How to add a new cat?

I currently have a 2 yr. old kitty that I got when she was 10 weeks old. She has always been an only cat but we do have a dog. The dog ignores her completely (he's old and tired) even though she is always trying to get him to play with her. I am wondering what kind of expereince people have had when bringing a second kitty home....how does the one used to being an "only" handle that? If I get a baby, would she be inclined to treat it more gently than an older cat? Could I jeopardize her hating me for bringing a new baby home? What do you do if the 1st cat is mean to the new one?

Interested in any advice, opinions, or experience I can get!

Originally Posted by MrsFishy

I currently have a 2 yr. old kitty that I got when she was 10 weeks old. She has always been an only cat but we do have a dog. The dog ignores her completely (he's old and tired) even though she is always trying to get him to play with her. I am wondering what kind of expereince people have had when bringing a second kitty home....how does the one used to being an "only" handle that? If I get a baby, would she be inclined to treat it more gently than an older cat? Could I jeopardize her hating me for bringing a new baby home? What do you do if the 1st cat is mean to the new one?

Interested in any advice, opinions, or experience I can get!

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I always think 2 cats is a good thing...but definately take the introductions slow...here is advice on how to introduce cats:

http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...threadid=22138

I am such a bother, but I need help really bad. I had posted something similar but i'm thinking maybe I can get more help in this thread. To make a long story short, my cat that i've had couped up in my room for 3 months since i got her, will attack and hurt my roommate's cat if I let her out without a harness. I bring her out once in a while on the leash to see the resident cat but still will try to attack her and the dog (but the dog is a lesser issue). Do you think if i put vanilla extract on them they will do ok? I am so sick of keeping her couped up in the room, and am so fustrated with this, it's been 3 months and every time she sees the resident, she goes into attack mode. I have to find a way to get them to like eachother because she has been pooping outside her box and i truly think it's because she is mad that she hears us and the other animals outside the door and she isnt able to come out. she is very needy when i go in my room, for attention, and i feel bad because i just love her to death please help.