new kitten

[stressed out]

We have recently acquired a new kitten but he seems ferrel. We have 2 other female (nuetered)  cats who are spnding more time away, we are scared that we may lose them so we need to rehome the kitten. Do you think that our 2 cats will be fine when he's gone and will come back home more often?

Thanks

[smudge]

Hi stressed out - Sorry to hear about your new kitten. I would contact your local vet or animal sanctuary for advice. The reason I say this, is because 4 years ago, we aquired a new kitten at 8 weeks, but we soon realised it was more like a feral cat than a domestic one.

As time went on, we tried to persevere, but it was lashing out, scratching & biting the Grandchildren. She then scratched & badly bit my husband's hand, which came up like a balloon. I took the cat to a vet who said our initial suspicions were right & no matter how much care & attention we showered her with, she would never change.

It broke our hearts to take her to an animal sanctuary, but we had no other option. The manager at the sanctuary phoned me only a few days later to say that the cat had really lashed out biting & scratching  the staff. She also said that if it couldn't be re-homed, they would have to have her put down. I do hope that wasn't the case.

I know all cats are different & some are more nervous than others, but when you've had a loving tame cat for 13 years, it was a shock. We haven't had a cat since.  

[smudge]

P.S. I'm sure your two other cats will come back to you once the new kitten has gone to a new home. Good luck.

[woofgang]

Not sure which part of the country you both live in but here in hampshire there are people who have barns and stables who take feral strays on. They are known to local vets and animal rescue orgs, the cats are neutered then released into the area where they will live. They aren't fenced in but there is shelter and plenty of natural food available. The people who have these cats keep an eye on them, get them healthcare when it is needed and supplement their food.

Its a win win. The cats get what they need, the owners get pest control and the ecological niche is filled with neutered cats thus controlling the population.

I hope that this comforts both of you a bit.

[smudge]

Thank you woofgang - I couldn't stop crying when the Manager phoned & explained what they proposed to do if the cat couldn't be re-homed. However, your kind words have made me feel at ease. I've tried to think of her having a happy life & hope that is the case.

[stressed out]

Thank you for your advice, he was successfully rehomed and our other 2 girls are fine and waltz in and out at their leisure! lol! x