Question
As I was coming back from the gym with my wife wound a kitten in the street crying, dirty and hungry. We could simply not let him there. We got him home. Is it dangerous to keep him in the same environment with my 2 year old cat?
I called a vet and he said "don't let your cat go to close to him". Thing is the kitten is full of bugs and at this time (night) I cannot find anything to help him out.
We cleaned him as much as we could (with some soap) and put him in a cat box near a heater so he can stay cozy.
Any advice much appreciated.
Answer
In the short term, yes, both cats are in danger.
The kitten is small and relatively defenseless, and your adult cat will not appreciate a new predator in its territory, even a small one that poses no direct threat. The adult may need a week or two to accept the new smell as a “normal” part of his/her territory.
The kitten may also be carrying diseases and/or parasites; it should be checked out by a vet (and given all appropriate shots) before allowing it any contact with other animals. It is also probably scared out of its mind right now, so the best thing you can do is give it a warm and cozy place that will let it learn it is safe while it gets used to the new smells and sounds of your home.
You will know when it’s okay to let the cats meet when they seem more curious about each other than scared/angry.
Answered By - StephenS