Should I adopt another cat?

justicat · Feb 10, 2014

Lately I've been thinking about adopting another cat and I'm not positive if I just want to have a new happy, purring friend or if I'm really thinking about what my current kitty wants, lol. My cat, Ollie, is almost a year old and is extremely rambunctious and just a big ball of energy in general. I don't always have the time to devote to him like I ought to - I work full time, am usually too tired when I come home to play with him, and I'm the only human in the house so he relies completely on me. I feel bad that he's probably lonely most of the time.

Is it a good idea? He's neutered, still a kitten - what would be the ideal match for him, cat wise? I've been considering maybe a spayed female?

He came from a multi-animal household but would hiss at the dog and the cat when we visited my parents for the weekend, so I'm not completely sure if it would be a great idea or not...any input would be appreciated!

allmomskitties · Feb 10, 2014

Justicat said:
Lately I've been thinking about adopting another cat and I'm not positive if I just want to have a new happy, purring friend or if I'm really thinking about what my current kitty wants, lol. My cat, Ollie, is almost a year old and is extremely rambunctious and just a big ball of energy in general. I don't always have the time to devote to him like I ought to - I work full time, am usually too tired when I come home to play with him, and I'm the only human in the house so he relies completely on me. I feel bad that he's probably lonely most of the time.

Is it a good idea? He's neutered, still a kitten - what would be the ideal match for him, cat wise? I've been considering maybe a spayed female?

He came from a multi-animal household but would hiss at the dog and the cat when we visited my parents for the weekend, so I'm not completely sure if it would be a great idea or not...any input would be appreciated!

A spayed female about his age would be a good choice. Just introduce them gradually, through a closed door so they can sniff each other under the door. It can be amazing how quickly some cats will accept a new one, and then, sometimes, they just never do.

katocats · Feb 11, 2014

Yes, I think another cat would be a good idea. We have always had our cats in pairs they can keep each other company when you are not home. Just introduce them to each other slowly.

justicat · Feb 16, 2014

I adopted my second baby today! Her name is Stella and she's a fluffy black baby. <3 I left her in a room with her own box, food, and the carrier for about an hour before I got impatient and introduced her to Ollie. Ollie stalks her a bit and when Stella comes close to him, he'll hiss and growl. From a distance they're both fine. I had them on either side of me while we were sitting on the couch. I think he's intrigued by her and hopefully once the dust settles they'll become friends. How is the dominant cat supposed to act when he sees a newcomer in his territory? I've never had more than one cat before.

justicat · Feb 16, 2014

Now Stella is on the couch, and when Ollie approaches her SHE hisses at him...maybe she just got sick of him doing it? I'm worried they won't get along.

midnightkitty · Feb 16, 2014

You are going to get some hissing and growling from Ollie because there is someone new in his territory. It will take time for him to accept Stella as part of the family. Give them time to get to know each other, it might take a few weeks. As long as Ollie is not violent, things should work themselves out naturally. I would leave Stella in her room by herself when you are not home until you are sure no violent fights are going to break out. Some cats are more accepting then others but most cats will get along eventually.

Anne · Feb 17, 2014

Congratulations on the new addition!

You should separate them at first and then introduce them gradually. More information available in this article -

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/introducing-cats-to-cats

justicat · Feb 17, 2014

Anne said:
Congratulations on the new addition!

You should separate them at first and then introduce them gradually. More information available in this article -

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/introducing-cats-to-cats

Thank you, Anne! The article is very informative and I've been trying my best to follow it. Stella is currently in my bathroom with her box, food, a few toys, and a bed which I placed under the sink for her where she likes to hide. After Ollie was mean to her yesterday I decided it would be best to let her take residence of the bathroom for the night last night and today while I'm gone at work. I feel terrible though - she just wants to be around me and Ollie and she cries for me when I leave her.

The guilt is one of the reasons I tried to rush this process along - I know she must be miserable by herself in one room, confused and alone.

katocats · Feb 17, 2014

Well done for getting another moggy

Just take it slow with the intro, our last two cats (Kato & Roxy)

took over a week to get along there was lots of hissing and growling from Kato she was a year older and had been an only cat for two months but things soon settled down.

Should I adopt another cat?

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