Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and Miki, the kitten who made me a cat person.
So, after months of thinking about getting a new kitten to keep Miki company, I met a local lady whose cat had kittens around 2.5 months ago. She wanted me to see one of the kittens, knowing I was a vet, whose left eye was closed. And not even a week after, that same little tabby girl became a new addition to my four-legged family. Meet Minnie!
Decision Time
When I met the little kitten, it was obvious she was the runt of the litter, very small and skinny and with a sore left eye. She was half the size of her siblings. The lady who owned them was looking for new homes for the kittens, but soon enough it was clear that she really just wanted to get rid of this little one, as she wouldn’t be an easy one to rehome. As much as I wanted to get a kitten, and one in need especially, I was suddenly faced with the reality of this decision and found myself weighing the pros and cons. It just felt off somehow, although I couldn’t quite pinpoint it. My biggest concerns were how Miki would react and whether this little one was carrying any infectious diseases that might put him in harm’s way.
But then again, my vet brain woke up, reassuring me that Miki is fully vaccinated and should be protected as best as possible. And this little soul has very poor prospects for a good life if she remains in the village, as she will become a street cat, at risk of being hit by a car or attacked by predators, particularly at this young age. My decision was made that same day.
How Miki Met Minnie
A few days later, Minnie was home. I kept her in a crate on a separate floor, in order to start with scent exchange and get her vaccinated and wormed. She was a bit quiet the first day, but soon enough started playing and running around when I let her out. Eating like a trooper, but unfortunately pooping like one, too.
After a few days of scent exchange, for both Miki and her to get familiar with each other’s smell, which Miki didn’t seem to be too interested in, I let him in the room where Minnie was in her crate for the first time. Minnie was curious but kept her distance, hiding in her bed, while Miki looked genuinely confused. There was one small hiss, after which I distracted him and then rewarded his calmness with treats. Over the next few days, we repeated the same process multiple times, giving both of them food and treats while in the same room, with Minnie still in the crate, until they were both fully relaxed. Slowly, Miki seemed more interested in his strange new friend, while Minnie was in her own little world, mostly stuffing her face with her wet food.
Is This Going to Work?
A few days after, I started letting them interact freely with supervision, both indoors and outdoors. And so far, so good. Miki has made several attempts to stalk her and pounce as an attempt at playing, but Minnie is too small to fully realize what he’s doing. However, they do seem to be slowly tuning in to life together, and I am hoping to see signs of actual playing soon. After all, it’s only been 10 days since she arrived.
I am still conscious of the fact that Miki may not like her, or she him, but so far he is being his normal mischievous self and not showing any signs of distress or unhappiness. He is receiving extra attention and cuddles, treats and his favorite paté, especially when he is voluntarily around Minnie. Some days I catch him looking at her with a puzzled expression on his face, while on others, it’s clear he is starting to consider her his annoying little sister.
And, There Is Another Surprise
We still have a long way to go, but watching them together, and knowing what Minnie’s life would be if I hadn’t taken her in, makes me feel at ease. And, just as we’re all slowly settling into a new routine, I had a call from a friend who rescues stray and abandoned animals.
There was a ginger kitten that needed a home, another little girl. Suddenly, despite knowing that sometimes cats don’t get along, it just felt right. Like it all fell into place and happened exactly the way it was supposed to. Silly, isn’t it? Well, either way, the second unwanted kitten is now also meant to join our pack and will do so in 10 days. I hope Miki doesn’t decide to move out as a sign of protest. But three is a good number, don’t you think?
This article is a part of Dr. Maja and Miki’s series.