Thinking about keeping feral kitten but I have two Birmans already.

danik

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I rescued 3 feral kittens who have been living in my guest bathroom. I am begging to get attached to the male. They were easy to handle for ferals. We are able to hold them and pet them and they eat in front of us... All in about 10 days. I would think they are about 8 to 9 weeks old. Sometimes they still hiss at me but I can still pick them up and cuddle with them. I am concerned because I have to Birmans (4 years & 1 year). They are sweet and hang out together. I am worried if I take in the feral that he won't get along with my Birmans. I am worried that the relationship between my Birmans will be hurt. I am worried about disturbing the peace in my home. I also have a rescue Pitbull who gets along with my two cats. Will the feral freak out when he sees dogs. I have a posh no kill shelter who is willing to take all 3 kittens and find them a home. Am I being selfish. Should I let him go? Thank you
 
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danik

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I rescued 3 feral kittens who have been living in my guest bathroom. I am beginning to get attached to the male. They were easy to handle for ferals. We are able to hold them and pet them and they eat in front of us... All in about 10 days. I would think they are about 8 to 9 weeks old. Sometimes they still hiss at me but I can still pick them up and cuddle with them. I am concerned because I have to Birmans (4 years & 1 year). They are sweet and hang out together. I am worried if I take in the feral that he won't get along with my Birmans. I am worried that the relationship between my Birmans will be hurt. I am worried about disturbing the peace in my home. I also have a rescue Pitbull who gets along with my two cats. Will the feral freak out when he sees dogs. I have a posh no kill shelter who is willing to take all 3 kittens and find them a home. Am I being selfish. Should I let him go? Thank you
 

shadowsrescue

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It is possible to introduce the kitten to your other cats and dogs, yet it takes time and patience.  The feral kitten needs to be fully socialized and vetted first and also old enough to not get hurt by the others.  Introductions are best taken very very slowly.  Most of us rush the process and that sets it back quite a bit.  If you wait awhile to start the process it will work best.  For now you could start some scent swapping.  Take a clean wash cloth and rub down the new kitten making sure to get under the chin and on the paws of the feet (where the scent markers are located).  Then give the wash cloth to your other animals to smell.  Later on you can rub down all of your other animals and allow the kitten to smell them.  You can either use separate wash clothes or just one.  You can keep doing this daily for quite awhile.  You also can set the wash cloth on the ground and place a few treats on it for your resident kitties.  They will smell new kitten and get a treat reward.  This will start a good association.

Here are a few articles and a video on cat to cat intros.  I will also include an article on cat to do intros.

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/the-ultimate-yet-simplified-guide-to-introducing-cats

http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/a-simple-little-trick-to-use-during-new-cat-introductions/

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/introducing-your-cat-new-cat

http://jacksongalaxy.com/2010/10/01/cat-to-cat-introductions/

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/introducing-cats-to-dogs

 
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