Expert: Jessica - 11/2/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi, long winded one for u here - we have an adult male called theo who is approx 2yrs old, when he was bout 1yr old we got another kitten - female called peppa from same people we got theo from (she is a distant cousin of his or something!)they became best friends almost straight away and everything was great until... our female whos is now 1yr old got pregnant, not by theo as he has been neutered before we got peppa, he was fine with her when she was pregnant but as soon as they were born he wudnt go near them and wasnt so friendly to peppa anymore, when the kittens started moving about he went out one day and didnt come home for at least 6 weeks, then last night he just appeared at the back door like nothing had happened but he hates the kittens, growls and hisses if he even sees them never mind goes near them! so is there anything we can do to improve the situation? my 16yr old daughter is frightened  to let him out now he has come home incas he does the same thing but i have said we cant force him to stay in as that wud be unkind and unfair to him - so....... can u pls help us?! as in any tips to get him to like the kittens - one female and 1 male that we are keeping, any advice wud be so very much appreciated! thanks x

ANSWER: Hi Jenny,

I actually agree with your daughter that it would be best to keep your male in. Cats in unhappy states are somewhat likely to leave home and not return. If you can keep him in at least until he has returned to his former self, it will be safer to let him outside. Personally, I have converted numbers of cats from outdoor ones into indoor ones, and I haven't found it unkind. Although they go through an adjustment period, they settle into indoor life nicely after a month or two (if it takes this long for him to get used to the kittens). You can help him to accept the indoors by providing scratching posts, lots of toys and a place for him to lie at a window.

To get used to the kittens, it will take time. If they are fine to keep their distance with only some hissing, it's okay to let them be under supervision and slowly get used to one another. The kittens will certainly work their way into his heart. Just be there to ensure the male does no more than swat them once or twice. If he shows any more aggression than this, they should be separated. Also, he should be allowed to retreat to his own private space when he likes for a break.

I recommend that you feed the cats all special meals at the same time in the same room. You should start by feeding the male at the opposite end of the room, but move the bowls closer together each day, until they are eating just a few feet away from each other. Also, call the cats for treats a few times a day. Giving them food at the same time is a positive experience they can associate with one another. You can also encourage interactive play, using ribbons and feather wands, but I don't recommend this yet if your male tends to be territorial with toys.

It usually takes about 2 weeks for adults to accept kittens. Some take more time and some less. When your male seems completely happy with his living situation again, you can feel better about letting him out. But I would really discourage it for now.

Good luck!

Jessica

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: we have a feeling he has been kept in somebodys house as after being missing for almost 8 weeks we think now as he looks like he has been being very well fed as in not having to fend for himself in the wild!
we r wondering if because he is a long haired pure grey gorgeous cat somebody thought he might have been a british blue so thought the1y could breed from him and make a small fortune in kittens -  but fortunately he was done 'done' months ago! thanks again for ur help Jen, Rosie, Jacob and Theo x

Answer
People certainly do take in cats that don't need to be taken in! Especially the pretty ones. Perhaps this new caretaker now wonders where their "rescued" kitty has disappeared to! I wonder if trying to put a collar on him might be worthwhile, just in case he IS taking up dual residencies.

Best wishes - I hope all goes well with the transition!