My fiance and I adopted a female cat in May and she is now about 2 years old. We decided we would like to get one more. I am wondering if it would be best to get a male or get another female, and what I can do to optimize the chances they will get along well, since I would never ever have the heart to return a cat to a shelter. She did live with 6 other cats before they were separated for adoption, so I am hoping she will do well with another. Some of her brothers and sisters are actually still up for adoption, and we may look into getting one of them, although I don't think she would remember them.
Does anyone have any advice on what to look for when getting a second cat and how to make sure, as much as possible, that they be comfortable with each other? Thanks in advance!
2007-12-03 17:22:03 · 3 answers · asked by Grace1228 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Same sex kitties tend to fight a little more for dominance. If this gets squared away early, you will have a peaceful home.
You may have better luck with 6-8 months or older. One of the biggest mistakes made is bringing a young kitten into an established home. Kittens take up a lot more time than most people think. Your kitty is 2, not far from a kitten herself so she would probably be ok depending on her temperament.
Your 2yr old is #1 right now and will lash out if the new cat gets the attention than she is used to receiving. You can definitely make it work though. You just have to devote a lot of time and pay very close attention to what your 2 yr old is saying. A slow introduction is best. Only allow them together for the first few days when they are supervised. Until this hissing and growling dies down, they should not be alone together.
2007-12-03 17:33:00 · answer #1 · answered by mR 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is an EXCELLENT idea to adopt another cat!
There is no way to know if your current cat will accept the new one or not -- but she probably will, IN TIME. I've known it to take a YEAR for one cat to accept another, but it usually takes far less. Sometimes it can take 2 weeks or 2 months.
But even if it takes a long, long time -- so what? If they avoid each other, what harm does it do? They most likely won't actually FIGHT. I've had lots and lots of cats and I've only seen one serious fight -- and that was a mother protecting her kittens. As long as they are worried about each other -- well, at least they aren't bored!
Set the new kitty up in his own room for awhile, with food, water, litter box, toys, bed. Keep him in there for a couple of weeks, letting them get used to each other's scents. Then let the new kitty out SUPERVISED, for another couple of weeks. Of course, you will have to spend time with the new kitty! Or, you can shut the current kitty in a room for a couple of hours while you play with the new one.
Try to keep your current kitty's routine the SAME. This is very, very important. She needs her routine! And give her PLENTY of attention.
As for whether to get a male or female -- honestly, I don't think it matters. If you have the chance to get an ORANGE cat, do so -- they are the most sweet tempered of all cats!
Good luck and have fun!
2007-12-03 17:37:00 · answer #2 · answered by luvrats 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sex of the new cat should not be an issue. Yes, get another if you can afford and take care of, but be sure to consult your vet on how to introduce the new cat. the current one will be jealous at first and it will need to be managed
2007-12-04 15:30:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋