should I get another?

[weeze]

I need some advice. I have a 5 month old kitten right now and I am thinking of getting another one but am not too sure how it will be with two cats in the house. My husband and I certainly have lots of love to give but we are not too sure if two cats will be too messy and we are also concerned if our current kitty will be upset or not. Please help! Thanks

[lhg0962]

Probably better to do it now than later. I have the scratches on my hands to prove that theory! My 11 year old Mimi has had a tough time adjusting to a new adult cat. I would think that it might take a little bit of time, but two kittens would enjoy each other very much.

[Troy]

I agree wholeheartedly...I actually found it easier to have two kittens because they spend so much time playing with each other and require less attention - of course its hard not to give them attention when they're at that age! They kept each other company when I was at work and have since developed a extremely strong bond.

So go on, get yourselves another kitten!

[4 feline house]

Similar to what I've said before in another post, even if they never become fast friends, they will at least peacefully co-exist, and there are so many kitties yearning to give their love sitting in shelters right now. So, yes, get another.

[HowieDawn]

Oh most definately! you should get another kitty. At first they might not get along. They might be afraid of each other and hiss. But after a couple of weeks they will love and cuddle up with each other.

[weeze]

So I went to see a kitten that someone was giving away and my Tiger went nuts. She hissed like crazy and the other kitten was so frightened that she ran off and wouldn't come out from her hiding place! Anyway, I chickened out from bringing that one home but I will give it another try as soon as I can find one! Thank you all for your advice!

[carrie]

Nobody said that Tiger would instantly like the idea!!!! It's one of those things - it takes time. But believe me the sooner the better!!!!!

[Pam]

I visited all of these links Spencer and found it interesting that almost half of the hoarders are females 60 yrs. of age and older. I would imagine they mostly live alone so there is no one to answer to and they virtually have endless freedom to continue to collect. Apparently it is a form of obsessive/compulsive disorder and these people are to be pitied rather than condemned. We have had two cases in the local paper in the last couple of years. Hopefully now that more is being learned they will be helped and so will their "captives."

[Heaven]

I currently have 7 cats and I'm adopting another very soon. It usually takes a few days for everybody to adjust. I've never brought an adult cat into the house myself for fear of them having a hard time adjusting. FYI - I'm not a cat hoarder - I have the space and finances to care for my family of cats (i'm also in my 20s and married).

[This message has been edited by Heaven (edited January 29, 2001).]

[HowieDawn]

i would love to be able to have/afford 7 cats.

[bookitty1231]

I say go for it. The younger your current cat is the easier it may be for it to welcome a newcomer. The older he/she gets the harder this may be on you and your cat. This will also give your kitten a play mate for when your at work or just out of the house. I started out with two sisters so it made it easier for me, but when I'm at work they play and entertain each other and it makes me feel better to know that neither one of them is alone. I later added a third when they were a little over a year old and there was a little tension at first. I did it while I was on vacation and could be there with them to make sure they
didn't gang up on the little fellow. Also consider this, if you choose a kitten of the opposite sex please plan on spaying/nuetering to help prevent over population. Two can quickly turn into 6 and the pattern keeps going on. Plus it is
healthier for the cats.

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"As we all know, cats now rule the world."
--John R.F. Breen

[margaret]

That was a pretty sad video, Spencer, although it did have it's amusing side. It's good to know that the building owners found out about the hoarding and that the woman was forced to finally take action--adopt the cats out. Hopefully the people adopting all those kitties will DO THE RIGHT THING and spay/neuter and keep the cats updated on their shots!

That video is a perfect example of what happens when cats aren't spayed & neutered. Population EXPLOSION!!

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]Margaret

[weeze]

Its funny that this conversation got fired up again today because since I originally posted it I got another kitty, a couple of days ago.. She is adorable, but my Tiger is not exactly pleased although she didn't react as badly as I thought she would. She is definetely not herself though. She doesn't want to play with me and she growls every time I try and pick her up. She hisses like crazy at the little one and they spend a lot of time chasing each other around the house. I feel really bad for Tiger but I think she will be better off with a little companion.

[cprince]

I was happy to read that you did adopt another cat. Give them time to adjust and make sure you give equal amounts of attention to both.

I recently added a third adult cat to my two adult cat (and one husband) household. The younger of the two took to the newest addition immediately. The eldest of the three is reserving judgment but I can tell that each day, he is accepting the newest cat a little more.

Best of luck to you and bless you for adopting another cat! Keep us posted.

[alice]

Through the years, I have brought many new cats into an established household -- and several where adult cats, not kittens. I'm happy to report that there has been only one total failure. Fortunately, I was able to find an excellent home for the newcomer elsewhere and peace was restored to my house. It can take time, it can be wonderfully successful, or the kitties might just decide to simply tolerate each other, but it is always so rewarding to help provide safety and a good home for a cat that it is certainly worth the trouble.



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alice