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

Asked By: Loralee Winkler

Date created: Sat, Oct 15, 2022 0:04 AM

Date updated: Wed, May 8, 2024 11:16 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 give a kitten to an older cat?»

Answered by Yessenia Jean on Sat, Oct 15, 2022 7:35 AM

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

😻 Do older cats get along with new kittens?

Twice we have introduced a kitten to an older cat in our household, and both times it did take quite a while for the older cat to get used to the new one. There was a lot of hissing to start with! We found it took a few months for them to accept each other, but in one case they eventually ended up best friends!

😻 Is it possible to adopt a kitten into a senior cat household?

Adopting a kitten into a senior cat household By Jo Singer, MSW, CSW, LCSW (Ret.) June 9, 2017 16872 0 Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Cats can get set in their ways. And the older they are, the truer this becomes.

😻 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.

Video answer: How To Introduce Your Cat to a New KITTEN!

We've handpicked 24 related questions for you, similar to «Is it OK to give a kitten to an older cat?» so you can surely find the answer!

How old should a kitten be before you can give it away?

How old should a kitten be before it is ok to give it away? The question is then when can kittens leave their mom. It is ok to let your kitten leave at 8 weeks old or older. The most ideal age is between 12-16 weeks old.

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 bring a kitten to an elderly cat?

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 bring a kitten to an old cat?

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

What happens if you give an older kitten milk?

An older kitten will probably just get an upset tummy, and if they stay hydrated and aren’t given any more should be fine. If you tried giving cows milk to an orphan bottle baby you are in much bigger trouble.

Is it OK for a kitten to eat litter?

Kittens may eat litter out of curiosity, so it’s recommended not to use clumping litter until they are older. Ingesting clumping litter may cause an intestinal blockage. Be sure to use a non-toxic litter and monitor use.

Is having only one kitten in a litter okay?

Yes, I've known many cats that for one reason or another were "only" cats - some cats prefer that and its ok. Look for an older kitten or young adult that prefers to be an only cat. Shelters may have some info along those lines. I think one kitten would be fine.

How do you calm an older cat with an explosive kitten?

Providing your older cat with a chance to have an undisturbed nap without having to deal with an explosive kitten will enable it to calm its nerves. Provide a box for your older cat to play in or give them a food-dispensing toy to work off their energy. If your older cat prefers staying in the living area to snooze, let it have that area.

Is it OK to leave a 3 month old kitten alone?

(Kittens younger than four months should not be left alone for more than four hours. Older than that, they can handle another hour or so. When they reach six months, they can tolerate an eight-hour day without company.)

Can one cat be an only cat?

Yes, I've known many cats that for one reason or another were "only" cats - some cats prefer that and its ok. Look for an older kitten or young adult that prefers to be an only cat. Shelters may have some info along those lines. I think one kitten would be fine.

Video answer: Introducing our Kitten to our Adult Cat | Bringing Miles Home

Is it OK to declaw an older cat?

Yes, it is true that young kittens seem to recover faster than older cats, but it's not because they feel any less pain or have suffered any less trauma. Declawing cats isn't ok at any age. (1) Learn to clip your cat's nails or schedule regular appointments with a groomer or vet to have them trimmed.

Is it OK to introduce a new pet to an older cat?

Introducing a new pet may be a traumatic experience for older cats, and should be avoided whenever possible. Moving to a new home can be equally stressful, however, stress can be alleviated by giving the older cat more affection and attention during times of emotional upheaval.

Is it OK to give a kitten a haircut?

Kitten style It’s not recommended to give your cat a haircut when it’s still a kitten. Kittens are nervous creatures and have trouble keeping calm during a cut. Sedating a kitten might cause health problems in the future. 5. Egyptian style Egyptian cats with large ears look beautiful but they might have long fur that ruins the image.

Is it OK to deworm a 6 week old kitten?

Most products can safely be used on kittens age eight or nine weeks and older, though some are safe for kittens as young as six weeks of age. If your kitten is younger than the recommended age listed on a dewormer, contact your veterinarian.

Is it OK to give milk to kittens?

Do not feed cow's milk to kittens, as it does not have the proper nutrition for them. Cow's milk will also cause diarrhea, a possibly life-threatening condition for young kittens. Only feed your kittens an approved kitten formula. Hoskins, a homemade formula, is ideal.

Is it normal for older cats to lick kittens Bum?

Older cats will lick a kitten’s bum, not to be gross, but to help to make sure that they urinate and defecate. This is completely normal, as the licking will stimulate the kitten to make a potty, after which the older cat is going to give them a thorough cleaning.

Will an older cat hurt a kitten?

While it is rare for an adult cat to attack a kitten outright, it is safer always to supervise the interactions at first. Not only can you prevent your older cat from hurting your kitten, you can also prevent a kitten that is too boisterous and playful making a serious nuisance of itself with a sedate older cat.

Is it possible to get a shy kitten to come around?

A shy kitten will establish his bond with you if you give him enough time and care. Even feral kittens will come around if adopted early enough. An older kitten or cat will take longer to socialize but it can be done.

How do you acclimate a kitten to an older cat?

How to Acclimate a Kitten to an Old Cat. Do so while the kitten is safely in his crate. Place the food as close to the crate as possible without bringing it so close that the older cat hisses or swipes at the kitten. This is a good way to determine the older cat’s comfort zone around the kitten. Repeat this daily.

Can I give my Bengal cat milk?

It is completely fine to feed milk to a Bengal kitten but as Bengal kitten grows older and reaches adulthood they become lactose intolerant which can cause digestive problems like diarrhea in your Bengal cat. So if you have an adult Bengal cat then you should first give it a little milk and see how it reacts.

Is it OK to play with an old cat?

Remember: old cats don’t usually initiate play. You need to be the spark that fires up their attention and interest. Our Senior Advisors Pookie and Wolfie offer these tips for playing with older cats:

Why won't my older cat accept a new kitten?

Your older cat is establishing its role as the dominant cat in the household and the kitten is being taught where its boundaries as the new cat are. Don't give up if the first encounters are not positive. Older cats can take time to acclimate to a younger cat.

How do I Stop my Cat from hissing at my new kitten?

One of the easiest ways to prevent your older cat from hissing at your new kitten is by ensuring that you do not leave your older cat unattended. You might be excited about bringing your new kitten but do not cut off the time that you used to give your older kitten.

Is it OK to give Droncit to a kitten?

Do not give Droncit to your cat if it is less than six weeks old, and consult a veterinarian before you give Droncit to a weak or debilitated cat. On rare occasions, cats may experience excessive salivation or diarrhea as a side effect of Droncit use.

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