Second Kitty?

First off, I am aware that there are probably tons of threads with this topic, but since the issue of a second cat depends on the specific cat and the specific situation I am starting a new one.

I have a male, indoor-only cat named Scout that is about 1.5 years old. He is a very affectionate, playful, and mischievous boy. 

I just moved across the country to go to school, and I took Scout with me. We went from a full house with my mom, dad, and dog to an apartment with just myself and my partner. I'm worried that Scout has been feeling lonely and restless without all of those family member to keep him company when I'm gone at work or school. Plus, he is still probably getting settled into the new apartment.

He got along great with my full grown pitbull, so that makes me think he'll enjoy another cat. However, he is very spoiled and loved by me and my significant other and I'm worried he will get jealous/aggressive/depressed if the new cat wants to cuddle, as Scout is a little cuddle monster who needs special  undivided attention from me. He does get a little ornery, and will wrap his arms around my wrist and bite and attack my ankles if he gets annoyed, which is why I'm worried about him getting aggressive. 

A long time ago I had 3 female cats in one home, and none of them got along. They fought constantly and would mark their territory everywhere. I think it was because we introduced the 3rd, adult cat after our other 2 had established their spaces in the home. This makes me even more worried about introducing Scout to a new cat or kitten.

I just need to know what I should be considering here. What personality, sex, or age of cat should I be looking at getting? Or would it be better to just let him be an only cat? Would I need to buy more cat furniture so they can have their own spaces? How do you introduce a new cat to the current one? I have no idea how to go about this, as I have no idea how he would react. Any advice is extremely appreciated.

kendradoodle said:

 
First off, I am aware that there are probably tons of threads with this topic, but since the issue of a second cat depends on the specific cat and the specific situation I am starting a new one.

I have a male, indoor-only cat named Scout that is about 1.5 years old. He is a very affectionate, playful, and mischievous boy. 

I just moved across the country to go to school, and I took Scout with me. We went from a full house with my mom, dad, and dog to an apartment with just myself and my partner. I'm worried that Scout has been feeling lonely and restless without all of those family member to keep him company when I'm gone at work or school. Plus, he is still probably getting settled into the new apartment.

He got along great with my full grown pitbull, so that makes me think he'll enjoy another cat. However, he is very spoiled and loved by me and my significant other and I'm worried he will get jealous/aggressive/depressed if the new cat wants to cuddle, as Scout is a little cuddle monster who needs special  undivided attention from me. He does get a little ornery, and will wrap his arms around my wrist and bite and attack my ankles if he gets annoyed, which is why I'm worried about him getting aggressive. 

A long time ago I had 3 female cats in one home, and none of them got along. They fought constantly and would mark their territory everywhere. I think it was because we introduced the 3rd, adult cat after our other 2 had established their spaces in the home. This makes me even more worried about introducing Scout to a new cat or kitten.

I just need to know what I should be considering here. What personality, sex, or age of cat should I be looking at getting? Or would it be better to just let him be an only cat? Would I need to buy more cat furniture so they can have their own spaces? How do you introduce a new cat to the current one? I have no idea how to go about this, as I have no idea how he would react. Any advice is extremely appreciated.

Click to expand...

1) definitely follow protocol for CAT - TO - CAT intro if you are going to get a new cat for Scout.

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

2) Allow Scout to fully get used to his new home before considering a new cat to add to the mix

3) understand that Scout's behavior will change when you get a new cat. Right now, his attention will be focused on you and your SO, as you two are the only ones in his world. Once you get a new cat, his attention will mainly be focused on the new comer. This does not mean he will become aggressive towards you, this just means he might not be as affectionate towards you guys. He will be more concerned with what new kitty does all the time. 

4) you have to make Scout feel like he is still the top cat once and if you decide to get a second kitty. always put down the food for Scout first, acknowledge him first when entering the home, giving him treats first, etc. It would be best to get another scratching post, for the new cat, and new toys for the new cat, as Scout, or even the new cat might not want to share at first

5) when considering a new cat, you might want to go with a cat that's younger, maybe a kitten, male or female. Kittens are able to adjust easily, so that might help you with the adjustment period. If you decide to go with an older cat or one that is closer to Scout's age, I will suggest getting another male cat. Talk to the people at the shelter, or whoever you're getting your new kitty from to find out if that cat gets along with other cats, and if he/she is suited for a multi cat household.

I hope others chime in with more advice for you.