r/rescuecats • u/Jesiplayssims • 25d ago

Needs Rehoming 🐾 Gainesville Florida Kitty in trouble

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Hi. A 12 week old kitten was found and was on its way to the pound after it's finder took it to the vet- when I stepped in. This little boy has a heart murmur and a wonky eye (not formed correctly, possible vision issues). Unfortunately, my cat hates him. He needs a home and medical care. All the local rescues have turned us away (full) or not responded. I am afraid to simply post on neighborhood social media because we have dog fighting rings around here. Can anyone suggest where he can go? I've been calling him Jackson. He's playful, sweet, and litter trained.

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u/Grumpy-Tofu 25d ago

From having had this experience many times: resident cats always hate new cats. They need to be split up and slowly introduced to each other. Happy to find you resources on that if useful

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u/Akimi24 25d ago

I agree....kittens are usually accepted by resident cats after a hazing period. Adults are a little harder to integrate, but a baby is a newly found, moldable gang member - they are just being tested, the resident is jealous and needs time to realize there is enough love to go around. Unless the kitten is literally getting attacked (swatting, hissing is normal), they will work it out. The resident cat is the alpha, the kitten and the resident will establish that. Just need time, don't give up! Hitting and hissing is normal - setting boundaries. Full blown attacks are different...everything else is a pissing match by the resident cat. It's stressful to be around, but DOES work itself out. Just brought in a new cat myself...it's hard not to be protective of your OG cat...swatting, hissing, tumbling, kicking....they sleep together now. Biting and fur flying is a problem- short of that, s stressful to watch, you're good. 😉

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u/Akimi24 25d ago

To add, words of praise to the resident cat does wonders...for letting the kitten walk by without hissing or swatting "What a good kitty!" . Praise for any act. The resident is an only cat feeling insecure and unhappy about the change. While you and I do not get praised for not swatting or hissing at a co-worker (😂) they need the affirmation that they are still #1.

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u/Grumpy-Tofu 25d ago

Exactly right! Just a little time is all it takes

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u/Jesiplayssims 24d ago

Literally attacked