Is the way i treat my new kittens normal?

65% Normal
9 Comments

I was given kittens by a friend because their newly-adopted feral cat was pregnant before they got her. Although I was reluctant to accept them at first, because I have a busy job and already a male (neutered) cat at home, I did when she was having difficulty getting them a home.

I live in a busy city surrounded by roads where I fear it would not be safe for them so I keep them indoors. They spend most of their day in their room (although it is fairly big) with fresh water, usual fair amount of food each day, etc. Within their room there are plenty of toys and a double kitten bed for them, as well as a soft plush carpet and scratching posts. For 2 hours each day, I let them out and play with them, etc. and generally watch them over before I go to bed.

Originally I let them out with my male cat (supervised) but they did not get on - which could be down to my cat's neglect and other abuse from his previous owner. He's always had difficulties relating with other cats and people; they continually fought (I can tell it's not play fighting by the hisses and fluffed up fur). This went on for 2 months until I gave up.

Would you say it's cruel to keep them within a room for most of the day, despite the toys, etc.? IIN?

Voting Results
65% Normal
Based on 118 votes (77 yes)
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Comments ( 9 )
  • Shroot
    10 years ago

    You're doing the best you can, which is fine.

    But maybe you should think about re-homing the kitten.

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  • (s)aint
    10 years ago

    You are doing the best you can judging by the circumstances!

    Have you tried to gently introduce the kittens to your adult cat? Having a fence in between the doors so they can get used to one another?

    Either way, continue with what you are doing and meanwhile look for a new home for them. I'm willing to bet that your kittens have a far better life than many other cats.

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  • SkullsNRoses
    10 years ago

    I agree with Shroot, it there doesn't seem to be anymore you can do, but it wouldn't really be fair on a cat to live it's whole life this way. I think you should look into re-homing the kitten to give him/her a better life.

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  • Isabella80s
    10 years ago

    I think you're trying to do the best thing you can do, which is great. You're keeping them safe from the roads, which is reasonable. I think it's ok as long as they've got what they need to play, rest, eat, drink (which they do) and they've got company in eachother. If you let them out separately from your other cat everyday, then I don't see the issue. So they're still getting fresh air and a change of scenery everyday. See how things go as they get older? I had a cat who spend 95% of her time indoors through choice. She had the run of a largeish garden and she'd just go and sit on the back step for ten minutes each day. Sometimes venture a few metres up the garden path, but that was it. Then she'd come back in.

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  • Couman
    10 years ago

    It's normal, given the circumstances, but I don't think keeping them in one room (except for two hours a day) is a really good long-term solution.

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  • davesumba
    10 years ago

    Your original cat is protecting HIS territory. Which btw, it is your cat's territory, NOT yours, and certainly not a new kitten's.
    I would love to have 2 precious little cats, but my best friend wouldn't allow it, she is very protective of me and my home.

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  • Femke
    10 years ago

    I think you are doing fine.

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  • SRS_Boyholes
    10 years ago

    The kittens are fine. Every cat will have an issue with a new one, territory, dominance, ect ect. It's usually better to keep them separated until the kittens are old enough to have a chance (and with supervision, of course).

    An unsocialized cat, like your original kitty, is a bit trickier as they don't understand how to communicate with other cats. These kittens can actually benefit him by teaching him how to "be a cat". It will take a lot of patience and time, however and a busy job sounds, well, busy.

    If you can't trust your cat with the kittens when they're big enough to fight back, and you don't have the time to acclimate them together, it's time to rehome because sometimes doors get left open by mistake or one darts out quickly and, if your cat finds it first, you may have a death on your hands. Better safe than sorry. Nothing wrong with indoor kitties, though!

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  • RomeoDeMontague
    10 years ago

    Well I know for new kittens you can take them to special training to teach them how to get along with people and other animals. I not sure how old your adult cat is though. Also if its territorial behaviour you could try fixing them. That or you could simply seperate them and keep them in different areas of your house.

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