[MissGemini]

All right, I want to know what you guys think. Should I keep this baby or put him back?

My grandmother's cat - one of them - recently had a litter of five kitties. One of them looks exactly like the cat I have now, so today I caught it - it's wild, feral, so it was kind of a struggle - and took it home.

It cried at first, but purrs a lot more than cries now, even though it's still pretty skittish. We are going to take it to the vet and get it fixed, get its shots, etc.

The conditions at my grandmother's are rough. The cats stay thin even though they eat a lot, and a lot of them go "missing" - to who knows where. Kittens often don't survive to become adults and they live in the outdoors, with lots of really nasty bugs.

However, the kitten still cries a bit, which breaks my heart. I said to my boyfriend, "I wonder if it misses its family." He said he felt bad for the cat I have - because she's being replaced. But I wasn't intending to replace her, only have a companion for after she passes on. I loved on her as much as I had time today, but naturally I was busy with the little one.

My boyfriend fears that the cats will not get along because the one I have has been spoiled and has lived on her own for pretty much her whole life, and if I have to keep them apart, whichever one is not getting my attention will cry for me and be jealous. He also thinks that the kitten will be happier with its family that it knows and loves with the home it is used to with other cats to play in, even though the conditions at the house are terrible. I'm worried if I put it back it will get confused with having to readjust and go "missing" like some of the others.

I thought I was doing a good thing! Admittedly, I didn't think it through, but my intentions were good.

But am I just making the kitten miserable? What should I do? Am I betraying the cat I already have? What do I do if they don't get along? I feel so guilty and anxious and terrible. Please give me some opinions here. I wanted to do something nice for the kitten, not break its heart!

[buttercup]

Hi MissGemini....... You know I probably would have done the same thing as you. I had a single cat a number of years ago and wanted to bring in another cat for companionship for her but knowing she was getting up in age and well I didn't want to have void there. Well we went to a pet store a purchased a brother and a sister who we felt sorry for a kids would constantly tease them and also they had ear mites really bad. Anyway I tried to get them all to get along and the kittens would have loved Jasmine but Jasmine was ornary and didn't want anything to do with them. We kept them separated and I spent a little extra time with Jasmine and my daughter spent time with the kittens. Jasmine lasted for about 4 years after we got them and she always hissed and spat at them when they were in the same room. I know nothing about feral cats but you may be able to tame him enough that he'll settle in with you and your other furry kid. Don't feel quilty trying to better the life of another cat. Take it for a check up and needles and get the vet's opinion on its overall health.

[MissGemini]

Thanks, I feel a lot better now.

[krzekmaya]

Hi Miss Gemini,

Don't hesitate, take the kitten immediately. He/she will accostume with your
cat. Maybe it will be a little complicated at the beginning but all will be Okay
after some time. We will help you if you need.

ATB, Maya

[che]

Hello,I just found a website that may be useful to you,there is advice on there about taming feral kittens,its called Messybeast.com.good luck with your kittie,i hope you find it useful,bye,Che.xxxxx