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humorist-workshop
Cats don't get along, but one's about to give birth.
Hi everyone!
I've had a new cat (n00b) for about 50 days now. She was pregnant before I rescued her, so I'm expecting kittens soon. (Just to put it out there, I'm planning to adopt them out after 8 weeks, and will have a no-kill shelter as a LAST resort)
My other cat (8 years old; call her 8) is extremely skittish, and not a fan of n00b. She's staked out her territory as the bedroom, and will not leave it. But n00b keeps crossing the line and they hiss and growl at each other (no real fighting). 8 keeps to herself mostly, which makes me sad - she used to be very cuddly. I try to give her attention, which she loves, but I don't spend a lot of time in the bedroom.
I've tried to integrate them - they kind of integrate themselves sometimes. Like last night, 8 slept with me (as usual), I woke up to hissing, calmed things down and went back to sleep, then woke up in the morning to n00b sleeping next to me on the bed and 8 on the floor on my other side.
I'm afraid 8 will get mean and more reclusive, especially when the kittens come, and I'm worried that n00b will have labor complications because of the stress of having 8 around.
And then - what if n00b goes into labor when I'm not home?? I live alone. What do you do in these situations?
Thank you for any advice you can offer!! <3
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Want to answer more questions in the Domesticity category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Pets?
Pregnant cats will always be more territorial and hormonal. I would try to keep them at a bit of a distance until the babies are weaned. I know that's a long time but once the babies are born the mom will be even more protective and it will only get worse. After the babies are born give it some time and then reintroduce the other cat slowly
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I think I answered a similar question recently from you perhaps about a territorial cat and two new cats being introduced. If it wasn't you I would search for it because it has advice that will mirror exactly what I am about to reiterate now.
Your older cat is pissed off not so much at the new addition but to you as well. You brought in a new cat and should have done so in a crate and gradually introducing them to each other and limited interaction until they built up a trust let alone tolerance.
The old cat desperately wants to hid from the new one so that is why she has staked out the bedroom as hers. She's annoyed at you for not spending as much time in the bedroom with her where she feels safe. The hissing is more or less their way of saying F-off to one another and that this is my turf.
You need a vet to help you figure out how to handle them and what to do when kittens arrive to keep the peace and how not to have said pregnant cat upset now or complications. The vet has seen and heard this a lot before. Aside from that spend equal time with the cat alone and together.
If concerned about not being home I would find a friend or a neighbor you could pay and depend on for staying at your place when you are out and one that has been instructed by your vet or someone in the know how to assist your cat and the kittens during birth as it is often needed having been there with dogs myself. That's about all you can do. Also, stop worrying with the what if scenarios or you'll drive yourself bonkers and deal with what is or what the vet says is your real concern. It will turn out well.
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