Moving out

Changing a cats routine is usually always traumatic.When the day comes, I would try and get as much of your stuff into your room as possible. This includes kitty's personal stuff too. Once all is somewhat put in order, I would bring your cat to the new place. Keep her in just your room for a few weeks. Let the other cats sniff from under thwe door. Getting them used to each others scents before contact is always a good idea. Even if it means bringing some kind of blanket or towel from each cat so they smell each other. Once she has settled a little and has adjusted to her new room, let her start to venture into the house for a bit. Possibly ask your roomate to confine the other 2 cats for a half hour. Let them meet for the first time under supervision. There will probably be lots of hisses and growls, but don't interfere unless someone is getting hurt. With time, the adjustment should go okay for all of them..females or males together usually makes little difference. Most of the conflict occurs with high #'s of males. Also, it wasnt mentioned, but it also helps if all cats are either spayed or neutered.

Originally posted by Sandie
Most of the conflict occurs with high #'s of males.

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Out of curiosity, Sandie, what do you consider a "high" number of males?

Anything over 5 males is high in my eyes. Of course it's not to say they will get territorial but the chances are pretty good.

Sandie:

Does it make a difference if they are neutered? I ask because I am partial to males (don't ask me why), and the next time I make additions to the family, it's likely to be 2, bringing the total up to 4 males, 0 females.

I'm partial to male cats too! They seem more loving for some reason. :-)

lsmith:

I think that in some small way, I just want to be surrounded by guys!

It does make a difference on neutering, BUT with all situations considered. The more males you have your chances of behavior problems or spraying increases. You may even want to e mail Rene and ask her oppinion on the matter. She LOVES males and her house mostly consists of them. She at this time has a few sprayers and one who pees on the stove. She just told me NO MORE MALES for herself. Mind you a few have hearing loss or "issues". But having that many males has made it harder for one or another to establish his role in the house.

Thanks for your input. It gives me something to consider before I add to the family.

I am more partial to male cats as well. I have the one female kitten and one male. If in the future I was to get another male would it be better to get one that was younger or does that make a difference?

I have 3 male cats and one female, and just recently I successfully introduced a new female kitten. I have to say that with my own previous experience the younger the new cat is , the easier it is to introduce them. I have also introduced two adult cats to my first adult cat and that went well too it just took a bit longer for them to get used to each other being around, but they definately seem to adapt and accept better if the new cat is younger, I think they feel it less of a threat. Just try not to change the routines of the resident cats too much and all should go well (hopefully) no matter what the ages! Good luck!