You are here:

Cats/cat & kitten integration

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/31/2007


Question
I have a 14 year old female cat, who is, to say lightly, grumpy and set in her ways.  She's not a mean cat, just not highly social and really stubborn.  She prefers me to anyone else.

My husband recently let my 7 year old daughter adopt a kitten from a shelter.  This kitten is roughly 12 weeks old now and has been neutered.  This kitten is three times more active than the older cat ever was and four times more mischievous.

My problem is that the older cat does NOT handle change well at all.  She's not always eating, which causes her to get sick.

I'm wondering if there's anything that can be done to help her adjust.  I keep the kitten and the dog our of our room because that's the older cat's room, and I want her to have a place of refuge that's all her own.  Is this the right thing?  It's how it's always been since we got the dog (8 years ago).

This kitten just doesn't learn!  We're having trouble litter training her (she would go in her litter box then suddenly decided to use my daughter's dresser drawers as one), she eats anything that's out (she gets fed daily, so I know she's not starving!) and is generally hyper.

HELP!  How can I help the older one adjust, and get this little one under a bit more control?  I know that cats are not like dogs, so therefore don't willingly follow directions.  We've even tried the watergun trick and it doesn't faze her.  Short of locking her in my daughter's room at nights or during meals, what do I do?

Thanks for any advice.

Beth

Answer
Hi Beth,

Try getting something called Feliway. It acts as a kitty tranquilizer. Spray this around the house. This should help. Try using a different litter for the little one. She may not like the type she has. Try using a different scoopable or something like Cedariffic. Kittens are hyper. There isn't much you can do about that. Try a lot of play. Get a laser pointer, (the pet stores have a great one called the Cricket), and tire her out. This will also help. See how these things work. Good luck and let me know what happens.

Ciao, Karen

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.