Is My Cat Despressed?

TurnaroundSue

Hii, I have 2 cats, both sisters who are 2 years old. One of my cats spends alot of time outside, but we have recently got a third kitten, a boy, and since he has arrived my cat now spends more time out doors. However, when I go to stroke her, she puts her head down and isn't happy for me to do this (like I am about to hit her, although I never have and never will!!). Whenever my kids or OH go and stroke her, she doesn't do this for them though.

Do you think my cat is depressed, or do you think she blames me for bringing in the new kitten? I hope you don't think I am being silly asking this question, but it is starting to worry me now and I am not sure whether I should take her to the vet to get her checked over - or is there something I can do to make her feel happier.

Any advice will be very greatly received - thank you.

lowis

i am no expert but i would imagine her nose is a little out of joint! integrating cats is a minefield...i am shortly to face that problem myself. some good info here which may be relevant http://www.wvcats.com/integrating_cats.htm

give your little girl a bit of extra love - just let her know she is still top cat - but do it in a way that doesn't reward her for sulking i.e. don't molly-coddle her during a strop

TurnaroundSue

Thanks Lowis - have had a very quick read and it seems really interesting. Will spend more time this evening and read it in depth and thank you for taking the time and showing me this site. Hopefully can implement some/all of points raised and hopefully the cat and kitten will learn to like each other (and me for that matter of fact!!!!)

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

Cat's hate change and they're ever so good at making you feel guilty.lowis said it all,your cat's feeling put out.Give her time and she'll come round once the cats establish their own pecking order.

Sazzyukrafc

Ahhh bless, she's probably feeling a little bit pushed out. I expect your new kitten is getting a lot of attention and she is jealous. Cats are very jealous animals and want to be the centre of attention all the time. Give her some attention and maybe integrate her with the kitten, so she starts to enjoy her as well.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Yep, I agree with everyone else, she's got the right hump with you! I'd suggest offering treats but making sure that she lets you fuss her before she gets any. You may need to bear in mind you could be overprotecting the kitten too, they have to learn to fit in, which means possibly making a point of fussing kitty cat 1 first, feeding her first, etc. They get over it eventually!

(Although my kk1 is still jealous of everyone getting more attention than her - she hates it when DD1 cuddles me and has to jump on my lap to get closer - DD1 & 2 both bundle me then and she has to jump off or be squished! Strangely enough, if she decides she wants fuss from them, she is more than happy to flop all over them, they just aren't allowed to flop all over me)

Cats - don't you just love 'em?

jayne26

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