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Cats/very sad older cat with new kitten
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Question
I have a cat that I adopted many years ago, she is around 7 years old. I have moved many times and she has lived with another cat twice since I have had her and they got a long great. She has been alone with me and my fiancee for a couple years now. We recently added a new kitten (9 weeks old). We did keep them separated for many days. There was initial hissing day one but it stopped after that. They interact in a tolerable manner now when in the same room. The kitten is always playful, but the cat once nothing to do with her. So much so that the cat stays in the basement (the kitten doesnt go down there) and comes up rarely to eat. I have tried to spend a lot of time downstairs but she will rarely come out. She used to always want to sit with me down there. Her soft meow has turned into a more raspy one. I cant even coax her out with a treat when before she would come running. I am worried that she is depressed and I am wondering what I should do? I dont want to get rid of the kitten, but at the expense of my cat I will. Can you help??? Thanks soooo much!
Kyle,
How long have they actually been together. Sometimes, they just need more time. I expect that after years of being the only cat, your older kitty is in a real snit. When you brought the new kitten home, did you make a big deal over your established cat? If not, she just may be jealous (kind of like human siblings when a new baby comes home).
You may want to give your older cat special treats and lots of attention, especially when the new kitten is around.
If after a few weeks, things have not improved, they may not, and you may have to make a tough decision. Although most cats will get along, there are some who just take a major dislike to a particular cat (just like people).
You just cannot force these things.
Please let me know what happens.
Best regards... Norm.
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Answers by Expert:
Norman Auspitz
Expertise
I can answer most non-veterinary questions about cats. My particular expertise is pedigree cats, breeding and showing. However, I am versed in feline behavior, cat breeds and their characteristics, general feline husbandry, and the like.
Experience
I judged for the Canadian Cat Association from 1975 until 1982. I am currently an approved allbreed judge for the Cat Fanciers'' Association (the world''s largets cat registry), and have been judging for them since 1991. I have been breeding pedigreed cats since 1971 and have been exhibiting pedigreed cats in shows since 1970. I obtained my first pedigreed cat in 1970 and have never looked back. In 1971, I obtained my first Abyssinian which has become my primary breed. In addition, I have bred Manx and Persians. Currently, besides the Abyssinians, I am also breeding Maine Coons.
Organizations
Cat Fanciers'' Association, inc. (CFA) and the Manx, Maine Coon, and Abyssinian breed councils. I am currently Abyssinian breed council secretary.
Publications
Cat Fancy Magazine, The Abyssinian Chapter in The Cat Fanciers'' Association Complete Cat Book, and Articles for various editions of The Cat Fanciers'' Association Yearbook
Education/Credentials
I received a B.S. from Drexel University in 1968, a M.Math from University of Waterloo, in 1970, a Ph.D. from University of Waterloo in 1975, and a MBA from McMaster University in 1980. I received my approved allbreed judging status in the Cat Fanciers'' Association in 1999.
Awards and Honors
We have produced a number of Cat Fanciers'' Association (CFA) National winning Abyssinian and Maine Coons. We have produced a number of Abyssinian and Maine Coon Distinguished Merit females (an award for a top producing cat), including the first Distinguished Merit Abyssinian in the red (sorrel) color. I am the CFA Abyssinian breed council secretary and belong and/or hold office in a number of cat clubs. I am also a member of the CFA Judges Association.
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