stressed cat due to kittens

Question
our seven yr old cat was brought up with his sister and a kitten introduced they all got on brilliantly unfortunatly in may we lost two cats through traffic accidents. we have just introduced two kittens,at first they were scared of teddy hissing but now do not bat an eye lid at him. teddy has now became stressed as to put it will not come into the house when we bring him in just cries to get out,will not interact with them in any shape or form cowers if they are around has completely changed character

Answer
Sara,

Kittens are not a good idea to get right now. Your cat is grieving, plus older cats DO NOT usually like kittens and usually do not become friends with them. The best you can hope for is acceptance. Be aware too that older cats can not take the stress of kittens as well as a younger cat can and if the cat gets overstressed it can lead to health problems.

If you get a new cat it should be approximately the same age and temperment as the 7 year old. It makes the getting acquainted process a little easier.

Here are some links to an article on a replacement cat and an article on cat grief that may be helpful:
(copy and paste, or type, the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.messybeast.com/replacecat.htm

http://www.messybeast.com/cat-grief.htm

You can't introduce cats immediately or there WILL be problems. You need to go through the introduction process correctly and slowly. It usually takes up to two weeks or more for things to smooth out and to have harmony, but with an older grieving cat it may take 2 months or more.

Here are a couple of good links that tell you how to do it:
(copy and paste, or type, the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.messybeast.com/first-impressions.htm

http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=cattocatintro...

You can also talk to the vet about a prescription of kitty Prozac. It is commonly used short term to calm cats that are stressed and/or have emotional issues going on.

I hope this information was helpful. I'm sorry about the loss of your kitty's friends.

Carol