We have two kittens (3 months old) that have been in the house for a month, and an older cat (8 or 9 years old). When can we let the kittens roam free? Right now they are penned up in the foyer (with food and water and a litter box, of course).
The adult cat hissed the first two days, and after that would disappear whenever we let the kittens out to play. Now, she doesn't show interest in the kittens at all, and doesn't disappear too much. No hissing, either.
The problem is, everyone is at work or school for most of the day. I'm afraid it's too early to let them play together alone yet. What age would be good? Or what signs should I look for?
2007-09-10 23:06:58 · 4 answers · asked by Madame M 7 in Pets ➔ Cats
We have had many cats and kittens in our home here. The basic rule of having them get along is to introduce them slowly for about a week with a little space between them. This gives them the chance to sniff each other and know what their scent smells like. After that you can let them out and they should be okay. it sounds like your older cat has accepted them as you said that he doesn't disappear as much. If an older cat gets tired of the antics of a younger kitten they tend to find a quiet place to sleep. You can try letting them all be together over a weekend( like this weekend) let them loose together and not close any one in a room separately. If you see anything wrong you will see it then. If you see no sign of problems then you can be assured that they will all get along together and you will not have to pin them up any more. I hope you have a great experience on this ;-) I hope I helped a tiny bit.
2007-09-10 23:27:49 · answer #1 · answered by grumpyswife 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They should be fine. Normally, female adults won't kill babies, it's the male adults you have to watch, particularly if they're outdoor cats.
The hissing is just her way of warning them off, protecting her space. If they get too close and she doesn't like it, she might bat one of them, but usually it all works out fine. She'll get extra grouchy if one of them tries to nurse on her, but again this is just the way cats do things.
If you actually let them interact, the adult female will impose a social structure for the group where she's the boss. They won't be able to play until that happens. If you let them interact and let the kittens "take their lumps", she will most likely play with them sooner.
2007-09-10 23:27:48 · answer #2 · answered by kevrob8008 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your older cat isn't bothering about them, its probably okay to let them out.
But realize that 3 month old kittens can get into a lot of trouble when left on their own - like clawing furniture and drapes and knocking over glassware.
Good luck!
2007-09-10 23:21:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
not alone just yet. wait until u can trust the adult cat.
u can also ask you vet for behavior advice too.
2007-09-10 23:11:36 · answer #4 · answered by OR 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋