Bringing a new kitten into the house

[Carrera74]

After losing my first kitten in a road accident I got my 2 children a kitten each (so that they could keep each other company whilst we were out at work). In April this year we had a very bad house fire and we lost one :( We have been back home now for nearly 2 months and I've just been offered a kitten. I'd really like to get one as my son misses his kitten (the surviving cat is my daughters) and I think it'd be good company for Tiny (the cat). I'm just wary that after all this time of him being on his own and the stresses he's had in his short life he won't take to another cat. When we lived in temporary accommodation he did make friends with a cat but since being home he's scaring off anything that comes into the garden!

Is it a good idea to get a friend for him or should I leave him be on his own??? Help :)

[maggie01]

I don't know what other people think but I think it is a good idea to get another cat. If you bring a new one in, you will have to give him lots of love so as not to feel left out but I am sure he will soon get used to a new one and enjoy the company.

[annavc]

I'd agree with maggie01. As your existing cat has been used to having a companion in the past I would think that given a little time he will get used to it again. As maggie01 says just make sure your existing one doesn't get ignored in all the excitement of a new one arriving. Give him loads of love and attention. Also I'd suggest for the first days keep the new kitten in a seperate room to let him get used to you and his new home slowly before you introduce him to the existing cat. Then do it very gradually, just allowing them to be together for a few minutes at a time then a bit longer each time. This may take a week or so but is more likely to make both your existing cat and the new kitten accept each other.

One word of warning though - there is always a chance it won't work so if I were you I'd explain that to your children before the new one arrives. If the cats don't take to each other the new kitten would need to be found another home so the kids would need to be prepared for that. I very much doubt that would be necessary though.

Good Luck.

[maggie01]

Just a point. I had two cats. I can't say they were ever lovey dovey. They never curled up together like you see some doing but even so there was a place for both of them and they accepted that. As annavc says. They may not be the best of pals but as they are only young I can't see a problem. Best of Luck

[gucciman]

cats are very territorial and will always chase off other animals coming into their garden.

[peanut]

I think this question would be best answered by your veterinarian who knows the kitten better than we do.

[drgnrdr]

Is your male cat fixed? Is the new cat a female and fixed? If you answered yes then you can try what maggie01 and annavc with the following guidelines, I am not sure a vet can answer you, our vet's here in the states don't really get "training cats 101" in their curriculum, unless they become a behaviorist which is a certified specialty, so not sure if a vet can decide for you or help you...her'es what I have on cat intro's from catinternational.org

Time and patience are the keys to successfully introducing a new cat into the household. The new cat should have a room of his own for a few days. Exchange the new cat's bedding with that of the resident cat so that they can become acquainted with each other through the all-important sense of smell before they have the opportunity to see each other. Next, rotate rooms. Let the new cat explore the rest of the house while the resident cat spends some time in the new cat's room. When they are relaxed about this step, crack the door of the new cat's room so that they can see each other, but can't push the door open. Give the cats treats on both sides of the door. Two small toys joined with a several inches of string and slipped under the door will encourage parallel play. When the cats are calm in each other's presence, it is time to let the new cat out for a few minutes. The length of the visits can be increased gradually each day. This process may take a few days or a few months depending on the personalities of the cats. Usually it takes less time when one of the cats is under four months of age.

Throughout the introduction process, speak quietly and calmly to the cats. Praise them generously when they are tolerant of each other's presence. Never scold or use harsh tones when they are together or they will associate unpleasantness with being near each other. (to be con't.)

[drgnrdr]

Give special attention to the resident cat as it is this cat's territory that is being invaded and it is this old friend who is likely to need the most reassurance. Until they become friends, give the new cat loving attention only when the resident cat is not around.

If at any time the cats become fearful or hostile, return the newcomer to its room and close the door. A minor setback will not ruin the budding friendship, but a fiercely aggressive encounter will be remembered for a long time and should be avoided at all costs. Whenever you run into a problem, back up to a previous stage of the process and then move carefully forward again. Only you can determine the pace of the introduction process. The time you spend gradually habituating your cats will eventually be rewarded with years of harmonious feline companionship.

Hope this helps, go to http://www.catsinternational.org/ they are experts and they can help you with all kinds of cat stuff.

[gessoo]

I rescue cats and am always introducing new cats to my home. There will be problems at first, but believe me the cats always sort themselves out within quite a short time. I also have dogs. I have been rescuing now for many years so do have loads of experience. Your cat will initially show some reluctance to make friends or even show aggression, but it will pass.

However, they may not end up as best friends! All animals have different personalities, they may just not like each other. However, the company of other animals is a good thing - so go ahead.

[lankeela]

Just get one and let them get on with it. I know of households with two cats that were from the same litter and they did not get on, but lived side by side and ignored each other, having the occasional spit and spat. Same where a second cat has been brought in, or in some cases just moved in of its own accord. They will both make their own minds up.

[gessoo]

I so totally agree with lankeela. They don't need 'kid glove' treatment, they just sort themselves out! They are far better at it, too, than we humans.

[drgnrdr]

You can try the sink or swim training method, or look to someone that are EXPERTS, they have dealt with thousands of cats, and even vets and humane society's refer people to this website. I quote:

"The goal of the Cats International is to help cat owners better understand their pet's nature and behavior and to provide them with information on how to humanely modify the behavior when necessary. Since 1990, Cats International has been providing behavior counselling service to cat owners. What was at first a purely local effort has spread throughout the United States and beyond. Numerous humane societies and veterinary clinics refer clients to our Behavior Hotline. Each year the number of calls received doubles. With cat ownership on the rise, the need for a reliable resource for intelligent and practical solutions for preventing as well as solving difficult behavior and training problems is continually growing."

It's your choice. Sometimes it does work out to throw them together and let them sort it out, but I have also seen the war wounds on those that didn't just hiss and spit, and I don't really care for vet bills. Not all cats are the same, they aren't clones. ~/:\~

[Carrera74]

Thanks to you all for your advice. In the end I decided against it. Mainly because I came home from work and he seemed so content sprawled out over the bed. I don't think he'd be too happy if I brought a new cat in - he likes all the attention on him. I think it was more me that wanted a playmate for him, he's quite happy as he is. Also after the fire the whole house has been redecorated and refurnished - there's a selfish side of me that wants it to stay nice and new - Tiny is goo and knows to stay off certain things and to scratch only his post but I wouldn't be around in the day to keep an eye on a new kitten near my new things!!

Again thanks for your advice. I'll bear it in mind should I think about a new pet in the future :o)