Cat depressed since the arrival of a new kitten

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Hi everyone,

We have a 10-year-old female cat and a week ago we adopted a tiny abandoned kitten who's only about a month old. However, our older cat is now completely depressed; she doesn't meow anymore, she hardly ever leaves the bedroom and she's stopped playing. Basically, she's really not herself and it's obvious she's miserable. Can anyone help us please? 🙏

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    • ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there,

    If your cat isn't eating properly, isn't playing anymore, is hiding a lot and has seemed really lethargic for a week now, I wouldn't put it all down to the new kitten's arrival. A change in her environment can definitely be stressful, but you also need to rule out an underlying health problem.

    If I were you, I’d book an appointment with the vet quickly, especially if she’s eating or drinking less, isn't using her litter tray as normal, or just seems completely withdrawn.

    In the meantime, I’d give your cat her own quiet space without forcing her to be in contact with the little one. Ideally, introductions between cats should be done gradually: separate rooms at first, swapping scents, and then very short, positive interactions. She needs to be able to keep her usual routine and her own resources (food and water bowls, litter tray, beds) without feeling like the kitten has taken her place.

    As for the little one who is only a month old, a quick vet check-up is also important: that is incredibly young to have been separated from his mum.

    Best of luck to you and your kitties,

    Maëlla

    Translated from French

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