Question:
My husband and I look forward to your column. We do animal-rescue work and pick up valuable information from you. I wanted to pass on some advice regarding K.W. from New York's letter about the kitten constantly chasing the older cat.We do many cat adoptions, and this is a recurring problem because kittens are very high-energy and relentless in their playing. The long-range problem here is that if the older cat does not get a break from this constant barrage and is basically at the mercy of the younger cat, it can make the older cat permanently nervous, high-strung, fearful and really detest the kitten. In some cases, the kitten is returned to the adoption center because the other cat simply can't take the constant pestering.We have found the best solution is to adopt another kitten of a similar age. They play together and leave the older cat alone. This solves the problem immediately, but some people don't want or can't have a third cat.The second-best solution is to give either the kitten or the older cat
S. & B.M., Ellicott City, Md Apr 30, 2006
Answer:
Thank you for confirming what I have long advocated in this column. Older, solitary cats often get a new lease on life (improving in overall health, losing weight and becoming more lively) when given a younger feline companion. But they can get too stressed. The ideal situation would be to bring home two kittens that are litter-mates so they can rough-play with each other and give the older cat a break.Before adopting a new kitten, have the animal examined by a veterinarian -- especially for contagious viral infections, notably calici virus, feline panleukopenia, viral leukemia and immunodeficiency virus (feline AIDS).
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