We currently have a 10 year old grumpy male cat and wondered if introducing another equally aged male cat might cheer him up and provide some companionship. Our cat cries all time even though we think we give him enough attention as it is. Will a new cat make things better or worse?
2007-02-03 04:17:26 · 6 answers · asked by Tony The Pony 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
I have 9 cats. Most of them adopted as adults.(work for a vet - occupational hazard)The best way i have found is to give the new kitty a space all their own, a bedroom or the bath usually. Bring the new kitty out when you are home. Pet the new kitty and invite the old kitty to join you. Let them have some supervised time together, but don't leave them alone until you are sure they get along. Also, placing some of the new kitty's poop in the old kitty box will help him adjust to the new kitty's presence.Separate food bowls is good once they are together, animals can be very food aggressive. They do seem to keep each other occupied when I'm not home, but they all still want attention from me.
2007-02-03 04:33:09 · answer #1 · answered by yvonne 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had an older female cat that I thought I wanted to do the same thing, provide some companionship for her. Also, I know I provide a good home for pets so thought I could do this for another cat. It only made her life miserable because the cat I brought in was 6mos. old, very active & naughty. I still feel bad to this day. She ended up also very sick from a cold that he brought in from the shelter & she had never been sick. I still have a guilty concience over the whole thing for her sake although I know I was only trying to do the right thing. Good luck, maybe try it temp. which I'm sure would be easier said than done too, not getting attached to the new one?
2007-02-03 05:21:27 · answer #2 · answered by COblonde 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
even though cats are generally social creatures especialy with there own kind unless you really want another cat for YOU dont bother.My friend tried this for the same reason (cat companionship because he was working a lot) and it didnt work out.Bringing in a new cat only made the original cat more grumpy and unsocial. Like humans there are many personalities in cats and some just like to be moody and left alone.
2007-02-03 04:51:08 · answer #3 · answered by Lynda M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've always found that older male cats (especially if neutered) take well to kittens. In fact, I once had an old grey tabby who brought a litter of 3 kittens home one day - it was just the coolest sight to see him trotting across the road with these kittens trailing along behind him. I was the type of kid who always brought stray cats home myself, and I could always imagine old Smokey finding these orphan kittens one day and saying "hey follow me kids! I know a nice friendly cushie cat place for you to hang out."
To answer your question, I think a kitten would be more appropriate. Let him play big brother.
Female cats are another story.
2007-02-03 05:29:00 · answer #4 · answered by veemayl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I never could make 2 male, adult cats live in my house. Seems like a male cat had marked his territory. A new cat is considered as trespassing.
2007-02-03 04:25:52 · answer #5 · answered by elmo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start with their names....LOL>>>.
2007-02-03 04:25:06 · answer #6 · answered by chazzer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋