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Cats/adding a third cat
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Question
I have 3 kids and they all had a cat. When my eldest daughter's male cat was 3 years old, we brought home a male and female kitten......for the next two years, everything has been wonderful and any combination of the three of them could be found snuggled up together for hours.
The problem is that the elder male cat was died last week. I know that within a few months my daughter will ready for another copmpanion. Now however, instead of bringing in 2 kittens to a home with totally mellow adult cat, we will be considering bringing in just one cat into a house with 2 adult cats (2 yrs old) who were raised together. An additional concern is that the male is a totally cool cat with the best personality........his sister(not related) is a bit more feral & reserved....and while she is loving, she prefers to spend her days mostly outside and come inside and be sweet when things are a bit more quiet. My concern as well is her happiness & adaptability to a new cat. I don't want her to withdraw from the family from too much stress.
My daughter feels strongly about the desire to adopt an adult cat that would be put down rather than a kitten....but I am wondering if a kitten would be a better fit.
Hi Bridget,
A kitten would be a much better fit. A kit would be easier to meld into the household. Tell your daughter that if you adopt a kitten you will still be saving a cat's life. Make sure you follow the correct protocol for introducing the kitten into your home. If you don't know it write back and I will send it to you. 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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