1
Because I am in a hospital and will be for some time, a friend is taking care of Babyblue, my fifteen-year-old cat. My friend reports that he is eating little; is that normal? She has had him for several weeks now. When she asked me to call and leave a message for the cat, I thought that was a bit odd, but she reports that he actually responds to my voice. He listens, and generally either eats, goes to the bathroom, wags his tail, or rolls over on his stomach, or inches over to the phone. I added "Meows" (silly, I suppose) and he seems to respond to those too. Should I keep this up? Will it just confuse him into thinking I will soon be home? Otherwise he seems happy, except that he really likes sleeping on my friend's bed and she isn't so fond of this habit he had with me. Any advice?
2
What is the best way to integrate two adult female cats? How long does it usually take? I am not sure of the new cats personality. The new cat is a little older than a year old,and my exiting cat is a little over two. Thank you so much.
3
I just recently got a new kitten. My other cat hates it. The new cat is from the same mom and litter as my other cat. They were just separated for a little bit until I could afford to have both of them. I was wondering if you could give me some ideas on how to make them get along and not fight. I am worried that they will hate each other forever. I just want them to get along. Please help. Thanks.
4
I took one of my 2 cats to the veterinarian yesterday. Now the one who didn't go is behaving very strangely. He is making low gutteral sounds and hissing at the one who went to the vet, whenever he sees him. Is it safe to leave them alone, together and why is he doing this? Thank you.
5
I have two cats that used to be inseparable. Now, they hiss and moan and growl like they don't know each other. What could be the problem?
1
Because I am in a hospital and will be for some time, a friend is taking care of Babyblue, my fifteen-year-old cat. My friend reports that he is eating little; is that normal? She has had him for several weeks now. When she asked me to call and leave a message for the cat, I thought that was a bit odd, but she reports that he actually responds to my voice. He listens, and generally either eats, goes to the bathroom, wags his tail, or rolls over on his stomach, or inches over to the phone. I added "Meows" (silly, I suppose) and he seems to respond to those too. Should I keep this up? Will it just confuse him into thinking I will soon be home? Otherwise he seems happy, except that he really likes sleeping on my friend's bed and she isn't so fond of this habit he had with me. Any advice?
It is not unusual for cats to miss their owners or for them to respond to their voice. Since Babyblue is 15 years old, it is very important that he keep eating, drinking and eliminating. If hearing the sound of your voice helps him do that, you should continue to do what you have been doing. Perhaps you could make an audiotape so your friend can play it for him more often. Over time he may adjust to his new home and not need to hear it so often. As for sleeping on the bed, he is probably just trying for some closeness. Why doesn't your friend try putting a chair covered with a towel next to the bed and see if he will sleep there? I hope you get well soon and can be reunited with your Babyblue.
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2
What is the best way to integrate two adult female cats? How long does it usually take? I am not sure of the new cats personality. The new cat is a little older than a year old,and my exiting cat is a little over two. Thank you so much.
First, I am so pleased you have already taken your new friend for her veterinary check up that is so important. When introducing two cats to one another the most important component is to proceed slowly. Initially keep the cats separated in so that they can get used to the smell of one another, while allowing them contact through the closed door. Then you can try short periods of visual contact by cracking the door just a bit and see how they react. If hissing and growling occurs, then a longer separation may be needed. If they seem relaxed, try using food treats to reward good behavior. Gradually allow them to visualize each other for longer periods of time. If all goes well, allow them out together while feeding treats. Gradually increase the time together while you supervise and allow them to set the pace.
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3
I just recently got a new kitten. My other cat hates it. The new cat is from the same mom and litter as my other cat. They were just separated for a little bit until I could afford to have both of them. I was wondering if you could give me some ideas on how to make them get along and not fight. I am worried that they will hate each other forever. I just want them to get along. Please help. Thanks.
Not all cats are real social, even with their littermates if they have been separated for some time. When introducing two cats it is best to try and make pleasant associations with the presence of the other cat. This can be play, food treats or even grooming. The goal is to associate good things with the other cat. When you are unable to work with them, it might help to keep them separated. Over time they should become used to one another and the household will become more harmonious.
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4
I took one of my 2 cats to the veterinarian yesterday. Now the one who didn't go is behaving very strangely. He is making low gutteral sounds and hissing at the one who went to the vet, whenever he sees him. Is it safe to leave them alone, together and why is he doing this? Thank you.
This is actually not an uncommon problem in cat households. The cat that left and went to the veterinarian likely smells different than he did before and this may be upsetting to the cat that remained at home. It often helps to separate them for a few days. While they are apart it might help to rub first one cat with a towel and then the other and then the first cat. This might help them become familiar with the smell of the other cat. Slow reintroductions using food can also be helpful. Try to be patient and not to rush things or the fighting might continue.
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5
I have two cats that used to be inseparable. Now, they hiss and moan and growl like they don't know each other. What could be the problem?
Sometimes cats may become adversaries after a change in routine such as a visit to the veterinary hospital. At other times, they may become anxious for other reasons including illness. A good start would be to separate the cats and reintroduce them in conjunction with something pleasant such as play or cat treats. If they get along, they can remain together for a bit and then separated again. As they become reacquainted they can spend more time together. If either one seems ill, then a veterinary visit would be a good idea.
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