For New Companion Cat is it good to get a different sex???

[cruisetime]

We now have a female - that I have to admit knows I'm Meowmie and runs to me to let her do what she wants when hubby says "no" but she seems to favor hubby. So is it good to get a male cat companion (one that might attach more to me) or should I get another female??? Debbie

[moosmom]

I have 6 cats and they all get along. The thing that is most important is the introduction. You'll need to isolate the new kitty in spare room. Stack baby gates in the doorway so they can see and smell each other. Feed them near each other on opposite sides of the gates. They'll associate it with a pleasant experience. It'll take a while, but you'll be surprized at how they'll adapt to each other.

That's great that you're thinking about another cat. Only cats can sometimes get lonely. Good luck!

[cruisetime]

Thank you - I wasn't sure if it was better to get same sex or not. I do think she is lonely that is why we are looking again. Debbie

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I know others will disagree with this, but I would get a male. Partly because I like to watch the differences in the two. Even though they will both be fixed, the females are sometimes just so typically female and the males are sometimes just so typically male.

Sometimes it is harder to introduce female to female also, especially when they are older than kitten stage. I know you have a two 1/2 year old now, so if you were to get, say, another 2 year old female, there may be some sparks. However, if you were to get a kitten, she might take over the mother role. But with your description of how Meka was driving you crazy, I don't know if I'd recommend a kitten.

Try about a 4 year old orangie male. They're known to be laid back lovable lugs, but will still be young enough to play when she wants to play.

But also, like Moosmom says, the introductions are soooo important. Do it slow and easy and everyone will be happier all around.

[christa]

I say, GET A MALE KITTY!

We had Josie for a year and she's a daddy's cat for the most part. When we got a 2nd, we got Brodie and they have done great together! PLUS, he's a meowmie's kitty boy!!!

[catnapper]

I say male too. Females, especially Princesses who rule the roost, tend to resent new females coming along. Try to find a nice laid back male who will let her continue to dominate. An orangie perhaps?

[Logan]

The only problem with getting another cat of any type is if you have a female like my Mimi who simply HATES any other cat. Of course, she has only been exposed to other males, but the first one came as a 3 week old kitten and this was about 10 years ago and it totally changed her personality. We rescued the kitten, bottle fed, medicated, etc, but he did have to find a home because she was there first. When our Butter showed up about 4 years ago, I said, if she can't handle it, then he must go. She handled it better, but still hisses, growls and runs from him, even when he respects her greatly and doesn't mess with her at all. At least the house is big enough for them to coexist without bothering each other too much.

Good luck! I'm certain that most situations aren't as strange as mine.

Logan

[moosmom]

Everyone is right. When I wanted to get another cat to keep Mollie Rose company, I got a male kitten. My little RB Casey "Bubba Dude". It was the best thing I ever did. He was only 5 weeks old, and it was long before I knew anything about cats and gradually introducing them.

I simply took Casey out of his carrier and let him sniff around. Mollie Rose, who was a year old at the time, hissed and growled, but there were no major battles.

I think you just need to make sure that the cat you decide to adopt has no "only cat" issues. Otherwise it probably won't work out.

[NoahsMommy]

I prefer males too, although I LOVE the prissyness of female cats, especially Torties.

If you want a cat that'll bond to you, a male is a better choice.

As far as them getting along, my opposite sex cats seem to bond together more: Noah/Noel, Basie/Hermione, Phoebe/Samson

[Craftlady]

RB Butterscotch (male)
Skinny (male)
Thumper and Eleanor (females)
All bonded with both us and any one who came to visit us at our house. Spoiled rotten
I believe going by personality more than if kitty is male or female when adopting. You just know standing there holding the adoptees who's going to be "the one" to come home with you.
All ours picked us not us picking them

[kimlovescats]

I have both males and females who have bonded well with me and hubby ... but as far as your other cat is concerned, I would tend to say MALE also!

[cruisetime]

Great - I want a male since Meka isn't really as close to me as I'd like. So male it is - but would you really get a kitten??? Like Debbie said I don't think I have the patience for a kitten. So if it is an older male would you get one older than my Meka?? Could she still rule - because she is going to have to rule!!!! Trust me!!! She is my cat - hahahahahaha Debbie

[kimlovescats]

Originally posted by cruisetime
Great - I want a male since Meka isn't really as close to me as I'd like. So male it is - but would you really get a kitten??? Like Debbie said I don't think I have the patience for a kitten. So if it is an older male would you get one older than my Meka?? Could she still rule - because she is going to have to rule!!!! Trust me!!! She is my cat - hahahahahaha Debbie

Women always have a way of "ruling"!
Seriously though, a young adult male would be fine, or you could go with one around 4 or so, like T&P's mom said. She may smack him around a bit, but he will be fine! I do also agree that orangies are the most mellow boys!

[catnapper]

I wish you lived closer! I have the PURRFECT little dude for you! Murphy is a love, and very much laid back. Oh well... I don't suppose hubby let you travel to Pennsylvania for a kitten?

[catmandu]

That worked,at the Found Cats Hotel,as I adopted Pouncer Girl,then Mr Scarppy,but the Found Cats,now do not discriminate,against Any Stray,that shows up.