Frida & Ash and The Case of the Playful Kittens
People often say that babies are a lot of work, and as a mom, I can confirm that’s absolutely true. Interestingly, human babies and kittens share quite a few similarities. Both require a great deal of attention, and neither instinctively knows that night is for sleeping and day is for waking.
Recently, I was contacted by A, who, along with his fiancé, had adopted two kittens. The first, Frida, is a sweet, playful girl who loves cuddles. She was found on the streets of Mexico, and the couple fell in love with her, eventually bringing her home to New York.
A few months later, they decided Frida needed a playmate, so they adopted Ash, a three-month-old kitten with a gentle demeanor.
When people ask me, “Does my kitten need a playmate,” my answer is a resounding YES! Cats and kittens thrive with companionship, and when they grow up together, as Frida and Ash will, they often form lifelong bonds. I like to quote Hannah Shaw, known online as Kitten Lady, “One kitten is half a kitten.” And, believe it or not, raising two is actually easier than one.
Back to the consultation: A and his fiancé had done their homework on introducing the kittens and followed all the recommended steps. They did everything right. However, when they allowed the kittens to play freely together, Frida would pin Ash down and chase him all over the house. Concerned that Frida might be too rough, they weren’t sure how to tell if her behavior was playful or aggressive.
When I arrived, Frida greeted me by climbing into my lap and purring—she couldn’t have been sweeter! Then we opened the door separating her from Ash, and immediately, the chaos began. Frida ran after Ash, initiating a whirlwind of play. Honestly, it was the cutest consultation I’ve had all year.
I quickly assessed that Frida’s behavior was purely excitement and play, not aggression. Since A and his fiancé were new to raising kittens, I spent time offering tips and answering their questions:
Should they be separated at night? No.
Should they eat from the same bowl? Feed them together but use separate bowls to avoid competition.
Can they share a litter box? Yes, as long as both are using it without issues.
Should they sleep in the bedroom at night? Absolutely—it’s great for bonding.
I also gave advice on training, leaving them confident that they were on the right track.
About a week later, A called me with an update. The good news? Frida and Ash were playing, grooming, and sleeping together—normal kitten behavior! The bad news? Frida had stopped eating and was withdrawing. A visit to the vet revealed she had gingivitis, likely causing her pain and making it difficult for her to eat. The vet recommended dry food, but Frida refused to eat it. However, she would eat dry treats. Treats are fun and great for training, but kittens need proper nutrition, so only eating treats is no good.
Over the phone, I suggested offering her the dry kibble in the same way they gave her treats—by hand and away from her usual feeding spot. I also recommended trying different flavors to see if one appealed to her.
Before the call ended, A’s fiancé gave it a try, and—great news—Frida ate an entire serving, the most she’d eaten in days!
I reassured them that her withdrawal was due to her discomfort, not emotional upset, and encouraged them to keep experimenting with food options to ensure she continued eating.
It’s always heartening to hear from my clients and see their progress. I’m so glad I could help, and I look forward to hearing from this lovely couple again as they navigate life with their adorable kittens.
