New cat

[dantheman123]

In the spring I want to get a new kitten as a companion for the 11 year old queen that I already have. Will they get on or will my present cat be jelouse?

[DivaDebs]

Very difficult to say, but much of it depends on how you introduce them to each other. Your Queen is quite old, and it may take a little while (if ever!) for her to accept a boistrous new kit on the block! Introduce the kitten firstly in his/her cat box and let the old dear sniff around and get used to the kitten this way for a while. Cats get very protective of their own feeding area, so feed them separately to begin with, or keep the kitten in a large box whilst being fed. Gradually bring the box closer to the queen's eating area, the, only when they are both comfortable, remove the box altogether.

Give the queen LOTS of attention, and stroke her straight after stroking the kitten, as this will help her get used to the scent.

It will take time, and it can be quite hard work. But I have introduced lots of cats to each other, and they all get on now. They have to find their own way with each other, but don't leave them alone together until you are happy they aren't going to be upset. The kitten will think it is fun to play. The queen will think it's a silly little upstart quite possibly!

Good luck!

[madwoman6638]

depends on the cat, like humans. some get on but others do not. i had 2 cats, 1 female and 1 male. they barely tollerated each other. then we got another female kitten and they were both fine with her. my other cats are older. 1 was 15(we since lost her) and the other is 13. we had a few problems with the male cat spraying untill we got the kitten spayed, even though he was neutered a long time ago.
i always kept the cats separated while i was out for a long time but they will adjust in time.