I have a 5 year old female cat with a huge attitude. She is skittish around other people, but loves me. Lately, I have been considering on getting another cat for companionship for her. What kind of cat, older or kitten and male or female. Or do you think I should just keep it as is.
Thanks
2007-06-07 01:55:26 · 6 answers · asked by zoelitl 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
I would get a female kitten so that the older cat can easily assert her dominance and you won't have to worry about the two cats vying to be the alpha.
Additionally, you may want to keep the cats separated initially but close enough that they can become familiar with the others scent. A screened porch with a screened door would be an ideal place to keep the kitten at first before bringing her inside. It's also important to reassure the older cat and continue to give her lots of attention.
Be prepared for some initial acting out, such as not using the litter box, marking of territory, and probably some clawing/chewing on furniture and shoes, but this will pass.
Good luck.
2007-06-07 02:13:22 · answer #1 · answered by herogoggles 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You know your cat better than I, so I don't really know what you should do. I have always heard that when introducing a new cat into the household it is easiest to introduce an adult cat to one of the opposite sex with similar coloring and coat pattern. I have seen that in action, when a new neighbor moved in - they had a big ol' tom cat, a long-haired orange marmalade tabby with a white bib. My oh my, did he and my long-haired orange marmalade tabby with a white bib female (spayed) cat fall in love with each other. He used to just watch her walk, and he would bring her a couple mice a day. His people were constantly saying how they had never seen him acting so smitten - even with their female cat who had had several litters of kittens with him, and he was an awesome daddy, bringing her mice, helping protect and teach the kittens. So if you can find a male cat of the same color as your female, that might be optimal. But that doesn't mean you won't have success if you bring home a cat that looks different. Either way, here are some strategies for a smooth introduction - http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/e-vets/catbehavior/introduce.html
2007-06-07 02:16:20 · answer #2 · answered by Windi Lea 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We had a ct that lived to be the grand old age of 23 yes 23. she had never lived with another cat and we got a kitten when she was 21. First she would hiss try and scratch her and the kitten would run, this went on for the first few days but we stuck with it soon after they was the best of friends our old girl would snuggle out with the kitten and clean her. Dont get an older one or you will have stand offs on who is going to be leader.
Good Luck
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2007-06-07 02:08:35 · answer #3 · answered by kerry 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My, aren't we pretentious. Are YOU purebred? Why are you too good for a shelter cat? Are you aware that purebreds are often found at shelters? I have a Persian and an Exotic Shorthair - both from shelters. Toygers actually look NOTHING like baby tigers. I know the woman who've developing the breed - I met her at a cat show in Seattle. They look very much like your Bengals. It'll be a long, long time (if ever) before they acquire the rounded ears and striping of a tiger. Singapuras are very small and delicate and your aggressive Bengals would most likely kill it. And FYI - the length of a cat's fur has nothing to do with allergies. People are allergic to the dander (skin) of cats - not their fur. Love this comment - "but I will not own a non purebred cat. They are ill tempered, ugly and you never know it's history" Sounds like you're describing yourself - not nonpedigree cats!
2016-05-18 23:11:43 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want them to mate, get a male about her age.If you just want them to play, find a place where you can take her and let her play with some of the kittens. The one she likes best is the one you should take.Boy or girl, a kitten wouldn`t matter.
If your not sure, you should get an about 2-3 yr old male.
2007-06-07 02:16:55 · answer #5 · answered by Jaimie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might try a very young kitten, if you do get another cat. Your kitty might still view the youngster as an intruder, but not as a threat. Especially if you introduce the kitten right.
The gender won't really matter, especially if you get the kitten fixed at the appropriate age.
2007-06-07 02:01:32 · answer #6 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋