Question about getting a second cat

[CreekDog]

I have a really nice cat, he's 8, he's long and big (like 16 pounds) he's so happy and yet he's so easily cowed.

Anyway, I would like to get another cat, but I'm afraid this one will just get dominated. If I got a kitten, would that be better?

[Dangerously Amused]

1. Not necessarily.

It's going to depend on the temperament of the second cat more than the age. (I learned this years ago, the hard way.) If you get an adult kitty from a rescue, they will probably have a good idea about the temperament and suitability for a house with other animals from their observations.

Good luck.

[mike_c]

2. cat social interactions are hard to predict...

...other than initially, when they're likely to be competitive and territorial. My experience with male cats is that they usually do quite well with kittens as long as they're neutered and there isn't a nursing female around. Male cats will readily bond with kittens after the initial hissing and spitting period. Keep an eye on that, but try not to interfere-- they will generally work things out in a few days if they're left to it. They know how to establish social order in cat fashion and we simply don't.

Several of my male cats have "taken in" kittens and become surrogate parents of a sort for them. On the other hand, I don't think that early relationship necessarily impacts the eventual relationship that develops as the kitten grows to adulthood. If the kitten grows into an aggressive alpha kitty it might cow your existing male cat anyway. Best to make it another male and to neuter it early if you can. Male cats are more likely to become buddies in adulthood than females.

[mikeytherat]

3. We've integrated three cats, all at different stages.

All were kittens when they came into the house, but the other cat(s) were several years older. It might take a few days or a few weeks to totally integrate a newbie, but it should go well. And yeah, I'd get a kitten, but that's just 'cuz kittens are so much fun (and it will likely re-invigorate your current cat).


The gang, doing what cats do best

mikey_the_rat

[IndianaJones]

4. get the kitten and use your current cat to beat it. it will not dominate it then. nt.

[Deep13]

5. I don't know that, but I can be fairly sure that...

...you will have twice as much cat shit in your house.

:evilgrin:

[CreekDog]

that is exactly the kind of response I would typically provide

:evilgrin:

[paulk]

6. we had really good luck getting a kitten for our cat

he wasn't eight at the time - he was around 3, I think. Clyde, the black cat, was kind of aggressive - we were a little worried at first, but he totally became a surrogate Mom for Twig. Now Twig is all grown up and they get along just fine.

[applegrove]

7. It depends on the personality of the cats involved. Even as a kitten

one of my cats dominated another. He just had more energy and wouldn't leave her alone.

[CatholicEdHead]

8. My ex-girlfriend had two cats about the same age

Within two years or so. We then rescued a kitten from a couple of feral cats outside the apartment complex. The kitten was too much for even the younger cat (6 at the time). He never made any noises before but there was lots of growling and hissing that first night as the kitten kept going and going and going....

[CreekDog]

9. wow, all this great advice

thanks! :grouphug:

i'm bringing all my problems here from now on!

(please note that not liking Rush music is not a "problem")

[DeepBlueC]

10. I think a kitten is best

An adult cat will usually not consider a kitten threatening, not as a rival, nor will the kitten be looking for dominance. It has always worked best in my house. Older cat gets all parental. Younger cat wants to play and older cat sets boundaries. Good for your timid cat to have that chance.

[DeepBlueC]

11. It's how you introduce them too

A direct face to face can be threatening for both, so if you can keep new kitten isolated in one room for a couple of days, they will be getting to know each other through the scent path under the door. Very unthreatening way to get an up close scent check without fearing hostile response. By the time you open door it may be uneventful or even exciting. Make sure both get lots of love.