Questions about owning 2 cats

[Felix]

Hi I have a 9 mth old male cat sence he was a kitten.He is neutered and has his needles.I am thinking about getting a 1 yr old female who is spayed but does not have any needles.Both are indoor cats.The questions I have are:

Should I get the Female its needles?

What is the best way to introduce the both?

Do cats share litter boxs?

How will I know if my cat likes the company of the other cat?How long does it usually take.

If anyone has any additional information please let me know.There maybe alot of things that i cant think on at this time.

Much thanks.

[RedHedd]

What do you mean by needles? At first I thought you meant claws, but now I'm confused.

Introduce them slowly - do a search here on PT on how to do that. It can take several weeks before they are comfortable with each other. Basically you keep them separated for the first few weeks, slowly introducing their scents to each other. Swapping scents can be done by rubbing a towel on each cat and then letting the other cat have the towel so they can smell it and get used to how the new cat smells - cats are scent-driven and sensitive.

They may not love each other at first. Sometimes it can take a long time .... my two took a little over a month before they were able to tolerate each other in the same room; now they sleep together, although that doesn't happen too often.

It is recommended that each cat have its own litter box; my two rarely share.

[Felix]

I never mentioned anything about claws I wanted to know that sence I got my cat all of his needles should I get the new cat her needles when I get her??????(where she has none at this time) they both are indoor cats!!Thanks for the information you have given.

[jenluckenbach]

Should I get the Female its needles? She should be vaccinated, yes, but more importantly is to have them tested for feline leukemia and feline aids as these are contagious from one cat to the next.

What is the best way to introduce the both? SLOWLY! keep them separated at first. After the new cat settles in her own new space, allow them to meet ONLY while being supervised.

Do cats share litter boxs? Yes, but you should still have more than one when you have more than one cat.

How will I know if my cat likes the company of the other cat?How long does it usually take. Most cats will enjoy company of their own kind. But the time it takes for the friendships to bloom can vary from a few days to weeks or even months. All cats are different

[kittycats_delight]

I don't think you can get a much more thorough answer than what Jen gave. And I agree whole-heartedly with what she says.
I think it could be nice for your 9 month old to have a playmate. But please do get her vaccinated and tested for both feline leukemia and feline aids. And absolutely get a second litter box. If you have room even get 2 more. My youngest cat, Vixen is super anal about her boxes and she will only peepee in one and poopie in the other. If Lilith goes peepee in her poopie box or vice versa Vixen raises the roof. LOL

Let us know what you decide and how things turn out.

[JenBKR]

You should get the second cat, they will eventually get along and play. When we got our second cat they got along after about a month, but they were both only about two months old. Now they wrestle and play together all the time. They are always together! kittycats_delight that is so funny about your "poopie" and "peepee" litter boxes! Cats are so finicky!

[Felix]

Thanks for everyones opinions but we have decided not to introduce another cat to our Felix.I have done alot of research and thinking about this and where felix can be aggressive and territorial we have decided against it.So mommy and daddys company will just have to do He is spoiled