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My kitten wants to interact with stray cats. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 8 days old | 9 lbs

My kitten, Oliver, keeps trying to annoy stray cats outside, probably he wanted to play and stray cats don't want to. Oliver is the only cat in our house, so that's why. One time, at 3 am, there's a big cat came inside the house and I heard a cat fight scream and when I check it, the cat panic and I let him outside. I can't tell if he was a stray cat or my neighborhood's cat because he's very big and fat with beautiful hair. Why Oliver keeps coming with strange cats?, he is getting in trouble.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 8th, 2018

Hello, Oliver is likely just curious and wants to explore outside like normal kittens. I would make sure that all access to the outdoors is closed until you have tested Oliver of FeLV/FIV and have fully vaccinated him. He will always be at risk of contracting FeLV and FIV from stray cats, however, you may be able to prevent other disease if you vaccinate him fully. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Anna M., DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 26th, 2018

    Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like you'd like Oliver to have a playmate and so are wondering if he should be allowed to interact with the stray cats. I would recommend keeping him apart from the stray cats if such a thing is possible/practical, since they could carry diseases that could be spread to Oliver, and if they are strays they likely have not been vaccinated. They could also injure little Oliver if they do decide to bite. Overall, I don't think it's worth all the possible risks to Oliver. If you do decide to let him be outside, then definitely make sure he is up to date on all of his vaccines first to keep him as protected as possible. Hope this helps!

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