I have a 4YR old male Cat....should I adopt a kitten?

Question

My 4yr old (tom) is very friendly; I've even had another cat in the house for a but (stray) and he was happy as pooh to see it. I really would like to get a kitten this way he can get more exercise. I don't know if i should get another male or get a female; of course tom is already neutered and so would be the new kitten. any information for me would be appreciated

Answer 1

Males tend to be more social and outgoing than females, so if you wanted another adult, I'd look for a male that's been around other cats before. A young kitten will be easier to socialize, so choice of sex is less important. Neutering/spaying by 6 months helps A LOT!!! The newcomer should have its own litterbox and feeding area, separate from Tom's, to reduce jealousy. A slow introduction works best (put the kitten in another room, and let them sniff/paw under the door at each other for a day or so before meeting face to face). Have the newcomer seen by a vet and have them do a feline leukemia test before you bring it home-that way, fleas, mites, worms, etc. can be addressed before Tom is exposed to them. Make sure Tom's vaccines are up to date before the new one comes home as well.

Answer 2

Well it shouldn't be a problem if you have it neutered the cat, i have a large 7 year old male cat and recently we got a new male kitten and yes the older one swatted the kitten a few times to put him in his place but nothing to serious, but then again it depends on the gender of the kitten i suppose, if you havent gotten it i would suggest the female, and get it spayed and also depends on the attitude of the older cat, my cat is very layed back so if yours is more territorial then defenitley go for the female

Answer 3

An only cat is a lonely cat. They should come in pairs, and bringing in a kitten will breath new life into your four year old. Expect some rejection of the newcomer at first, until your first child is satisfied that the pecking order is firmly established. By all means, remain calm yourself. If you are at all tense about the introduction, your 4 year old will pick up on the tension in you and blame the kitten for it.

Also, be very sure to not let the kitten intrude into your normal routine with the big guy. It's not a bad idea to try to involve them in play simultaneously. This further enforces that you view all of you as a unit.

Answer 4

I have a cat who is 8years and we just adopted a kitten a few weeks old - Now at first my older cat HATED the kitten.. now they are best friends :) they are both males. I dont think the gender of the cats matters that much - maybe a female and a male would get along better? not sure =D

Answer 5

It would have been better if the new dog were closer in age to the dog you already had. I hope the male is neutered and the female is spayed - otherwise you're likely to have more puppies that you aren't prepared for. It's very expensive to raise puppies correctly for eight weeks. The chances are that once your younger dog accepts the idea that the older dog is taking over, the snapping will stop of its own accord. She's just correcting him for being impudent with her. But it sounds like she doesn't much want or like to play, and isn't doing the job you got her for - which was to be a playmate and companion for your male.

Answer 6

I think the sooner the better. I waited until my cat was too old to try it and he had a nervous breakdown. It was horrible and dramatic! I agree that two boys are probably better. Theyre nicer and easier than females, in my opinion. Maybe when you go to adopt the cat you can bring yours along to see how he likes the ones you have to choose from....
I also read that when you bring a new cat in your home, you need to put that one first so the older one knows he is supposed to be there.
Good luck!!!

Answer 7

Adopting another kitty should be fine, I personally would get another boy, but I am sure your tom would get along with a female as well.
Here is a website with some ideas for introducing the new kitty::
http://www.fourpaws.org/pages/adopting_pages/introducing_cats.html
Good luck!

Answer 8

if you want a kitten go get a kitten from a shelter,or from someone who has had a litter. if you want a pure blood go to a breeder. i think you want the kitten more than tom does, as for gender who cares, just love it.

Answer 9

Basic personality matters more than the sex. Your best bet would be to go to a local rescue, tell them your cats personality and that you are looking for a buddy for him. They should be able to match you up with the perfect kitty.

Answer 10

Adopt away.

Coach