Adding another cat

[emily_the_spoiled]

I just want to ask some advice from the experts here. I am in the process of looking at getting a second cat to join the household . Emily is 2 years old, kind of on the small side and she is not a "dominate" type of cat. So I figured if I got an adult cat the same age or younger and of a similar size it would help with the issue of "who's the boss". I would also like to get another easy going kitty (to make the household run okay). But I am looking for advice on how to introduce the new cat to our home...

[yumyum6970]

Keep them separated in different rooms while you are out...Let them play together gradually. The same age is a great idea. Ours wasn't when we got our 2nd cat and it was a big adjustment. Good luck!!

[Fuzzy317]

Also, getting another cat around the same age will give Emily someone else to play with.

We had gotten our Twidgit as a kitten, and the 2 adult cats we had didn't really play with her much. I think us getting Ashton, our other kitten, was a good decision. Twidgit and Ashton are about 3 months apart in age, and they love to play with each other.

[yorkster]

If you already have a female at home, it's usually better to get a male. Two females can really clash.
Also introduce them slowly by keeping the new kitty in a separate room with the door shut for a bit, with his/her own litter box, food, etc.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[catwhisperer]

A few years ago a breeder told me that when you get a new cat especially an adult and introduce them into a household where there is already a cat to keep the new cat in a separate room for a few days to a week with his or her own litter, food, and water. Go in to pet and get acquainted gradually. Then gradually open the door and let the kitty become acquainted with the rest of the house. This gives both cats time to get used to smells, noises, etc. without premature encounters which can lead to early territorial disputes. Another thing I found helpful was to let my older cat, Flory, smell the carrier I used for my new cat so that there wouldn't be quite the surprise later on. There were some squabbles at first when I let Jake out of the room but gradually they got used to each other, became friends, and seldom even hissed. I kept the food areas separate later on also.

Tried the same thing when I introduced Gracie to our household and it worked even better. We now have three cats who get along reasonably well. Two are really close buddies. The older one keeps her distance but never attacks nor fights with the other two. Good luck.

[yorkster]

Good advice Catwhisperer, and welcome to Pet Talk.
I think your user name is a really great one- wish I'd thought of it!

[D'artainyen]

I am a new member. I do not have a cat or any pet what so ever ,but I wish I did. Will I be welcome?

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Originally posted by D'artainyen
I am a new member. I do not have a cat or any pet what so ever ,but I wish I did. Will I be welcome?

Yes, you are welcome. But I have to warn you, if you are even thinking about getting a pet, you will soon have a household full of them if you spend anytime here.

[sasvermont]

"Cat for sale" "Cat for sale".......