? about adding a new cat/kitten to the family

weloveellie

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Hi,

My cat Ellie is 2 years old, and the only cat in the house (I have a male Golden Retriever 2 years old also, they get along really good). I want another cat/kitten, what I was wondering is does it matter if I get the same sex? Am I better off getting a kitten over another cat? I know when it comes to dogs, it is better to get the opposite sex and smaller/younger than the one that you had first (thats what everyone on my Golden Retriever forum says). I just thought I would ask here.

Thanks
 

elizwithcat

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The same applies to cats as well-you want a younger kitten of the opposite sex. Although cats of the same sex can get along great. I have two male cats and they get along very well. But the literature I read said better to introduce a younger kitten of the opposite sex.
 

loveysmummy

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I have read and been told by other TCS'ers that it doesn't matter so much the sex but whether Ellie's personality and the new kitten's personalities match in terms of activity level, outgoingness, etc...

If Ellie is still very active, I might go for a spunky kitten with alot of energy for example. If she is more laid back and very easy going, you could try attempting an older kitten or young cat that is also easygoing and won't pester her to death.

I would go check out the shelters and spend time with each kitten or cat and see which one you would think would suit Ellie's personality and then make sure you read the intros here...Of course, you have to take into account the dog as well and make sure that any older kittens/cats get along with dogs and do separate intros.

I am in the process of working up to adopt a playmate for Lovey as well..He has so much energy at 2 still and I would like him to have someone here during the day...
I had a female kitten in mind in particular but now I am leaning towards a male kitten as in my experience, they have the same play drive..
Though I could go down and test the female and then change my mind!!
You will know I think when you see him/her!!

Good luck and let us know!
 

alainabug

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I did some research before getting my second cat. Like you, I had an adult male, about two years old. He was my baby. I was so afraid that he wouldn't like a new cat and that he'd be jealous of any attention I might give to it.

When I lived with a roommate, she got a little girl cat. She was about 4-6 months old and ended up getting along great with my Oliver. They wrestled and played! In fact, here are a couple pictures:




When I moved out, though, Oliver was all alone for a long time. I considered getting another little girl, but wasn't quite sure. I ended up going by personality. I looked and looked for a cat until I found one I thought would compliment Oliver's personality. Finnegan was 4 months old when I brought him home. Things were a little rocky at first, but he ended up getting along great with Oliver. They play all the time. Oliver gets a little annoyed now and then when he wants to sleep with me or relax and the little one jumps on him, but overall things are going well.



Hope that helps!
 

pandybear

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Originally Posted by alainabug

Looks like he's screaming
should put that one in the caption this thread.

when i decided i wanted another kitten i had no idea about getting a younger one of the oppisite sex and ended getting a younger one of the same sex, bonnie is very laid back though and took pandy in almost instantly (was a little wary at first) now they are like sisters and play all the time, eat out of the same bowl, clean each other and sleep together, it's so cute





felicia
 

pandybear

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Originally Posted by alainabug

Maybe I will submit it for the caption forum. It is a pretty funny picture.
i think you definately should, it's a fantastic photo
i just love how the torteshell is biting and has her arm around the other cats neck and he has his head back while it looks like he's screaming lmao



felicia
 

alainabug

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Oliver and Finnegan do that too! Only Finnegan is bigger now, so when he wraps his arms around Oliver's neck he actually gets them all the way around!
 

pandybear

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Originally Posted by alainabug

Oliver and Finnegan do that too! Only Finnegan is bigger now, so when he wraps his arms around Oliver's neck he actually gets them all the way around!


you know cats are really buddy's when they do stuff like that to each other and can get away with it, bonnie actually body slams poor pandy and you can only see pandy's paw sticking out but you can tell she loves it, they also wrestle play chasey and hide and pounce



felicia
 
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weloveellie

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Thanks for responding everyone!

alainabug - I love the pictures, they are so cute! Finnegan and Oliver look so cute together.
 
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