We have a female cat, about 10, and she has rules the roost pretty much all her life. She used to try to adopt all sorts of furry babies, mostly cottontails. Anyway, a couple of years ago, she stopped bringing these babies in.
A couple of days ago, we found two kittens, one male and one female, out in the desert. (I could shoot people for leaving kittens out there where they can find no food and water to die a slow death). They were barely weaned, friendly little things, and the minute they saw our cat, they thought "mommy"... or at least they thought "you look like you would have nipples" (lol) and went straight for her. Problem is, she started hissing and making it clear she is not happy. She keeps her distance, but if they get too close, I have no doubt she will hurt them. We thought she would like having something to adopt, but apparently not. So, any ideas as to how I can smooth things over with the big cat?
2006-06-06 07:24:40 · 10 answers · asked by gwenwifar 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
I agree that it may just take her some time. I normally just leave the cats in the same room to get used to each other, but I've volunteered a lot of Citizens for Animal Protection in Houston, and have read a bit about cats, so I can share with you what the experts suggest...
Typically, to introduce new cats to a house, you should leave them in a separate room so your original cat can get used to their scent. Then, after a couple days, bring something the kittens have laid on or handled (a blanket or toy or something) that has their scent on it to the older cat to inspect. Next step is to switch rooms for a while - put the older cat in where the kittens were and let the kittens roam where the older cat was. After a day or so, slowly start introducing them through a barrier like a door (let them scope each other out from underneath the door). Once they've met that way, let them have some face time, but only for a short time at first. Make sure you encourage the older cat and give her lots of positive reinforcement. Pretty soon they should at least learn to tolerate each other. I would suggest that if that doesn't work, maybe ask your vet for ideas. Since she used to want to mother other animals, maybe there's something deeper going on with her that is making her not want to do that any more (like getting older or something???).
I hope this helps (and I agree with you about people who let animals fend for themselves the way those kittens had to. Bless you for taking them in)!!
2006-06-06 07:36:13 · answer #1 · answered by mytib1 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just went through that myself with a 14 year old "queen".
Basically, keep the kittens away from her as much as possible at first. then allow "supervised" visits. She will eventually get used to them, if not love them. It's likely to be a sitatuation of "I'll tolerate you, barely, but DON'T TOUCH ME". For your part, you have to make sure your older cat feels she isn't being usurped. Make sure she knows she's still queen of the household and give her lots of extra attention, especially when the kittens are around. It's hard, because they're so cute and playful and new you want to play with them (and should -- a lot) but try to not do anything to make Madam Kitty feel left out. She'll eventually feel secure again and tolerate better - but it's a long slow ride. My "babies" are 8 mos. now, and we've JUST now gotten to the point of them being able to walk up to my queen bee without her hissing and snarling and running away -- but she's improving.
And, btw, how wonderful you are to take in the poor lost babies. They are very lucky! May your karma be as good as the bad I wish on whoever dumped them!!!
2006-06-06 14:50:11 · answer #2 · answered by Shadycat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I loved reading this it was cute and we do the same here and bring in so many different furry babies home.
OK, well 1st, it takes time, she will not kill them so don't worry. But she will teach them that they are too old to nurse, (the same thing mommy would do)
and this includes hissing and smacking them.
it will take a week or so for them to get the point and they will sneak once in awhile to See if the nippies are not armed with a army of claw protecting them once in awhile.
lol
It will be ok though.
Give them food and fresh water, and just if they start picking on her put them by the dishes.
As for you older cat, give her lots of affection and love and show her she is not being replaced, only now has babies to contend with.
It will make her more active and such too though. It is a good thing. not a bad thing, good job on the rescue.
2006-06-06 14:39:10 · answer #3 · answered by Akyer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have done this several times, but never with a cat as old as yours. The age may very well be the defining difference here.
Don't force them together for anything. make sure you have at least 2 litterboxes in the house. 1 for the older cat and 1 for the kittens.
Until they get along, do not feed them at the same time.
Let the rest just fall into place if they aren't forced into anything together and they all have their own space to deal with each other in their own time. it may work out.
2006-06-06 14:36:05 · answer #4 · answered by smartkid37138 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that's a good question....I'm not sure, but what it sound like to me is that your cat realised when she was younger that she wouldn't ever get the chance to have her own babies, but now that she has been given that chance......I don't know, maybe she's just eally stubborn now that she's all used to the other idea of not having any of her own kittens.
Maybe after she has spent some time with them and gotten used to them and doesn't think thet're predators, she just might give in.
GOOD LUCK!
2006-06-06 14:32:33 · answer #5 · answered by Sassy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really strongly suggest calling your local animal shelter for advice on this. I don't think your cat can be forced to adopt the kittens; she will have to do this on her own. She may have been feeling territorial or something like that -- she just needs to get used to them being around, but again, I really think you need to call the animal shelter.
2006-06-06 14:28:43 · answer #6 · answered by ucd_grad_2005 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing you can do to encourage her to accept them.Cats have a very definite nature,and even time will not likely cause her to accept them,if she has not already.It sounds as if she has gotten to the age that she is past all that and wants to be left alone.Cats are funny that way,and I doubt she will ever accept your new babies.
2006-06-06 14:30:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will just take time for her to get use to the idea that she isn't the only cat in the house. Been there done that
2006-06-06 14:26:53 · answer #8 · answered by cutiepie81289 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi: what I do is, feed them near each other, they should have there own dishes, also it will take time. also if there is something wrong with the kitten, like illness etc: your female wont accept them. good luck annie
2006-06-06 14:31:04 · answer #9 · answered by annie 1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
spend some time with thim at the same time so they can get to know each other
2006-06-06 14:29:16 · answer #10 · answered by baseball-star 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋