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From: lbo@ihlpl.UUCP (Oberlander)
Newsgroups: net.pets
Subject: Re: One pregnant cat and two neutered
Message-ID: <466@ihlpl.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 23-Dec-85 13:42:43 EST
Article-I.D.: ihlpl.466
Posted: Mon Dec 23 13:42:43 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 25-Dec-85 01:11:47 EST
References: <253@unirot.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 31

> Our youngest cat got pregnant (yes, we were derelict in getting her
> fixed...still "thought we had time".  She will get fixed after this
> litter.)  We have places for all the kittens (mouse is a rather
> popular cat).
> 
> The problem is, we have two older cats, both fixed, both have never
> had litters.  One of them is mean and stupid and one of them is a
> hunter.  I am afraid they are going to go after the kittens.  Does
> anybody have experience with cats doing this?  We don't like keeping
> them outside during the winter, and we don't want to lock mouse away,
> she is used to people around and exercise.
> 
> Thanks
> liz

From my observations, it will depend on the genders of your neutered
cats.  Back before I left my parents' home, we had a neutered male
(Sandy) for many years.  I observed encounters between Sandy and kittens
on a few occasions - he was very friendly, almost maternal, towards
them.  He even allowed one to eat from his dish.  Another data point:
some friends introduced a third cat (a kitten) to a two cat home a
few years ago.  The two older cats are both neutered, one male, the
other female.  The female threatened and attacked the kitten on
ocassion, while the male protected it from the female, and
taught it house cat "manners" (use of the litter box, etc.).
From my experience, then, if the older cats are neutered males, you'll
likely have an easier time than if they are neutered females.

				Lew Oberlander
				AT&T Bell Laboratories
				ihnp4!ihwld!lbo