What do you think?

Question

Well I'm thinking about getting my cat whos 4yrs. old a beutifal girl cat that i saw at the shelter. She is about 3 or 4 years old they think. So do you think I should go for it. I want him to have a mate, but I am worried that he might become sad that I have a new cat. She is really sweet. I saw her when I was there with my friend when she was getting a dog. I just fell in love with her. Also, how do I make them feel comfturabl when they meet? Thanks for your awncers!

I am gone most of the time and I want him to find a play-mate

YES! I would not be doing this if he was not neutered!

Answer 1

It's wonderful you are going to get your cat a mate as long as there is no way they can reproduce together. You want them both neutered/spayed. IF THAT'S THE CASE:

Your home rule cat will be a little thrown off at first, expect some hissing perhaps and some generaly snottiness. Introduct the cats to each other S-L-O-W-L-Y.

You have two considerations here:

1. Introduction of cat to cat
2. Introduction of a new cat to your home.

You want to protect both cats and your home.
This means, your new cat should get a clean bill of health and a bath before entering your home. Clean bill of health is more important than a bath. You'll want to bathe your cat to make sure it's flea free, doesn't have any buggies from the shelter. But that is a minor thing compared to making sure she's healthy. You want your vet to check for internal/external parasites, do a blood draw for feline leukemia, vaccinate for everything.

After your new cats goes through all of this, it's going to be under the weather for a day or two - they generally act sluggish after getting their shots - but not to worry this is normal.

We generally bring the new cat in shut the doors to bedrooms and offices we do not want them to hide in and let them go. That's only because we know the nature of our cats from years of experience. They'll be stand offish, may hiss a bit, but they never attack, bite or scratch the incoming cat. (We rescue a lot of cats and keep some in foster care for several months at times). If we sense the new cat may have an 'attack, scratch or bite' disposition, we will keep him kenneled or isolated until he calms down and does not feel threatened.

Overall, your adjustment period should take three to seven days depending on the nature of the cats. If your cat is well adjusted and curious, she may be happy to have a playmate and this process could proceed faster.

Remember, one thing cats appreciate in multiples, is having multiple cat pans. You don't want to upset your cat by having a new cat doing 'deeds' in the cat pan. Get a new one for the new cat and keep two running. Ideally, you should have one more cat pan running than you have cats. So, for two cats you should have THREE pans. You'll find they will pee in one and poo in the other. Having a second and new pan for the new cat will decrease your chances of either cat soiling areas of your home.

Most of all, don't get uptight and cast human feelings upon your cats, be patient and relax. Cats are social creatures and after having had over 289 cats through our home within the last four years? We've only had one cat who was anti social, and we KNEW that when we brought her home. Her kittens were adopted out, and she went on to live life as a fat and healthy unsociable barn cat.

Give your household a month to settle into something that feels "right" and prepare to enjoy your new cat. Cat friendships are some of the most enjoyable relationships to observe.

Good Luck and Happy Tails!!

Answer 2

Are you really getting this cat for your male cat or for yourself? How long have you had your male cat? Has he been neutered? Older cats don't usually need a "companion" if they are well integrated into the human family and if you do decide to get another animal, either feline or canine, expect some hissing, spitting, scratching, pouting and reverting to spraying or peeing in unacceptable places. Usually once the cats become accustomed to each other, they will designate "territory" and MOST times will get along just fine. I've done it before and the first couple of weeks can be pretty nasty, but eventually everyone learns to get along. Just be sure to give the first cat LOTS of attention, both in sight of the new cat and when the two of you are alone. He will probably wonder what he did that you would want to replace him with a "GIRL"....but should come around.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

I have a female and took my daughters male in. She tolerated him for a while, she lost her male mate who actually brought her home to me a few months before. She is very stand offish about new things and it took a few months for her to take to him. he is a wimp and she is the hunter, smart and doesn't panic when the dish gets empty as he does. she knows there will be food. he is a doublewide and I always try to feed when she is at the dish so I know she gets her share and she does. Just take it slow. They may never show a lot of affection but, it is companionship and I know she likes him and is happy he is here it's just her nature, the cat nature is that way unless they are kittens, then they play and all that. Just give them space, time and love. Make sure they aren't pushed together but have room to stay away from each other. It is an adjustment for both. Saving a cat from the shelter is the best and they may never be buddies but in cat language they will be less lonley with someone to hang with. i know mine is. Good luck.

Answer 4

They won't feel comfortable when they first meet. Took my 2 1/2 year old female a few days to START getting used to the idea of a male kitten using her space. She is territorial. Then they got used to each other and my cat started acting like the momma to the kitten. Now they play, fight and sleep together.

Answer 5

Make sure they are both fixed/neuterd/spayed. So no kittens come out for you to find new caring homes to or they will end up in the same place you found your new cat.

Hope you have the cash saved up, it will take dbl the amount of cash now. Extra cat litter, extra cat food, extra cat toys, extra cat attention.

Could you bring your cat in a cage to see her?

Just one thing, HURRY, this cat may be on death row! Last day to adopt! I know of hear they only have about a week or less to be adopted out depending on space cage availablity!

Answer 6

She would probably be happy. Be sure to keep them in seperate bedrooms for a few days. Very slowly introduce them. There would be some hissing and growling for about a week, maybe less, then all the sudden they become best of buds.