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Cat & Kitten Experts

Two Paws Down to New Kitten

A jealous cat may not accept a new kitten in the household.

J. Veronika Kiklevich, DVM

Q. We recently found a gray-and-white kitten wandering around our backyard. She came and went for days. Now she sticks around most of the time since we started feeding her regularly, playing with her more and giving her extra attention.

We also have a black-and-white cat named Ozzy, and he's been with us for more than two years. We tried giving Ozzy more attention than usual with the new kitten and all but he is still extremely jealous.

We want to keep the kitten, but we're not sure. Can we get these two to be friends or should we find a new home for the little one?

A. It is admirable of you to want to provide a home for the little stray, but it may cause a tremendous upset in your household. There are many ways to introduce cats to one another, but it usually takes a long period of time and patience from everyone in your household with no guarantee that Ozzy will ever accept this kitten. To be fair to everyone, consider finding a new loving home for this little stray.

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Two Paws Down to New Kitten

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Reader Comments
I would love to take in kitties needing homes but in a one bedroom apt, two 16 lb boys is my limit.
janet, bethlehem, PA
Posted: 3/31/2011 4:33:37 AM
good article thanks
janet, bethlehem, PA
Posted: 12/3/2009 5:07:36 AM
It has been my experience that there is usually jealousy in a situation like this. However, if you continue to regard Ozzy as #1, always greeting him first, feeding him first, brushing him first, etc., eventually they may get along. Consistency pays off - my 19 year old still occasionally hisses at my relatively newer 7 year old, and it took about two years for this acceptance because i didn't introduce them properly (according to cat priority and etiquette).
leta, sierra madre, CA
Posted: 12/18/2008 1:01:51 AM
I got two kittens to keep my adult cat company who had lost her sister. The kittens were too frisky and disruptive for my adult cat and me.
janet, bethlehem, PA
Posted: 9/23/2007 1:05:30 PM
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