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Written by Wendy Christensen
Spaying, or ovariohysterectomy, is the surgical removal of a female cat's uterus and ovaries. It's performed under general anesthesia. Spaying is considered relatively simple, routine surgery. It requires a small incision in the cat's abdomen. Spay and neuter surgeries are very safe procedures, with complications appearing only extremely rarely. Healthy cats tolerate general anesthesia extremely well. Gas anesthesia is usually used. Cats are closely monitored during and after surgery. Most cats can go home the same day. Your veterinarian will give you instructions on caring for your cat after surgery, and will tell you if there are stitches that need to be removed. Most cats bounce back from this simple, vital procedure very quickly.
So make that appointment for spay surgery with the veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, do NOT let your cat go outdoors, even for a few minutes.
Q: I have just added a kitten to our already one-cat household. The older cat is about 16 months old and is male. The kitten is also male (which I have heard from the vet that this was not the best choice to pair a male cat with) and will be 3 months old on the 15th of Jan. Thus far, they can not be in the same room together without getting into it. It looks like they are really trying to hurt each other, and sometimes I fear that the older one has every intention to kill the kitten. We've only had the kitten for about 2 weeks. How much of this is normal, and when should I seek help if it doesn't stop? Also, is there anything besides keeping them apart for periods of time that I can do to "discipline" or change this behavior? What about this "Feliway" product? Could that help? At this point, each cat is equally guilty of initiating the "battles". Since the kitten still has its claws(the older cat is declawed), he can defend himself pretty well. How much should I intervene and at what point during the scuffle. What I think looks aggressive may actually still fall under harmless cat play. I am desperate for this two cat household to work. What can you recommend? Thank you, Joanne
A: First. I'll assume that your older cat is neutered. If he isn't, get that done right away. It's not too early to get your kitten neutered, either, which would be a very good idea! (But PLEASE skip the declawing…) Having an unaltered male (even a kitten) around will just make it harder for your older cat to adjust. In any case, be sure to get the kitten neutered just as soon as your veterinarian is willing.
Second, I suspect that you introduced the cats to each other much too quickly, or just put them together. Cat introductions should be VERY gradual, with the cats always setting the pace. Patience is a virtue, with cats. Two weeks is a VERY short time for two cats to become acquainted, especially if one has been an "only cat."
Third, it's likely that things are not as "desperate" between the cats as you think. If both cats are eating, drinking and using their litter boxes normally, I suspect the cats will continue to work things out between themselves. Look at it this way: If your older cat really intended to kill the kitten, he would have done so by now. Even without claws, cats are very speedy and efficient killers.
Your sixteen-month old cat has two "issues" - he's accustomed to being an "only cat," and he's a teenager! "Only cats" of any age are often fussier about accepting newcomers. Fortunately, though, your teen is still young enough to be behaviorally flexible and it's likely that he'll come around just fine. And, of course, teenagers (of any species) are fond of pushing the envelope, pushing your buttons, and generally stirring things up.
When cats are establishing their relationships, it's generally best to avoid meddling. Fur will fly, you'll see hissing and chasing and pouncing - but that's part of the feline "getting to know you" process. You say "At this point, each cat is equally guilty of initiating the "battles." I think this is the key - that it's NOT one-sided. Little Fella has to show he intends to stay, and Big Fella has to get used to it. Try to observe (discreetly) when they "get into it." Are Little Fella's claws out and slashing? Or does he keep them more-or less sheathed? In cats, vigorous play (especially in the "establishing relationships" phase) can look an awful lot like fighting. Is anybody actually biting? Have you seen any blood or wounds? If the fights were serious, you would.
Some of the best ways to manage this kind of behavior are distraction and diversion. When they start to "mix it up," that's your cue to get out an irresistible interactive toy (like "Da Bird," "Kitty Tease," or a laser pointer) and conduct a vigorous interactive play session. Encourage them to have fun together. After they've worn themselves out a bit, offer some tasty treats, and lots of praise and petting. Tell them what good, smart, athletic, gorgeous cats they are. (Cats LOVE praise, the more effusive the better. Best of all, it's all true!)
Make sure each cat has plenty of private spaces (preferably up high - like the top of a tall cat tree/tower) to get away if he wishes. Place a couple of open cat carriers, lined with comfy old towels, in the room where they spend the most time. Cats adore small, cozy "dens" where they can feel safe.
Plugging in a "Feliway" diffuser in the room where they spend the most time can help, especially if the room can be mostly or partially closed off. I've found that the Feliway diffuser works best in an enclosed area.
Finally, make sure you provide at least three litter boxes, in at least two locations in your home. Cats don't generally mind sharing, but they hate being forced to share. (It has to be THEIR idea.)
Resist the urge to intervene, or to "save" one from the other. (I know how tempting it can be.) If you intervene, it should be to provide a more attractive diversion, such as playtime. Cats are nature's great opportunists. If they're doing something you'd rather they didn't, offer them a better deal. Chances are, they'll go for it.
Herding Cats at Home - February 2005 1
Herding Cats at Home - February 2005 3
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