sweet and very loving and my mom said she was pregnant. Not knowing how far she'd come we gave her some food and water because we thought she was pregnant, and she came in our house and tried to hide and my mom said she knew that she was trying to hide because she was going into labor. So we made up a little space for her and she had 4 kittens, 2 boys and 2 girls. I named the two boys Pudge and Scrappy, and the two girls Lily and Blacky. So I had them for 4 months, and they were ALWAYS with each other. At 4 months I had to give one of them, Scrappy, to a friend of mine, and I'd agreed to get him fixed when I got the money for it. He has been separated from his brother and sisters for about 3 weeks now and I have an appointment to get all of the kittens fixed, but it's early in the morning. So, the question is, would it be ok, for all of the kittens, if I brought Scrappy to stay the night before with the rest of them, would they be ok or would they fight and not get along??? Also, might bringing them together for a night effect Scrappy's behavior when he returns to my friend's house???

Answer
Hi Ana,

This is one that is on the cusp. Three weeks away may or may not affect them. What I would do is bring Scrappy over in a carrier.  When he gets to your house leave him in the carrier and see how the others react to him. If they hiss and and get all excited you need to move him to another room and keep him separate. When he goes back home there should be no changes to his behavior. Good luck. And a big pat on your back for what you are doing.

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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