Conference misery::feline_v1

    My experience has been (and I've moved 3 times in the last year)
    that moving time would be the best time to introduce a new kitten
    into the family.  
    
    I had a cat that I got about 2 weeks before moving from one apartment
    to another.  The cats hated her, and they kept attacking her, even
    when she was a cage in their room.  When we moved, I gave everyone
    a bath, and moved them all....put them all together in their room,
    and haven't had a problem since.
    
    cin
    

    Re .1:
    
    Better, get _two_ kittens.  This divides the attention of the older
    cat and makes the transition easier.  I did this for a grouchy old
    sealpoint at the tender age of 17, and the kittens "adopted" Angelica
    within a week.
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.
    

    
    
    I don't know how moving will effect the situation, however, if your
    cat is very independent, BEWARE!   When we introduced a kitten into
    our house, our very proud 6 yr old yellow tabby 'left home'.  She
    know lives at the neighbors about 1/4 mile down the road. We see
    her often and even tried bringing her back on several occasions.
    The people were very fond of her and had two children who adored
    her and asked if we could leave the arrangement as it was, so we did.
    
    I guess the point is, if your cat is used to all your attention
    and his territory, there could be trouble.  There is an earlier
    note that deals with introducing a kitten into the household, it
    seemed to have very good results .
    
    donna B.

    
    
    See note 341 for 'Bringing home the new kitty'
    
    djb

    After many CATastrophes, I started using the Carole Wilbourne method
    of introduction.
    
    Carole has written two books and has a column in Cat Fancy magazine.
    
    The books are:  The Inner Cat 
                    Cats on the Couch
    
    She explains it better than I can, but I'll give it a try.  Find
    someone else to bring the new cat or kitten to your home and have
    them leave it in the bathroom with the door slightly open.  While
    they are doing this, you and your cat are in the other end of the
    house playing and cuddling.  Let your cat discover the new cat on
    it's own.  Don't interfere at all.  You must not show any emotion
    towards the new cat until your cat has accepted it.  This is hard
    to do but it does work.  
    
    Pick up her books for more info.  This has worked in our multicat
    household.
    
    Good luck,
              Jo Ann
    
    

    I've taken this from Dr. Michael Fox's column in the Atlanta Journal
    and Constitution.
    
    When introducing adult cats it is a good idea to put the same perfume
    or after-shave lotion (just a few dabs) under each cat's chin and
    along their backs.  This treatment tends to reduce the intensity
    of the odor differences between the two cats and may reduce the
    resident cat's territorial aggression toward the 'intruder'.  Keep
    this treatment up for 7 to 10 days.  You should expect some hissing
    and chasing and running away.  If the cats do not settle down within
    three to four weeks, find a good home for one of them.
    
    
    
    I thought this would be of interest and worth a try.  Also, I would
    try it with kittens as well.
    
    

    
    Thought I'd update my status while I was in here, and in a writing
    mood.
    
    We never did get a second cat -- which turned out for the best.
    Cat number one was very confused right after the move.  She hid
    in the bathtub for a day.  Then we flew home to that tropical paradise,
    Milwaukee, for 18 days over Christmas, and brought her along.  She
    did fine.  My folks, who we were visiting, have three cats and a
    large dog.  I think that after all that excitement, a new kitten
    will be a walk in the park.
    
    We've been looking lately -- my wife is picky:  she wants a 8-weeker
    for under $50.
    
    -Jim

    Please, try to convince your wife to get a slightly older kitten!!
    8 weeks is just too young to separate a kitten from its mother...
    
    purrs
    cin