Adopted 2 strays- one is 2 years old, other is a kitten.

The two year old female gave birth to kittens not too long ago (must be at least 8 weeks, not sure of time but she hasn't been nursing but her tears are still swollen looking). She'd been in foster care for a couple of months and I'm told she is sweet as can be. She was in a shelter for a big adoption event and had been used as the "test cat" for dog compatibility and had a very tough day. That was in Saturday, which is the day I took her home with a 10 week old kitten (Theodore) rescued stray. The kitten has adjusted very well and is just precious, but the adult (Luna) has been withdrawn, lethargic, appetite has been poor, and she has been growling and snorting at Theo. I've kept them in separate rooms to prevent any violence or aggression. Theo is very curious and wants to check Luna out, but she is not having it. Being told that she social, gets along with dogs, cats, children, and is sweet as pie has me concerned with her behavior- has she regressed due to stress? Is she still just stressed out? She has not had the personality that Was described to me at all and I'm just really worried about her hurting the kitten. What can I do?

She sounds very stressed!

Poor gal has been put on display, forced to interact with unfamiliar dogs, had her own babies taken away, is uncomfortable with full teats that need to dry up, has been paired with a kitten not her own and expected to accept him, and finds herself in yet another new environment to adjust to.

It's no wonder she's depressed and upset! She'd be happier if she had even one of her own babies still with her and nursing.

As it is, she needs time - lots of it - to adjust. Her personality hasn't changed. She's just been through way too much all at once!

She has my sympathy and needs TLC. Is it too late to put one of her babies back with her?

Her kittens were adopted out two weeks ago. She is scheduled for a spay next Tuesday 8/25. I didn't meet he before the events of adoption day so I never met the social, sweet Luna so I can only go by what I see and she just looks so miserable and unhappy

She just needs time to adjust, as I said. Right now she's very sad.

She will feel better in a few weeks - after she recovers from her spay and her milk dries up and she gets adjusted to her new home. Poor baby!

I've never had adult cats that I didn't raise myself so this is unfamiliar territory for me. Is there anything I can do to try to comfort her? Obviously kind words and such can only do so much for a cat. I try to make positive connections with her like staying in the room while she eats, give her affection when she seeks it, I got her some treats that she seems to enjoy. She doesn't show any interest in playing yet and spends most of her time just laying down. I don't want for her to feel neglected if I just give her the time that she needs

Have you tried an interactive toy on a stick? Put out some catnip?

I got a caterpillar fluffy thing on a stick with feathers and she doesn't go for it and she has no reaction to catnip. Tried toy mice, bell balls, hand under a sheet, no luck

I would give her affection and allow her time to grieve and adjust. She will eventually accept the kitten too, and may end up playing with him. She's just not there yet.

So heartbreaking. I'll try to dose her up on TLC. Thanks [emoji]128557[/emoji]

Let us know how she does over time. The spay will set her back a little next week. After she recovers from surgery see if she will begin to accept the kitten in small doses.

I think if she doesn't rally in a bit, another vet visit might be in order just to make certain she doesn't have some medical issue going on.  The lethargy and poor appetite are somewhat concerning.

The appetite has definitely improved, j have to keep them separate for meals because he's a grazer and she finished her meal and went for his for dinner last night and breakfast this morning :lol3:
She let me pet her last night but got mad when I kept having to move her from the kitten trying to eat. She did lay with a you mouse and started to act like she might consider playing with it and she gave a few trills, so maybe she's starting to come around. I'll keep you all posted

It sounds like she's doing better already .

Make sure they give you 3 days' worth of pain meds for after her spay next week. Some vets won't unless you ask. For some reason they think cats are not in pain, but my experience is that adult females in particular need pain meds for about 3 days.

I'll definitely be sure to ask about pain meds. How are they given?

I have always been given syringes with a tiny, pre-measured amount in them. Very easy to administer - no pilling! Usually given 12 hours apart.

As long as she doesn't give a hard time about it tasting gross! I know neither of them appreciated panacur and the kitten doesn't enjoy clavamox, fortunately that's a small dose and he doesn't get a chance to spit any out

Update from today:

She groomed him for a little while before her patience wore thin progress!

This is great to hear. I love the picture .

Has he tried to nurse her at all?

Yes he's tried, he was definitely weaned too early and I'm not sure what happened to his momma. He kneads and suckles me and one particular blanket relentlessly

Poor little fellow. Has she let him suckle her?