We have a somewhat new 12 week old kitten, Figgy, in the house. We also have a 14 year old house cat, Checkers. Both females. Figgy has been confined to a bedroom that we set up for her. She was feral when we found her, approximately 6 weeks old. Figgy has made excellent progress toward becoming a pet, so we have started letting her come out so that she may meet Checkers. Checkers is an older cat who wants nothing more in life than peace and everything to herself. Things have been going as you might expect. Checkers hisses, but not with bad intent.
Now the problem.
Figgy has begun urinating on places where Checkers hangs out. Now we have to keep such a close eye on her that it has reduced the time she can spend socializing. I don't like keeping her in a room. She needs to develop.
I've talked to my pet sitter friend who is knowledgeable about cats, and I spoke with the vet yesterday. They both seem to think having her spayed will help stop this behavior. We made an appointment to have her spayed in a couple weeks.
Now the question.
Are there any other ideas ? What is the risk ? A big part of me doesn't like running straight to surgery, especially at that age. She'll be 14 weeks at the time.
Any ideas are appreciated.
Now the problem.
Figgy has begun urinating on places where Checkers hangs out. Now we have to keep such a close eye on her that it has reduced the time she can spend socializing. I don't like keeping her in a room. She needs to develop.
I've talked to my pet sitter friend who is knowledgeable about cats, and I spoke with the vet yesterday. They both seem to think having her spayed will help stop this behavior. We made an appointment to have her spayed in a couple weeks.
Now the question.
Are there any other ideas ? What is the risk ? A big part of me doesn't like running straight to surgery, especially at that age. She'll be 14 weeks at the time.
Any ideas are appreciated.