Is it OK to bring a kitten to an elderly cat?

Asked By: Kristle Churchill

Date created: Sat, Aug 20, 2022 1:52 AM

Date updated: Sat, Apr 27, 2024 0:04 AM

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Video answer: 5 Tips on Introducing a Kitten to an Older Cat

Best answer to the question «Is it OK to bring a kitten to an elderly cat?»

Answered by Bebe Maas on Sat, Aug 20, 2022 7:48 AM

People frequently assume that getting a young exuberant kitten as a companion for an elderly cat will help perk up the senior’s spirits. In reality, however, bringing home a kitten is likely to make the older cat’s life more uncomfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Those who are looking for an answer to the question «Is it OK to bring a kitten to an elderly cat?» often ask the following questions:

😻 Should you get a kitten when you have a senior cat?

Getting a kitten when you have a senior cat can reinvigorate your incumbent cat. Kittens have an infectious energy that some older cats enjoy. You may find that your older cat rediscovers a sense of playfulness and starts to interact with its surroundings more. Unfortunately, the opposite effect is more common.

😻 How do you take care of an older cat and a kitten?

The litter box, food bowls, bed, and some toys should all be easily accessible. Do not let your older cat have unsupervised access to the kitten. At night, when you are not home, and whenever you are unable to supervise the kitten and your older cat, keep the kitten in its designated room with the door closed.

😻 Should you get a kitten when you have a senior cat?

Getting a kitten when you have a senior cat can reinvigorate your incumbent cat. Kittens have an infectious energy that some older cats enjoy. You may find that your older cat rediscovers a sense of playfulness and starts to interact with its surroundings more. Unfortunately, the opposite effect is more common.

Video answer: My Cat HATES my New Kitten - Help? How to Introduce Cats!

We've handpicked 19 related questions for you, similar to «Is it OK to bring a kitten to an elderly cat?» so you can surely find the answer!

Is it OK to bring a kitten to an old cat?

Old cat vs. kitten People frequently assume that getting a young exuberant kitten as a companion for an elderly cat will help perk up the senior’s spirits. In reality, however, bringing home a kitten is likely to make the older cat’s life more uncomfortable.

Is it OK to have a second kitten with an elderly cat?

Kittens have very little respect for territory and boundaries. The revved-up kitten’s attempts at playful curiosity may end up being too stressful to the senior cat. If your elderly cat is ill, has limited mobility or is impaired in any way then it’s not a good idea to add a second cat at all.

Is it OK to keep a cat in a room?

If you have an elderly cat or a kitten at home, or if your cat is ill, you should confine them to a room to protect them from damage. It’s completely okay to keep your cat in her room and take care of all her requirements if she loves living at home.

What should I bring to the vet with my Pet?

Visits to the vet can be stressful for your buddy. Bring along some of their favorite toys and a blanket. Ask if it’s OK for them to eat before the visit -- some health tests require animals to fast beforehand. (Water is OK -- you don’t want them to be dehydrated.) If food is OK, you could bring their favorite treats.

Video answer: Got a New Kitten & Older Cat is MAD??? This Will Help

Can an elderly cat get along with a kitten?

This means that introducing an elderly cat to a kitten can be problematic. Kittens can be a little too noisy and boisterous for an older cat’s tastes. The introduction of a senior cat to a kitten must be done gradually. Keep the two cats separate and allow them to learn each other’s scent through objects.

Can an elderly cat play with a young kitten?

An elderly cat may simply never be the perfect play mate for a young energetic kitten. Another kitten would have the same energy levels. They would entertain each other and let the older cat have the peace and tranquility it needs. Cats who are paired together when young are much likely to get along and live in harmony.

Is it OK to have a cat in your garden?

As a gardener you may well have unwelcome cats calling in on your garden as they do their daily rounds but it is important to remember that the cat is someone’s property as well as a pet. Perhaps the only companion of an elderly person or much loved by a young child.

Is it better to get an older or younger cat?

In the case of an elderly person looking for a companion, again, an older cat is calmer. I hate to bring up this point, actually, but an older cat may not have many more years left than the person, and the family won't have the problem of "what to do with a cat that has outlived its owner."

Is it OK to add a kitten to your household?

If you normally adopt adult cats, adding a kitten can be a real adventure and can bring a sense of play and joy into your household. If you already have several cats in your household, you’ll want to make sure the introduction is as stress-free and smooth as possible – for your kitten, the other household cats, and yourself.

Is it OK to bring a kitten home with you?

Even if you are fortunate enough to be home during the day, the attention a single kitten demands may occupy all your waking hours. A pair of kittens will also want to interact with you, but they can occupy each other while you are carrying on daily activities. Think twice about bringing a kitten home to a senior feline resident.

Video answer: How To Properly Introduce A Kitten To An Older Cat

How old is an elderly cat?

How old is an ‘elderly’ cat? With the constant improvements in veterinary care, the life span of cats is much longer than it used to be. A cat used to be considered elderly at the age of 12 years or more, but it’s not now uncommon for your cat to reach the ripe old age of 18!

Should I adopt an older cat or young kitten?

When considering whether to adopt an older cat or a young kitten, consider these issues: An Act of Kindness: Anyone who adopts an elderly cat is doing a great thing. They are the least likely to be adopted and shelters cannot keep them indefinitely.

Is it OK to give a kitten to an older cat?

The kitten may appear small, but scent-wise this is still a “strange cat” and an intruder. As a rule of thumb, the younger the new kitten, the better. If you found an orphaned newborn kitten, your older cat may not feel threatened at all.

Why is it important to crate a cat?

Crating a tiny kitten will keep him safe and out of trouble at night while everyone else sleeps. And crating an elderly cat who gets confused will make him feel secure and safe.

Why no veterinary care for a stray kitten?

No Veterinary Care because of the many problems we found while treating this poor cat. If you bring a stray kitten or cat into your home, don’t think he is fine, even if he looks OK. In our case, this “healthy” young cat had at least 6 problems that could have worsened if we hadn’t looked for them. 1. Trauma

Is it safe to bring a stray cat into your home?

Both diseases are ultimately fatal, though affected cats may remain symptom-free for some time. Humans are not affected by these diseases, but obviously any other cats you have will be at risk if you bring an infected stray into your home. It's critical to have a vet give a new cat the OK before introducing him to your little pride.

Is it OK for an older cat to eat kitten food?

In general, no, your adult or senior cat eating kitten food occasionally or for a short period of time won’t hurt him. The risks start if your cat only eats kitten food.

Is it OK to buy used cat furniture?

“No one knows how common it is for pet parents to bring in something that might have virus, bacteria or fleas, but it certainly does occur,” says Dr. Shmalberg. “It's better to be safe.” When in doubt, don't buy or use the item. If your pet can get an illness or disease from such an item, that's clearly no bargain.

Is it better to get an older cat or a kitten?

Less Time Together: Most cats live until about 16 so your time with an elderly cat is, obviously, more limited than your time with a kitten. Selecting a cat is such a personal issue. Considering whether an older cat or young kitten fits your life is essential and knowing the issues of each age will make your cat selection an easier task.

Video answer: Don't Adopt a Kitten! Consider doing THIS instead