introducing kittens to neighbours cat

[cottingley]

I have adopted 3 kittens from the local cat rescue centre a week ago. They are 5 months old and from the same litter. There is a cat that lives next door 'Jack' who is left out all day. We have befriended this cat over the a couple of months prior to getting the kittens and he quite often comes in during the day for a play. We never feed him, other than water.

Since the arrival of the new kittens we have not allowed 'Jack' into the house. He sits outside all day crying (which is unbareable). He climbs on the window sill outside and looks in at the kittens. He is a sweet cat and I would hope wouldn't harm the kittens. Can anyone tell me if it would be a good idea to let him in and introduce him to the kittens? I obviously don't want to cause any stress to the kittens, but it seems a shame that 'Jack' can't come in to play if they were to get along, I suppose I'm a little scared that 'Jack' sees this as his territory and my attack the kittens.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

[bensmum]

I doubt that he would harm the kittens - he may be a bit overwhelmed by them! My mum has a situation at present where her neighbour's kitten (about 6 months) comes into her house and follows her cat (he's 13) around and jumps all over him. Her cat puts up with so much and just boxes the kitten when he's had enough. Could you maybe let him in to see how he reacts with them? You may get some hissing at first and it wouldn't be a good idea to leave them alone for the time being but cats usually learn to live together. I do hate it when people leave cats out all day - does he have nowhere to go?

[ganesh]

Let him in,it'll be interesting. He'll either run back out again,
or sit and stare at them for hours. Your kittens will want to go out soon if they havent already and meet the neighbourhood moggies,so why not let it happen and keep an eye on them?
Maybe choose a nice warm day when you can just have the door open for a while.

[cottingley]

Thanks Ganesh and Bensmum,

This is the first time I have signed onto one of these sites so it is reasuring to know there are people out there.

I think I will let him in. He doesn't seem to have anywhere else to go. Don't get me wrong, his seems in good condition and has a collar with contact details, I just don't think the neighbour appreciates that cats need to be able to come and go as they want. It is awful weather at the moment so we have left our garage door open a bit and he is just sat inside keeping out of the wind!

Thanks for the responses, and I will post the outcome of the meeting.

Rose

[ganesh]

Actually a cat of mine who was loving and nearly always with me used to visit neighbours sometimes ( and we had a cat flap). I came home once and saw her sitting on a neighbours window ledge (inside their living room) as if she owned the place. I think they like to wander and have more territory as they are opportunists. It's when other people start feeding them that you get problems and they sometimes get adopted by their second home!
We had a cat visit my little kittens but since I got the dog she doesn't come in the house any more.
Let us know how they get on.

[blanx]

I would have thought once the kittens have been fully vaccinated you can let them outside and see how Jack is with them. If they all get along Jack could come in and out as before. Good lucks, sounds like lots of fun.

[sue11]

Just be careful. One of my little darlings went for my neighbours new kitten a while ago and bit his leg badly! She was protecting her territory from the new intruder, but I felt awful about it for my neighbour. I told her off (the cat that is), but she just yawned at me and ignored me!
I agree with the other posters, let Jack in, but keep a close eye on how he and your kittens behave, even once they make friends and seem to be getting on!
Best of luck with your new brood! Let us know how it goes.
Cheers Sue