LoveToKnow Cats:Ask the Cats Expert

If he is still new to the outdoors, it is possible that he is just scared. Since he is otherwise acting normally, I wouldn't worry about this just yet. He my simply be hyperventillating. I had a kitten that would pant this way whenever we took her in a car. She never did learn to like the car and would yowl when put in it, but she did stop the panting eventually.

If you notice he is panting at other times, or any other symptoms, such as loss of appetite or lethargy, then I'd go ahead and take him to the vet. - posted by:LoriSoard

Poor Attie. It sounds like she probably did land the wrong way. Kittens are notorious for climbing, falling and acting generally crazy. I would try to keep her contained for a couple of days and see if it is just a sprain or a bit sore. If she is still limping after a couple of days or shows any other symptoms, then I'd go ahead and take her to the vet. It may just clear up on it's own overnight though. Kittens tend to be fairly resilient when it comes to thinks like this. Keep us posted on how she's doing. - posted by:LoriSoard

A lot depends upon the individual cat's personality, but it is stressful for most cats to be moved from place to place. It would be much better to leave your cat in his or her home and have someone come in and check on the cat or cat-sit for you. If that is not an option, then you may have to just give it a try with the other household. Be sure to stress that your cat is not to be let outside or he/she may wander off and be unfamiliar with the sitter's house and unable to find his/her way back. - posted by:LoriSoard

I'm assuming that the Blue Cross is an animal shelter of some sort? Likely, their fear is for the kitten. Because it will be so much smaller than your other cats, they could potentially injure a kitten were they to fight (even play fighting) with it.

However, that does not mean you can't have a kitten. You just have to take some precautions to protect him or her. I've successfully added kittens into a household with full-grown cats many times. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Introduce the new kitten gradually. It is best to have a separate, contained area for the kitten. This is for the kitten's safety, so the kitten can learn where the litter box is kept and for the protection of your home. We have some great articles on this site about introducing a new cat to your present cats.

• Never leave the kitten unsupervised with your older cats. A kitten won't be a kitten forever, so this is an important precaution that only lasts until the kitten is a grown cat.

• Observe the cats and kitten closely when you are at home and leave them out together. Even if the older cats have been behaving perfect, still be cautious until the kitten is grown.

• Kitten-proof your house. You're used to adult cats. Kittens are crazy, but in a good way. They sometimes chew cords, climb curtains and find places to hide.

Good luck. I think that you can mesh the kitten and your grown cats as long as you use patience and diligence. - posted by:LoriSoard

You are a wonderful person to take this little kitten on and try to help her get better. She sounds very sweet. Since she was so infested with maggots and since she still seems to be in pain, I would encourage you to take her to the vet. She likely has a serious infection and may need antibiotics. The vet will also be able to make sure that she doesn't have any other maggots and treat her for any parasites and vaccinate her.

If you are on a fixed income, call your local Humane Society or Animal Shelter. They will often help when it is a rescue situation.

I wouldn't advise any over-the-counter medications as many are toxic to cats. It is best to see what a vet prescribes, especially at her young age.

Please update us on how the kitten is doing. - posted by:LoriSoard