Should you get a second cat? How will your current kitty react? What's best? An adult cat or a kitten? Male or female?
What to Expect When Introducing a New Cat Into Your Home
When you bring a new cat or kitten into a home with an existing older cat, you might certainly expect a little drama. Cats are notorious for being territorial and disliking any changes in their environment, especially another kitty. Your cat might immediately accept the new cat, but there might also be hissing, spitting, and even hitting or all out fighting. The best rule of thumb is to expect and be prepared for the worst and then just be really grateful if they go curl up in front of a window together.
Tips on Introducing a New Cat to Your Existing Cat
Here are some tips on how to make the transition easy for both your current furry baby as well as your newest feline family addition.
You should get your new cat or kitten checked at the vet before bringing him into your household, or keep him separate from your current cat until you do.
You might want to isolate the new cat for a week, just in case.
Allow the kitties to sniff each other through a cat carrier when they first meet so they’ll adjust more slowly rather than just tossing them into a room together and hoping for the best.
An older cat will accept a kitten more easily as long as there isn’t too much of an age difference. An elderly cat won’t enjoy the antics of an 8-week old kitten.
The younger the cats are, the more quickly they will adjust. You might consider getting 2 kittens at the same time if you don’t already have a cat and are thinking of getting one.
If considering adding a second cat, try doing it before your existing cat is 4 years old. If your cat is older than 4, consider adopting a second cat
I have found that female cats generally will accept a male cat better as a companion, but others say sex doesn’t matter as long as everyone is spayed or neutered.
Consider getting a new cat with a personality similar to your current cat.
Expect a little hissing and avoidance at first, but just don’t leave the two cats alone together for long periods of time for the first two weeks.
Remember that a litter box for each cat will help prevent possible problems in that area.
Most cats will adjust will to having a new roommate. If your kitties accept each other right away and everything went well at the vet check, go ahead and let them play together and see how things go! If you have any questions, feel free to drop by the discussion area.
The copyright of the article Getting a Second Cat in Cats is owned by Darlene Cheek. Permission to republish Getting a Second Cat in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Hi,I have a 6 year old Siamese cat and up until recently I had a 14 year
old Rottweiler dog, they were the best of friends. I had to have my dog put
down because he was failing. My cat seemed to be very lonely afterward and
seemed to be looking for the dog. Wandering around the house all night
meowing. I started to let him sleep in my bed because I felt so bad and he
seems to want to be laying right against me to sleep. I am not a fan of
pets in my bed.I was thinking I should get a kitten to keep him company but
am not sure if cats really care about having friends. Is he ok alone? Was
he just upset because he was used to the dog? Is it just going to make him
mad to share his space with a kitten? I guess i'm wondering if he will be
just as happy on his own? Any help would be appreciated.
Sep 23, 2007 7:22 AM
Darlene Cheek :
Actually, most cats do like a friend or companion of some kind, especially
if you work outside the home. Some do not. But even in the wild, big cats
come together for social time during the day.
There are
considerations since your cat is 6 years old AND is a Siamese :) and Male.
I am assuming he has been neutered, in which case, he shouldn't be
unfriendly towards another male kitten or too friendly towards a female
kitten.
You have to take your cat's own personality into
consideration - do you think he is friendly enough a kitten? Do you think
an older or younger kitten would be best for him? What would he enjoy?
Siamese are playful by nature, so most would accept a kitten, and
even at 6, still have energy and drive to play.
But you don't
HAVE to get him a kitten, and it might not make him feel better at all. He
certainly does sound sad, though, poor little guy. How wonderful that he
loved your rottie so much!
I hope some of this helps. Mostly
just thinking out loud because there are so many things to consider before
bringing a new kitten into your home. Even though it sounds like a good
idea to me, you have to make this kind of decision based on your own
situation. You could very well end up with 2 kitties in the bed :)
And I'm sorry for the loss of your dog. 14 years is a long time, and
rotties are so loyal. And your cat may just need time to mourn and some
comfort to help him through the loss. Siamese are also very loyal - they
must've been a good match!
Good luck!
Sep 23, 2007 6:55 PM
ramona :
Thank you so much for your help. He is neutered and quite playful so
perhaps a kitten would be a good companion. I imagine he would be more
accepting of a female just because he would still get to be the
"boss". I think it may be good for both of us to have a new
friend after the loss of our best dog friend. Plus I am away a fair bit so
he wouldn't have to be alone. He may be moody, loud and a total pain in the
butt sometimes but I couldn't love him more. It's amazing how animals can
become such a big part of your life, they really are special.
Thanks again! Ramona
Sep 24, 2007 7:00 AM
Darlene Cheek :
You're very welcome! They definitely are a huge part of our lives, our
families, and our hearts. And I'm sure our pets feel the same way about
each other!
"Moody, loud and a total pain in the butt"
LOL That's SO Siamese! I love it! hahaha I hope you find the perfect
companion for him that will help you heal from the loss as well!
Sep 28, 2007 4:46 PM
Kitty :
Dont get a kitten, get a young cat (ie 6 months). I have found that they
assimilate easier and the other cat is better with it.
