Getting a second cat

[KSW]

Has anyone had experience with their existing indoor cat acting aggressively towards other cats they see outside the window, but then successfully introducing a new cat into the household with that same cat?

My female brown tabby (Toonses) is VERY aggressive towards neighbourhood cats that pass by her window or through our backyard. She was also aggressive once to a kitten that I brought near her that belonged to a neighbour.

However, I would LOVE to get a second cat. The local Humane Society said I would have more success introducing a male cat and that I must do it very slowly (I have downloaded all the literature on how to do a gradual introduction).

I am just worried that she is one of those cats that would never accept another cat and I don't think that emotionally, I would be able to give the new cat back once I have adopted it. It seems cruel. I also don't want to traumatize Toonses.

Any thoughts???

[lvpets2002]

I can see why you are && my story is I had Calitt first & she was aggressive at every other animal whether it be in or out.. Then like you wanted another cat && OMG you would have thought the world came to an end.. Oh not what you think = she was aggressive with me when I brought home the second cat = now mind you I kept the new baby in a separate bedroom & let them growl & sniff each other under the door way.. Then one day I said it was time & slowly got them to touch noses & there was still hissing & growling & finally Calitt gave in & now I am a proud house hold of six babies in the house & all get along.. See after the second one it got easier & easier for Calitt to acept all the others..

[Flatcoatluver]

see i have A LIL. differnt experience, my kitty everytime she sees a cat she hisses no matter what, she is just a alfa female, but thats cool the cat liked her susscessfully

[jenluckenbach]

My parents had a cat once, named Hamlet. Actually he was indoor/outdoor. He always chase other cats from the property and my my was certain she could never introduce another cat to the home. But situations caused a young lady cat to come to the house and she tried. Amazingly enough, Hamlet was perfectly OK with this new family member.

Now, this may or may not happen in your case.

Definitely find a male cat, and one that has no dominant behavior. Your cat Toones MUST be able to be the boss.
Expect a lot of hissing, growling and posturing, but know that it is perfectly normal.

Good luck.

[DrNiblik]

By all means get a second cat! Sure, intorduce them slowly, but once they've gotten to know one another I'm sure Toonces will thank you. I had Dille for a year before Maghoi showed up. They didn't get on a first, but now they are the best of friends!

[Flatcoatluver]

Originally posted by jenluckenbach
My parents had a cat once, named Hamlet. Actually he was indoor/outdoor. He always chase other cats from the property and my my was certain she could never introduce another cat to the home. But situations caused a young lady cat to come to the house and she tried. Amazingly enough, Hamlet was perfectly OK with this new family member.

Now, this may or may not happen in your case.

Definitely find a male cat, and one that has no dominant behavior. Your cat Toones MUST be able to be the boss.
Expect a lot of hissing, growling and posturing, but know that it is perfectly normal.

Good luck.

i agree with you that's what we tell everybody that wants to adopt a second kitty

[dragonchilde]

Tinkerbell (my 16 year old male) did NOT like the new arrivals when they first came.

NOw, though, he sleeps with them both all the time, and loves them to pieces.

You'll never know until you try, and it will take time and patience. Kitties don't get to be the best of friends in a week! (Well, not usually, there are always exceptions to the rule.)

Good luck!