New Cat

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Shaz - 21 Apr 2006 19:59 GMT

Hi,

Last year we lost our other cat and now we have been offered a kitten.
The kids are very keen -they are still missing our other cat. We have
an older cat - 10 yr old - who is not affectionate like the one we
lost. This cat is very 'shy' she keeps to her herself and occassionally
alllows just me to pet her.
I'd like to take the kitten for the kids because they miss the friendly
cat but I am worried about how it will get on with the older one.
Any suggestions?

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---MIKE--- - 21 Apr 2006 23:19 GMT

Shaz asked:

>I'd like to take the kitten for the kids
> because they miss the friendly cat but I
> am worried about how it will get on with
> the older one. Any suggestions?

Don't take the kitten. Instead, go to a shelter and let an adult cat
choose you. That way you will know he/she is affectionate - something
you won't know about the kitten.

---MIKE---

>>In the White Mountains of New Hampshire
>> (44° 15' N - Elevation 1580')

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someone97 - 22 Apr 2006 00:20 GMT

Shaz asked:

>I'd like to take the kitten for the kids
> because they miss the friendly cat but I
> am worried about how it will get on with
> the older one. Any suggestions?

>Don't take the kitten. Instead, go to a shelter and let an adult cat
>choose you. That way you will know he/she is affectionate - something
>you won't know about the kitten.

I'm not so sure. Two adult cats may have difficulty in deciding who's head
honcho.

We got two kittens last autumn because our 10-year old cat Gloria lost her
lifelong buddy Henry through heart disease and she seemed to be looking for
friends.

To cut a long story short, life was hell with the kittens, Gloria tried to
rise above it all, like a Sphinx. I won't begin to go into our complicated
living arrangements. Sadly our little girl kitten, Cleo, was killed on our
road a few weeks ago.

Gloria has decided finally that she's in charge of this household, and is
teaching young Joey what's going on in the neighbourhood. He's a willing
acolyte.

It may not be easy to rehome an adult cat with another adult cat.

s97

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Gail - 22 Apr 2006 01:27 GMT

It's easier to integrate a kitten than an adult cat. Keep them separated and
let them get used to each other slowly. They will be fine.
Gail

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> cat but I am worried about how it will get on with the older one.
> Any suggestions?

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Frank Pittel - 22 Apr 2006 02:25 GMT

: Hi,

: Last year we lost our other cat and now we have been offered a kitten.
: The kids are very keen -they are still missing our other cat. We have
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
: cat but I am worried about how it will get on with the older one.
: Any suggestions?

When you get the new kitten make sure that the older cat gets as much
attention as it gets now. Even better match the amount of attention you
give to the two cats. When they "fight" only intervene if one is actually
getting hurt. Let them solve all territorial issues on their own.

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Anna - 22 Apr 2006 04:28 GMT

>Any suggestions?

Whatever you decide, please make sure you tell the kids to give the cat you
already have lots of attention, in fact she should get more than the new
arrival especially at first so that she doesn't feel displaced.

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LB - 23 Apr 2006 22:29 GMT

During introductions the older cat may get hissy at the kitten, but
that is likely temporary. Adult cats tend to instincively fear kittens
because they expect an angry queen to come following. In some rare
instances, the adult (female OR male) may begin to groom and, believe
it or not, even NURSE the kitten.

Give the adult enough time to understand that no Mama Cat will attack
her for being nice to the babe. During the times you keep the two
separated, put a towel or piece of clothing with the scent of the other
into their quarters. Also let them sniff one another under closed
doors. Over time you could have great friends, or at the very least,
tolerance.

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