Should I get my first cat a buddy?

Jeremiah has been with me about six months, and hasn't been outside or around other cats since. He was about four months old when he left his mom and two sisters.

Lately, he seems to bore easily when I play with him, although I try to vary his toys. He's just not quite himself, and I'm considering finding him a feline friend. Maybe I'm a bit weird, but I'd like him to have another of his own kind to be around and play with.

A neighbor's adult cat sometimes comes up to the glass door to visit, and Jeremiah acts like he wants to tear the other cat limb from limb. I'd certainly not want him to respond like that to a cat that comes inside with him!! Should I get a young kitten, would he be less likely to act so aggressively?

Those of you who've introduced new cat members to the household, I'd appreciate your experiences and thoughts.

When we got our cat, Kind, she was 8 months old and at the time we had my brother living with us who had his cat with him...my brothers cat was all about having a friend but Kind didnt want nothing to do with it. Now it's just Kind and she is queen of the house at almost 2 years old....ocassionally she does come in contact with my brothers cat and takes the same approach...."LEAVE ME ALONE AND STAY AWAY FROM MY MOMMY!"

-jatkind

Just to think out loud, I wonder if it would be better to get a female companion for him? He has been neutered. BTW, should I get a female, she would definitely be spayed herself.

Do males tend to do better with other males or females?

Originally Posted by foxfire

Just to think out loud, I wonder if it would be better to get a female companion for him? He has been neutered. BTW, should I get a female, she would definitely be spayed herself.

Do males tend to do better with other males or females?

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Have always believed "the more the merrier"

I have a crew of "7" here...4 males & 3 females ranging from 6 months to 2 1/2 years in age. They ALL love one & other. There are times where I find my males all cuddled-up together and times the little ones are with the big ones...the females are with the older ones...etc.

Male or female, they are truly social little fluffs and I'm sure your little guy will bond with either.

I would think it's a good idea..
Tucker was our only cat until fate kind of dropped little Mini into our lives.She was a tiny shop kitten that we had to nurse.
When she was big enough to be out & about with Tucker, I was worried because he is a big boy, & he acted like he hated her at first, hissing at her & acting like a big baby. He never attacked her, though. It seemed like he was more afraid of her, believe it or not.
You should see them now-they sleep together, wrestle, groom each other..they are best buds, & it brings so many smiles into our lives.
Maybe a kitten would be best, but I'll leave any advice about that up to those with more knowledge & experience.

Sounds like it would be a good idea, with proper introduction.

It's been my experience that cats do much better when they have another cat. (Though I know there are those cats that don't.)

IMHO - I think that cats need cats. Especially, when you aren't able to spend loads of time with them. Granted that there are also going to be exceptions to the the rule, but in general cats need social interaction with another of their own kind. I have come to this conclusion from personal experience.

i totally agree with everyone else. my oldest cat about a year and a half at the time was very shy but when i found a little kitten that had been kicked out of his litter my heart just melted and he came to live with us. i took my time in introducing the two of them and they had some fights, but it never got too violent. now they love each other and cuddle and groom and play it was the best thing i could have done!! so i highly recommend a buddy!

Jeremiah's basically a sweet boy, but he is starting to get just a little bit destructive. It may be that I just can't spend all day every day with him. I can't supply all his needs; I think he'd enjoy another cat's play better than mine.

Would another male or a female be better? Younger or older?

Originally Posted by foxfire

Jeremiah's basically a sweet boy, but he is starting to get just a little bit destructive. It may be that I just can't spend all day every day with him. I can't supply all his needs; I think he'd enjoy another cat's play better than mine.

Would another male or a female be better? Younger or older?

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Around his age is probably best..as far as male or female, I have found that matching personalities is more important. Find another kitten with a similiar disposition as your Jeremiah.

Katie