Kitten Came Back!

indig0kitty

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I have a few concerns regarding my 8 year old cat Emily, and her 4 month old kitten Magoo. I'd say about a month ago, Magoo was taken from us and he was found at the local Walgreens last night by my neighbor. Well, since Magoo has been back, Emily has been acting pretty strange. I know she's more than likely jealous because everyone's been so swoony about the fact that Magoo is back. I spend a lot of time with Emily, we sit and watch tv together, sit at the computer together, etc. I try to show her as much affection as I possibly can. She enjoys the attention none the less, but it doesn't seem to be sufficient. She claws the furniture, bites your hand/feet, only allows you to pet her when she wants although she may be rubbing against you hinting that she wants you to touch her. She talks constantly (and yes, I talk back). But I'm not sure what I can do for her to let her know that she's just as important to us as Magoo is.

Magoo is care-free. He trys to socialize with Emily, but she swats at his face, hisses, all sorts of negative actions. Magoo sleeps most of the day, so he doesn't actually bother her 24/7. As we speak, he's curled up on the couch and Emily is roaming the house trying to find her next "deed". I also want to know if even though Magoo was gone for a month, do they still know that they are mother/kitten? I'm not sure what Magoo has gone through during his absence (thats why I have an appointment for him to see the vet), but he's healthy as far as I can see. But what can I do to ease the tension between the two cats? They eat out of separate dishes, sleep in different areas of the house. I know it takes time, as I have read other posts members have written. I guess I'm more concerned with Emily, than Magoo, being as she's the one whos having behavoir problems. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
 

valanhb

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It sounds like she is acting out because she thinks another cat has invaded her home and taken over her people. Cats know each other by smell, so since Magoo has been gone for so long (and in strange environments) Emily thinks he a totally new cat. That is my first inclination, anyway.

Try the rubbing of towels trick on them. Take a towel and rub Emily down with it. Then rub Magoo down with the same towel, and repeat the process with Emily. You can also put a little dab of vanilla on the towel. This will mix their scents and make Magoo seem more familiar to Emily. Also, if they sleep on blankets or towels (or if you can get them to), take Magoo's blanket and put it under Emily's food dish. This way she can start associating his new smell with something good - Food.


I'm sure others will have more suggestions for you. Hope this helps.
 
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indig0kitty

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Emily and Magoo are doing a little better. Last night for some reason, they thought the water in one bowl was better than the water in the second bowl. So they pushed their faces together to be able to drink the water out of the single bowl simutaneously. LOL It was cute, and I'm glad Emily is somewhat getting used to Magoo being around. Emily still has spaz attacks, if thats what you call them LOL But for the most part, she gets a lot of love and affection from her owners. Thanks for your advice!
 
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