Kitty Kwestions

[XNASA]

We're thinking about bringing another cat into the family this Holiday Season.

We plan on going to the local shelter to look for one, but before we do, I was wondering if any of you could give me some advice.

We currently have a 9 year old Blue DMH female cat in the house. Her name is Kisa. She was spayed when she was young. Kisa still has all of her claws and is for the most part a sedentary, slightly overweight house cat. She's not very affectionate, but we love her anyway. Kisa is our only cat and has been with us since she was a kitten.

My kitty kwestion is: If we bring another cat into the house, will we ruin a good thing? Will Kisa flip? How long will it be before they learn to share a litter box? Will they start peeing all over the place? If the cat we decide to get has been declawed (not something I would do) will Kisa rip her to shreds?

What say you, oh wise DU'er cat owners.

[Don_G]

1. I Would Get A Second Litter Box For The New Kitty

Otherwise, let the cats work it out on their own. Kisa just might like having someone to play and chase around with.

[CatWoman]

3. and make sure you get a spray bottle

helps to break up fights, and train the new cat.

SoCalDem will tell you all about it :D

[XNASA]

8. Spray bottle, check. Got a few of those.

Thanks, CW. :hi:

[XNASA]

7. That's really the primary reason we'd like to get another cat.

For Kisa. We think that she might enjoy having a pal to play with, instead of laying around all day (not that she doesn't enjoy that, I'm sure).

So, check. Get second litter box. Got it.

[trof]

2. You can really never know.

We have been a two-cat family and it worked OK. They were never best buds, but they didn't fight either. Seems to work best when they come on board at the same time as kittens.

Next door neighbors had two (came with the house) and just adopted a neighborhood stray. The two original cats won't have anything to do with the newbie. Every once in a while we hear a blood-curdling scream when the new guy has intruded on their space and they let him have it. He's learning not to intrude, but it's kind of sad to see him slinking around like the ugly step-cat.

It might help if they're opposite sex, but not necessarily. The only way to know is to do it. Would you be prepared to find a new home for the newbie if it doesn't work out?

[XNASA]

10. We're prepared.

I wouldn't want the new cat to feel unwanted, that's for sure. We're going to try to find a cat that likes to be held and petted. Kisa more or less avoids contact, except when I bring her treats out.

Thanks.

[Maine-i-acs]

4. I second the second box.

Keep it clean more regularly than normal to start so the old cat won't get offended.

Another spayed female or a younger male will probably fit in well.

We have adopted about 8 shelter cats over the last few years, always with good results.

Make sure the older cat still gets a ton of love and attention when the new cat comes in.

Thanks for helping these pets find homes!

[XNASA]

14. Forgive my ignorance, but.........

aren't male cats apt to pee and spray everywhere? Even if they've been nuetered? If things got nasty, wouldn't a male cat start with the territorial pissing routine?

I don't know myself. Kisa is the first cat I've ever had, and she's almost invisible these days.

[Meshuga]

17. Kisa will be friendlier to you to compete with your other cat...

A neutered male cat will not spray your furniture. It didn't happen in my house at least and my two kitties hated each other! :-)

[Maine-i-acs]

22. I agree - 4 males and no peeing anywhere

in my house. All males neutered, alll learned to get along.

Helps to get the males young when the other cats can whoop their furry asses for a little while.

[Love Bug]

5. I would recommend either a kitten or an adolescent

This way Kisa will know she is still alpha cat and will be less likely to feel threatened.

When you bring the new cat into the house, keep her isolated in a room with her own litter box, food dishes, etc. for a couple of days until she is used to the house and you are ready to introduce them to each other. Expect a certain amount of hissing, etc. -- it's a cat thing.

[XNASA]

16. Most of the cats at the shelter are adolescents, it would seem.

They have a website, and most of the cats are at least a year old. Between 1-3 years I'd say.

Thanks.

[MissMarple]

6. Well... why rock the boat?

Now, some cats will accept others, but on the other hand you might have a war on your hands. Kittens are lively and like to play and ambush and pounce. Kisa may not take kindly to that. She may even develop undesirable behaviors. You might think about another older cat who is more compatible, but consider it on a trial basis only.

Sometimes it is better to get two kittens, littermates, at the same time, so they can be buds, or at lest tolerate each other.

And for litter boxes, you will need at least two, maybe three. The rule of thumb is one box per cat, and an extra. Unless, they really, really like each other.

Good luck :D

[prole_for_peace]

9. a second box is a good idea.

When you bring a new cat into the home you are supposed to keep them seperated for about 3 days or so. Then you open the door to the new one's room just a little so they can check each other out through the crack. Gradually introducing them is the best bet.

Also, older fixed females tend to get along better with neutered males.

[underpants]

15. That is exactly what my vet told me

We couldn't do it because the apartment isn't set up for that if we planned on going to the bathrooms. Is that what you meant by a second box?

Seriously that it what you are supposed to do XNASA.

Welcome to DU kmlewis :hi:

[Bertha Venation]

11. a couple bits of advice

1. One litter box per cat is a must.

2. Keep them separated for the first few days. Give them cloths (old t-shirts, towels, etc.) for them to "scent up," and trade the cloths between cats. That'll give them a chance to get used to each other's scent. After a few days of separation let them "play paws" under the door. Then let them spend a little time together, then a little more, etc.

These separation procedures may not be easy but they'll help.

3. Look for a thing called "Feliway." It comes in a small spray bottle and is also available in an electric diffuser (like glade plug-ins). It's a synthetic cat scent that's supposed to mellow them a bit. It helps a little bit at my house. Only problem is it's expensive.

4. If the cat you get is declawed, chances are he'll only be declawed up front. The newbie will be able to defend himself with his rear claws. (I don't believe in declawing at all; only a completely inhumane savage would also remove a cat's rear claws, because with zero claws it has NO way of defending itself.)

5. Patience, patience, patience.

Look for Catshrink -- she gives good cat advice.

Good luck!

[SoCalDem]

12. Bringing in another adult cat might present problems

Older cats are quite good with kittens.. My suggestion.. get TWO littermates...under 3 months old.. Two females would be best.. (personal favorites..tidier with litterbox)

The kittens will have each other to romp with and the older one will no doubt become their nap buddy.. The older one might even start joining in..

The claws thing should not be a problem.. we have both and when they "fight" they do not use their claws.. The ones WITH claws don't even seem to know that the ones without , do not have claws...

Separate food & litter box, and maybe even "their" own room at night.. I bet they will all do great.

We need pictures, dammit.. don't forget:)

[Meshuga]

13. It will be great for Kisa!

I have a slightly overweight american shorthair female. She was our first cat and she was not very affectionate.

I found a beautiful hungry red tabby on the street so my wife and I decided to adopt him. The red tabby is extremelly friendly and a very relaxed cat. He is pretty much a lap cat.

At first we had to keep them apart because they didn't like each other very much. You will have to be patient because you have to keep your kitties apart for a couple of weeks until they get used to each other's smell.

At first, I thought my cats would never get along because they wanted to kill each other. But all of a sudden decided to live in peace. My kitties don't really love each other but they can get along sometimes.

The second cat made my other cat become more friendly then she used to be and now she goes on our lap and she is as loving as the newer cat. The two of them sometimes chase each other so they keep each other busy too.

A second cat may seem a crazy idea when you first get the two together because of the CRAZY fights but in the long run you will not regret it. They just need time to get used to the idea of sharing territory, food and your love.

[XNASA]

18. That's our hope. That a second cat will make Kisa happier....

...and healthier.

Great advice.

Thanks.

[trof]

19. Got a good friendly cat story.

Big, black Ace walked in one night 8 years ago. I had snuck into the kitchen after Miz t. was zzzzz to score some clandestine ice cream.
Got the feeling that someone was staring at me. Went to the glass sliders & looked out. Nothing. Looked down. All I could see were two huge yellow eyes. Almost wet my pants.

Opened the door a crack to see what it was and ZOOM, he's in. Big and mean looking. Then he's head-butting and rubbing on my ankles and shins. Purring with a sound like a Cummins diesel. "Love me-love me-love-me." I picked him up and scratched his ears and I though he was going to faint.

We had no cat food, so I opened some tuna, and put that, a bowl of water, an old blanket, and the cat in the garage. We have a large German Shepherd and I wanted full daylight and all my faculties before we introduced them.

When Miz t. got up I told her I had a surprise. As soon as she saw him she said "He's beautiful." She went to put the leash on Nasha so we'd have some control during the introductions. We had them on opposite sides of the living room and Ace got away from me. Made a beeline for Nasha and did the same head-butting, rubbing, purring twining in and out her legs. Ace LIKES dogs! Nasha didn't know what to do, so she just did nothing. Never had a problem.

Well, just a small one for Ace. He is buggety-slap-dash in luuuuv with Nash, but it is unrequited. She tolerates him, and that's as far as it goes. Poor Ace.

[donotpassgo]

20. question...

My cat Otto is a year and a half...I'm moving to a new house soon and I want a buddy for him. He's super playful; although he's sleeping more over time. He's incredibly friendly and inquisitive to other cats (he's outdoor/indoor), hates dogs, but likes cats.

Will he be fine with an older cat or Kitten?

[blueraven95]

21. get a kitten

then Otto can still be alpha male. There will be less competition.

Also, when your getting a new cat, especially a young one, get it when you are able to spend a lot of time at home with it. If it is a kitten then introduce it to lots of people. (Not all at once though). This will help it become used to different people and it will be friendlier in the long run.