Introducing a New Kitten to a Feral Cat

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I mentioned in a prior post that I would share my other cat soon and discuss the best ways of introducing a kitten to a feral cat. Teddy was adopted several months after Mitsy. She's the formerly feral kitten that has been the subject of my earlier posts. 

I was concerned about how well they'd get along, but the first introduction went better than expected. There was some hesitation and hissing, but that's completely normal with feline introductions. Before long curiosity and the desire for play and companionship won them over. 

Meet Teddy My Orange-Striped Tabby Cat 

Teddy is a big orange-striped medium-hair tabby cat that grew larger than Mitsy, but he wasn't always the biggest. At three months of age, he was a little less than half her size. According to the former owner, he would be big like his father. 

Teddy and Mitsy

Teddy's father was thought to be a large stray orange-striped cat. Unfortunately, he was killed by a car, but I wouldn't let that happen to my two cats. The closest they get to the outdoors is the threshold of the sliding screen door where they watch the birds and other wild critters.

First Introductions with Feral Cats and Kittens

I allowed Teddy and Mitsy to get used to each other on their terms and time schedule. At first, food and water were offered separately, and I never forced close contact. That's the best way to introduce a kitten to a feral cat, or a 'formerly' feral cat. I still use the word 'feral' because she's distinctly different. I'll discuss the differences in a future post.

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They Became a Bonded Pair 

It wasn't long before Mitsy took on a motherly role with Teddy. They were sleeping together for warmth, and she thoroughly groomed his ears, head, and neck. He loved the attention! 

Although they're two and three years old, she still grooms him. Oddly enough, he never returns the favor. When he decides it's time for pampering he stretches out in front of her as if to say, 'I'm ready to be groomed', and she lovingly complies. 

Why Would a Cat That Never Had Kittens Take On a Motherly Role?

Since Mitsy never had kittens I found it interesting that she'd take on the role of mother. It came naturally to her. Through research, I discovered that some cats have the same feelings toward kittens that some humans have toward children. Even though they've never given birth some are still natural nurturers. 

Until next time, 

Kim


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