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Cats/older cat and kitten

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Expert: - 8/16/2007


Question
I have a five year old female cat  - I decided I would get her a friend so now there's an 8.5 week old little male kitty in hour house. I've had the kitty for a couple days - he seems sort of comfortable on mhy lab but he won't stop hiding behind the couch and he hasn't eaten or drank anything in the last couple of days. He hasn't even gone to the bathroom and I'm really scared. My other cat, she just hisses at him  if he ever sees her. She's actually a super friendly cat... what should I do???

Answer
Hi Asli,

Put a litter box near where he is hiding and also his food and water. He will come out at night when all is quiet to eat and use the litter box. All is new and frightening to him. Just as long as he is responding to you you don't have to worry. It will just take a little time for him and your older guy to get used to each other. You can rub each one with a towel to transfer their scents to each other. This helps. Give them about two weeks and all will be ok. Good luck.

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.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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