Should we got another?

I'm not sure if it was ok to put this here so Mods please move it if it's in the wrong place

So Jon and I have been tossing around the idea of adding another member to our family. I've wanted another kitten for a while now and I think we are going to do it. But first I wanted the advice and support of everyone at TCS!

Roxie is about 2 1/2 years old, female dsh torti. She has some behavior issues. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that she was abandoned in a Petco parking lot at only a few weeks age. She never had a mommy or any littermates She really doesn't know much about being a cat, but we love her anyway!

We were thinking a kitten would be good for her. This way she would have someone to keep her company when we are not around and to play with when shes bored rather than destroying our stuff. I'm thinking a male kitten somewhere between 8-12 weeks (I know the older the better but these are all orphaned kittens at an adoption center so they have no mommies anyway).

I know introductions would have to be slow but we are prepared for that. I think in time it would be great for our Roxie and us but I am just nervous that Roxie would teach the kitten to be as naughty as she is rather than the kitten teaching Roxie how a cat is supposed to play (no biting, etc.). This time I would go for a kitten that had littermates.

What do you all think? Any advice or suggestions?

I think you should come adopt my sweet little foster kitten Jezabel!

Originally Posted by StarryEyedTiGeR

I think you should come adopt my sweet little foster kitten Jezabel!

Click to expand...

Aw, we would love to...

BUT

Jon says he needs a male in the house to be on his side

I'm sure Jezabel will be adopted real soon!

A kitten will be easier to introduce than an adult....but since Roxy is 2.5 years old & she's not a very "cat" cat....expect a long & difficult introduction.

Honestly, if it were me, I would lean towards a kitty who is closer to 1 year old, that way Roxy will be less able to teach the newbie naughty things.

And what sort of answer do you think you will get from members here at TCS? You were thinking - "no"? Of course your little one needs a pal!
That being decided I think you will get excellent advice from very knowledgable members about the type, sex and age of your new family member!
Then......pictures, picture, pictures!
Seriously, I would never have an "only" cat. My belief is they do need companionship, even if they aren't "bosom" buddies. That probably makes no sense, but that is how I feel. So, go for it!

I knew I wasn't going to get any no's!! I didn't want any either!

That's how I feel about Roxie. Even if god forbid they should not get along after taking slow introductions, she will still have a companion for when we are not around.

At this point we are 99.9% sure we are going to go for it Just looking for everyone else's thoughts!

Speaking from a similar experience....it's a great idea!

Summer was an only cat for 3 years before we got Chevy (she was 5 years old). We wanted a second cat for a long time, but didn't see any that called out to us. Chevy was 15 weeks old when we got him. We had a 3 day adjustment period where Summer was more scared than anything. Both kitties were rescue kitties found by themselves.....It's worked out great! They love playing together and Summer LOVES washing Chevy's face. It was the best thing I ever did for Summer....Two kitties are more fun...just read my siggy!

Since Roxie is an only cat who may not know cat manners herself - playing gently with other cats and such. I wouldn't suggest a young kitten.
Provided that she does take to the new cat quickly, she might get a little rough. Why not at least 4 months or older? Everyone wants the cute little baby kittens but older kittens need homes too.

I agree with an older kitten. I have 3 orphaned bottle feds that fail to realize they are cats at times. Koko annoys the other cats in the house when she tries to play with them because she doesn't have good cat manners. She's not mean, she just doesn't know when to control her actions. Your girl might overwhelm a very young kitten.

A younger male would be what I would pick. Maybe not as young as 8-12 weeks though. I thought a kitten would be easier on Mattie but looking back it probably would have been easier if I picked one closer to about 1 year. Chloe is super playful and that annoys Mattie (Chloe was an orphan kitten, but her foster mom's cat kind of taught her how to be a cat).