I am thinking of adopting a second cat, but am unsure if it would be unfair to the new cat.?

Question

I already have a six year old female domestic shorthair who I adopted as a kitten and four Golden Retrievers. The dogs and cat get along together - not to the point of cuddling up - but they all live in my house in harmony. So the dogs are cat friendly, but I am wondering if adopting another cat into my household is fair to the new cat.

Would an adult cat or a kitten adapt best to this situation?

I think a new cat would be good company for my existing cat and I would like to rescue a deserving cat!

Any comments please.......

Answer 1

It sounds as though a new cat would have a very loving home with you.

The cat that has been there already may not adjust right away to the new cat, but eventually it would adjust.

I think kittens are more adaptable to a new environment and other pets, but I have adopted adult male and female cats before, and the pets I have here already did adjust after about a month of love and care.

Good Luck on whatever you decide.

Answer 2

A kitten would probably think of the four big dogs as a bunch of momas, but would be slower than an adult cat and more fragile.

I would consider adopting an adult. Many animal shelters provide information on surrendered cats that give potential new owners an idea of what that cat's life was like before it landed at the shelter. You could look for a cat that is already socialized to be around dogs. You might even be able to bring the dogs to the place and see how they react to each other before you decide whether the new cat is a good match for your family.

Your existing cat may be sour about the new cat, at first, but he will likely grow to appreciate having a new furball around.

Answer 3

That's great that you care so much for animals but unless you rescue one (and thereby saving it's life), it might not be worth it. You already have quit a few animals. A kitten (or very young cat) would be good because it would learn it's place in the chain of animals (at the bottom) but there are quite a few cats that need to be rescued (cats that are a couple years old). I think you would be benefiting the cat world more by adopting one of the little older ones who has a smaller chance of adoption and that you already knows gets along with other animals. Many pets up for adoption have had foster homes that provide information about getting along with other animals. Best of luck.

Answer 4

Get a kitten. Older cats are more accepting of kittens because they are smaller than them so the older ones are automatically 'boss' which will stop them fighting with the kitten. Whether it's fair to the new cat or not, i don't know. If you can supply a good loving home and make sure to introduce the new cat slowly to the new household then i would say it is fair on the new cat/kitten.

Answer 5

It would be best to introduce a kitten into this mix. Another adult cat would make your present cat feel threatened, as they are territorial. The dogs probably won't care one way or the other. Bring the new kitten home in a carrier and leave him there, allowing the adult to approach at his own pace. I think you'll find, given some time, they'll be good friends. However, bringing in another adult is not a good idea. And good for you for wanting to rescue!

Answer 6

I think a kitten would be best in this situation. I've done both, I had a 3 yr old cat and wanted to add another to the household so I adopted one from the local shelter, well those 2 never got along the 1st cat always picked on the 2nd cat. Anyhow, after about 6 mo. I found an abandoned 4 wk old feral kitten in my neighbours backyard (it wasn't theirs). I took the kitten in after watching it for 8 hours outside to make sure mama cat wasn't going to come back for it (she had moved the other 2 kittens when the neighbours kids went looking for them in the wood pile but left this one behind). Anyhow, this kitten and my 1st cat bonded she followed him around like he was her mama. She didn't mind being chased and tolerated his rough play.

Answer 7

fiiiiiiiiirstly, to ASIA C and JESSE S, get a life! Go to the site labelled "GO PLAY IN THE TRAFFIC!!!!"

Dear Cheryl****
Great to see someone adopting a needy cat. Yes in the beginning they will be enemies, and you will notice after a week or so they will start being a bit friendlier, And in turn, they will turn out to be the biggest mates ever. I find it more difficult with the male cats, not the neutered ones. It is much better when the cats live inside, because there is no competition from the cats who live outside. The main thing you need to do is introduce the new cat when you feed your cat. Your cat will not have time to quarrel, spit, lash out, etc. The more you relax with there indifferences, the more they will relax. They MUST have their own feeding bowls, toys, and litter boxes in comfortable places. Hope it works for you. Just remain calm!!!
luv peppa-anne**

Answer 8

a kitten is the best, as it is not set in its ways, as older animals are, the two cats will hiss and spit at each other for several days, and the dog will want to sniff and smell its bottom often, the kitten may hiss at the dog. my suggestion is to first put the kitten in a pen, or something like it, a carrier, in the middle of the room, let them all smell each other thru this for a day or so, then, maybe try letting the kitten out, dont get alarmed at the hissing and kissing, they will eventually get along.

Answer 9

I would adopt a kitten. An adult cat is probably more set in its ways and kittens adapt rather quickly.

Answer 10

my cat seems happier with a second cat in the house. I got a kitten and she went into a mother instinct. It did take a few days for them to get along. Try to integrate them slowly for the first few days then let them be together but don't force them together; let them come together at their own pace.