Ask Your Cat Question. Cat Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Cat Question?)

I have had my cat since she was abandoned at four ...
Sent to Cat Experts May 01 04:15 PM

I have had my cat since she was abandoned at four weeks old. Now, eight months later, I have brought home another kitten. Calia, this older cat, growls and hisses at the newcomer. I've heart conflicting stories about introducing them. Some say leave them be, some say keep them separated and just let them get used to the other's scent in various ways. Any advice you can give me is greatly appreciated. Also, the new kitten has not eaten anything since I brought her home yesterday, not even water. Any suggestions?

 

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
Answer
May 1 4:22 PM (6 minutes and 54 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
NEVER let them be. Have you ever seen a cat fight? People who say let them be do not know cats. You must always introduce them slowly. If you don't the first one will always resent the little one and one day will bite her. Get them apart now. The little one is afraid to eat because hissing from the mother means to stop. So she will not eat or drink. Keep them apart for 2 days. Rub a cloth on each one and put it with the other so the scent gets familiar. Get a baby gate or screen door and introduce them slowly. In 4-5 days let them together only supervised. In a 1-2 weeks you may be able to trust the older one. This will be up to them. Then in time hopefully they will become good friends. THIS is up to you. Throw them together to soon and you would have life-long enemies. Please do this the right way.

REMEMBER to click the "ACCEPT" button if this helped you!!



Edited by MichaelsMom on May 1 2006 at 4:22 PM
Marie -- Mulitple cat owner100% Positive Feedback on 66 Cat Accepts
Rescued /vetted/and placed in adoption over 150 cats and kittens
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

Related Answers

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Cat Breed Info and Feline Health Care