I'm thinking of getting a kitten or cat

[applegrove]

to be a companion for Twilight. Twilight growels viciously at other cats when she sees them outside. So I think a kitten would be less of a threat. But I would prefer an older cat whose calmer. I also would feel better about giving an older cat a forever home. I think Twilight would get over the interloper after a few days. She grew up with an older cat, Monster, who dominated her. I think that is why she is so territorial. Low status pets (and low ranking humans) are often territorial, I think out of an insecure desire to prove their worth.

What is your experience of integrating two cats. I think I'd get a female. Any advice is welcome.

[AsahinaKimi]

1. I had two cats...

Its best to, if possible keep them in a separate room for a while so they can get used to each others smell. Its a kind of a long time for the older cat to get used to the new cat. Eventually they will be familiar with and except each other.

read this, it will help: http://www.wikihow.com/Bring-a-Second-Cat-Into-the-Family-and-Not-Make-Your-Old-Cat-Upset

[Rhiannon12866]

2. I've only done it with my dogs, but I made sure they met on neutral ground first.

And my vet also told me that male-female combination is the most likely to work best. The only time I've had two cats was when my uncle died and I adopted his two. They were both nice cats, though one was reclusive, and the smaller declawed kitteh bullied her.

Also, Feliway is also supposed with that. It's a synthetic cat pheromone commonly known for eliminating inappropriate urination in cats. But it's also supposed to have a calming effect, like a change in the family or a move, which is what you'd be doing. I got it when I rescued a cat from outdoors and brought her inside. I also made sure that she had a "safe place," a kind of igloo shaped bed.

http://www.feliway.us/

Good luck with this and let us know how it's going!

[Kali]

3. my super-cranky Mamakitty has adapted

to two different (male) cats weaseling their way into the house and two dogs as well (although she attacks the dogs when she feels moody) The first intruder died, she sleeps with the recent one now, they are fine. It didn't take much time for her to put up with the cats, the first dog had her sleeping/hiding on a top shelf in out on the utility porch/room for what seemed like a month.

[LancetChick]

4. My two cats have never been apart.

Two male cats who were born together and adopted by me at three months of age, which is when they were neutered, and although it was so important for them to be together when they were kittens and didn't know anything, they really don't get along. One was a bully until I implemented Marshall Law, but they need real supervision. Good thing I work at home, otherwise this situation would be untenable. They're almost nine years old now, and it's gotten much better, but they still need supervision. Sometimes it just doesn't gel, no matter what efforts you've made. I'm so grateful I have them, though, and don't regret anything. And they do groom each other when they're relaxed. But damn their infernal energy and intelligence and all the other qualities that make them so difficult and make me love them at the same time!