Getting another cat in the future?

Question

This summer, I adopted a 2.5 yr old cat from a lady. The cat has never been around other cats (since 8 weeks old). I have no plans on getting another cat at the moment, but I was wondering if maybe I should get him a companion later? Would he react badly to another cat since he's used to being on his own? He's an orange tabby, but later on, I want to get a pure black cat (I'm not a Halloween freak... I just love black cats. I would have gotten one, but I have a black cat back home... long story... and I didn't want it to seem like i was trying to replace him). Anyhoot, if you've adopted an older kitty in a similar situation yet adopted another cat, how did the cat react? Would it be safe to get a companion for Marcus later on?

Answer 1

We've got a 4 year old black cat and she was the most calm and laid back cat you can imagine. She had never been aggresive at all and very gentle when we play with her.

We got a kitten in June and, in hind sight, we didn't really go around introducing her to the house as best we could and as a result she is still hissy and growly towards the kitten and when she gets really wound up she has gone for my husband a couple of times (but mostly a fear/stress response I think).

My suggestion would be this:

1) Try to pick a cat that is very used to other cats already (preferably not a kitten as ours was too playful for our older cat).
2) Black cats have a calmer nature than a tortoiseshell for example (we found this out!).
3) Try to prepare your home for the new cat's arrival by using something like cats pheromones (e.g. feliway -cheap online).
4) Keep a room in your house that is only for the new cat for the first few days.
5) Gradually introduce you new cat to your older cat. Maybe get a screen so that the cats can see and smell each other but not physically meet until you think they're ready.
6) Keep giving your older cats lots of love and attention too.

After 6 months of having our kitten, things have calmed down a lot but the still have their moments. All I would say is take things as slowly as possible so that your older cat doesn't feel like he's being replaced.

Hope this helps?

Answer 2

Cats aren't like dogs; most of them don't need animal companionship. However, if you really want to rescue another cat, there are some things you can do to make the transition easier for him:

If he's neutered (and he should be, if not), make sure your new cat is another neutered male.

It's not a good idea to pair a male cat with a small kitten; he might kill it either purposely or accidentally. A cat of similar age or a mid-sized (4-6 month old) kitten would be best.

Once you get the new cat, keep them in separate rooms for a while. Let them see and smell each other from a distance, but don't try to put them together.

Try having a friend hold one cat while you hold the other and giving them both treats or food. That way, they'll associate each other with something good.

They will probably scuffle a bit to establish dominance even if you do everything right. Waiting longer won't help, however; it will just give your cat an even greater sense that he is the boss of your home.

Answer 3

Cats love company,if you are out all day it's wise sometimes to get another cat,as you're old one might get bored and depressed in on it's own all day.If you do get another one,introduce them both slowly and carefully,over a period of 3 weeks,and dont make the other cat feel left out.There might be a small fight at the start but thats just to see whos boss,and should not happed offten.If you're cat has been done,then maybe consider getting a female cat for marcus,as males will alot of the time fight for territory

Answer 4

in case you do get yet another cat, a kitten is the superb because there'll be no territory conflicts, The older cat will set the limitations and the kitten received't argue them. a clean older cat would have domination topics. in case your cat is a classic cat a kitten will be good for him, that's going to offer him a kittens outlook on existence and companionship of a cat variety. somewhat exercising and a clean reason to get round will be basically fantastic. it may even extend the older cats existence. do not sweat the different stuff I guess your cat will be an excellent instructor.

Answer 5

I would definately get another cat. I have 2 cats, and it's great when I am gone all day that they can keep each other company.
I would ask your vet if getting another cat to the one you already have would cause any problems..



I hope this helps!

Answer 6

the best way is to slowly integrate the animals, and if you have a male now try for a female later, i currently have 2 cats and you just have to put them together and watch them, they may eventually (after couple days) settle down and become best friends, if after couple days they are still not getting along, i would stop trying to make them

Answer 7

my grandmother had a female cat and adopted a stray cat and honestly they where fine together! they didn't fight at all and now even their like best buddies, in a way.