We've rescued 2 41/2-month-old kittens (one male and two female) and
would like to keep them as indoor cats. However, we already have two
4-year olds (brother and sister), indoor cats, whom we've spoiled
terribly.
We have read about the difficulties of integrating one kitten with one
adult cat, and realize that that can often be done, even if the
process is a very slow one. But we wonder if anyone has had experience
integrating several kittens with several adults at one time. Our
living situation is such that I don't think it possible for us to
integrate these kittens one at a time.
Will our adult cats, who of course have lots of set routines etc. and
think the house and everything in it is theirs, freak out? Are we
just asking for trouble, or is it possible to do something like this?
Thanks for any advice!
Sherri and Joe
HD - 13 Oct 2004 08:04 GMT
>We've rescued 2 41/2-month-old kittens (one male and two female) and
>would like to keep them as indoor cats. However, we already have two
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>Thanks for any advice!
>Sherri and Joe
The only thing that I can say is take it slow.
Give the older cats lots of attention.
If the kittens get along together then I would keep them in the same
room with the "usual stuff" and a couple of the older cats toys and
some new toys for the kittens then let the older cats curiosity
take over.
M.C. Mullen - 13 Oct 2004 11:17 GMT
| We've rescued 2 41/2-month-old kittens (one male and two female) and
| would like to keep them as indoor cats. However, we already have two
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
| Thanks for any advice!
| Sherri and Joe
Yes, they will, but it's normal and should be over within a week or two.
My approach with all the cats so far has been straightforward with
possibilities for retreat for all parties and no force involved.
It has worked so far, but for the cats to become real friends it takes
several months.
Good luck!
Carola
Sunflower - 13 Oct 2004 18:03 GMT
> We've rescued 2 41/2-month-old kittens (one male and two female) and
> would like to keep them as indoor cats. However, we already have two
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> Thanks for any advice!
> Sherri and Joe
It'll actually work better to have multiple kittens than it would for a
single kitten who wouldn't have any playmates and would harrass the older
ones just wanting to play. BTW, get the girls spayed ASAP. Females can
become pregnant at 4-5 months, and you don't need that complication to add
to the others.
FMT - 14 Oct 2004 02:24 GMT
I just added two kittens to my home (5 mos.) in addition to my two adult
cats (6 & 7 years). I was lucky, I have a spare bedroom where the kittens
stayed for a few weeks (they had sniffles). The older cats knew they were
inside, certainly could smell them, and were very curious. The quarantine
also let the resident cats get used to the smell of the kittens. After the
sneezing stopped I let the wee ones out and it's been a blast! Now, that's
not to say that there weren't some tense moments - there were - but careful
planning can eliminate a lot of the problems that some people experience.
I truly believe that some of the more severe problems (inappropriate
elimination, etc.) can be avoided if you provide litter boxes for everyone
and have plenty of food down. It's also a good idea to give extra special
attention to the older adults. I've always believed that it is better to
have multiple kittens than just one. The kittens will have each other to
play with (no one can play with a kitten the way another kitten can) and
give the adults some time to adjust.
Good luck.
Fran

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> We've rescued 2 41/2-month-old kittens (one male and two female) and
> would like to keep them as indoor cats. However, we already have two
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> Thanks for any advice!
> Sherri and Joe