Do you suggest a kitten instead of a cat?

Question

I just lost a cat and I definitely can't get another one yet. Down the road I was thinking of getting another cat because I still have one. (Thought she didn't like the other cat but now I know otherwise, she misses her terribly.) Is it safer or better to get a kitten instead of a Cat?? It took a little while for my cat (that is alive) to get used to the other one. She was sometimes not so nice to her even though now I know she loved her cause she's been waling a lot. Well, me too for that matter. Any input greatly appreciated.

I forgot to mention, my cat is very territorial. That is why sometimes she hissed at the other cat and pawed at her although they never thought. That's why I'm wondering if maybe she'd be nicer towards a kitten. Thanks.

Ay yi yi....... I meant to write, "They never fought."

Answer 1

Kitten will be better - a lot of cats will feel a new, strange cat will be a threat, whereas a kitten could be well accepted by your existing cat, almost as a surrogate.

There is always a risk that a cat will not accept another feline, but with a kitten, you can always give it to someone else if your cat does not like it. Giving away a mature cat that has already had one home, and was hoping to settle down with you, will not do the cat much good. So opt fopr the kitten.

Answer 2

I'ts not gonna matter whether you get a cat or kitten as far as your cat being territorial. Other cat is coming onto her turf and she's not gonna like it. But anyway, if it was me, I'd adopt a cat. Kittens are adopted so quickly because everyone wants a little cute ball of fur but then the older cats are left behind and don't have much of a chance at having a good life. A lot of people go into those shelters and don't even give the older ones a glance. It's kinda sad when you think about it because they could turn out to be the best cat you ever had. I say give one a chance!

Answer 3

i am so sorry for your loss. the death of a cat is so heartbreaking. i can understand how it would be difficult to even consider getting another one just yet, but doing it for your other cat is a really nice thing to do.
i think a kitten would be best, that way it gives her a chance to bond a little better. there could be too many issues if you got another cat. she may feel very threatened if another fully grown cat entered the equation. with a kitten she can show it she is the boss, and the kitten would probably be quite happy to accept that. i hope getting a kitten further down the road makes the loss a little more bearable. take care

Answer 4

well answering this brings back memories my cat died 11/2 years ago and i have another cat and about a month and a half ago i got a kitten and my cat that is still here is very selfish she had no plans on sharing me with a new kitten and i was scared to leave them alone or anything and just about 2 days ago it was like they were best friends. so in my opinion i think an adult cat adjusts to a kitten better because they mold them to be like them an adult cat is stubborn in their ways and is where the fighting comes in but ii can be wrong because my cat who died mothered every thing even the parakeets. so if you are scared of kitten getting hurt maybe you should get an adult that is mild tempered but if your cat that is still alive is a female it will adjust to a kitten pretty easily well more easier then a male would. and good luck to you and i am sorry for your loss.

Answer 5

I prefer an adult cat over a kitten for a couple of reasons, the first being most important to me: I like to see the personality first hand, an adult cat has a fully developed personality, where as a kitten is cute and playful, however, when they get older they sometimes change into something you did not expect. The other thing is that an adult cat is already spayed and/or neutered and probably up to date on vaccines. Good Luck with your new kitty.

Answer 6

When you are ready a one or two year old cat should do very nicely. A kitten is a lot for an older cat to handle and another female would not be the best choice.

Both you and your cat could use a little Rescue Remedy to help you resolve your grief. You can get it at a health foods store.

Answer 7

Cats will often take to a new edition better if its younger and it can be 'put in its place' easier. There will always be a hierarchy, and you have to just let that develop. If you get any other cat, I suggest introduce them gradually, and not lock them in together etc straight away. Especially if you get a very young kitten!

I am sure they will get used to each other - they always seem to. If they dont get on, they will learn to live with each other and stay out of each other's way anyway.

I would suggest if you have a female cat currently that you do not introduce a male though - instead perhaps another neutered female?

Answer 8

I would definately get a kitten, that way you can train it the way that you want. You other cat will probably adjust better to a kitten, with an older cat it may feel threatened.

Answer 9

would probably get a kitten that way your other cat can feel as though she can "teach" her the ropes. this may help with territorialism. I would also make sure to introduce slowely. let them get used to the sent through a door for a while then slowely let the new one out of the room. whatever you do please think of you animal shelter and rescues prior to getting one from a pets tore or breeder.

Answer 10

I think a little kitten would be a better choice, it would give your cat time to get used with it and also it would give it a chance to teach the little one its habits.