Two Paws Down to New Kitten

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

By J. Veronika Kiklevich, DVM

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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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Janet    Bethlehem, PA 6/17/2012 8:41:28 AM thanks for the info janet    bethlehem, PA 3/31/2011 4:33:37 AM 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 12/3/2009 5:07:36 AM good article thanks leta    sierra madre, CA 12/18/2008 1:01:51 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).