We have a four month old kitten but we are considering getting another cat to keep him company as we are at work a lot and think he might be a bit bored on his own. Would a seconf cat cause conflict? which sex would be best and what age? Any advice appreciated.
getting a second cat?
1 of 2
We acquired a 3 year old female cat when a relative moved to Australia. She wasn't the most friendly of cats. Actually she was vile, used to attack for no reason. Because of this we decided to get a male cat , just incase it was the female in her 
Well lets say she hated the kitten but it calmed her down. 3 years on, they get on great. It did take several months and she is now a changed cat. She hasn't attacked anyone for 2 years and actually seeks out affection.
Go for it. It will upset the apple cart for a while but your cat will get over it so to speak.
Well lets say she hated the kitten but it calmed her down. 3 years on, they get on great. It did take several months and she is now a changed cat. She hasn't attacked anyone for 2 years and actually seeks out affection.
Go for it. It will upset the apple cart for a while but your cat will get over it so to speak.
I think if your kitten is only 4 months old, it shouldn't be too bad a transition. We got a second cat when our other one was 2 years old. Took months for them to settle down. Even tho they shared a house for many years, the older one only ever accepted the younger one under sufferance.
We had 2 kittens who were brothers and sadly in May the one brother passed away suddenly - we thought hard about getting another kitten as Ziggy had always been with his brother - we did get another kitten and Ziggy adapted perfectly, sadly though the kitten has gone on walkabout and we haven't seen him since August.
I would say that a 4month old would be fine to pair up, 2 kittens are sooooooo funny, Ziggy and Charlie would come up to bed with use and chase each other around and around our bed!
I would say that a 4month old would be fine to pair up, 2 kittens are sooooooo funny, Ziggy and Charlie would come up to bed with use and chase each other around and around our bed!
At that age, I think it would be okay. Kittens are more adaptable than older cats. My oldest hates the introduction of any animal anywhere near the house. She tolerates, but doesn't like, my second cat. Although, strangely she is quite fond of the dog who moved in after her! I think, if you're going to do it, it's best to do it while they're still young. They'll grow up together and by the time they're more set in their ways they won't know any different.
We got a second kitten when we had our first kitten about three-four months (there's a seven month difference between their ages). The eldest is a Burmese and the youngest is a Tonkinese. It honestly was the best thing we did. We got the second because we were concerned about the burmese being on its own too much whilst we were at work. They are both male and have totally bonded - too much in fact - the youngest keeps suckling from the eldest. They are both male with the eldest being neutred and the youngest still to get done. But you rarely see one without the other. I would definitely recommend it. The only time there is a bit of aggro is when the eldest has scavenged some 'goodies' ie pizza crust and the youngest tries to get some - even though they can cheerfully eat cat food from the same bowls without problems!
We lost our lovely 18month cat to a boy racer some weeks ago,she will never be replaced as we loved her so much, but an emptiness was in our home. She was such a sweet natured cat and very placid.
However, I don't know if it's a good thing or not but we talked and now have a 10 week old kitten who is a brindle tortie and is a madam!! She is so gorgeous but hisses and growls at everything in sight. She's so loving too.
Tomorrow we are having a 12 week old Tom
to keep her company. I can see a great deal of hissing and growling in the first of many encounters
I will let you know how our two babies are settling in (the tortie is already ruling us, never mind the Tom!
However, I don't know if it's a good thing or not but we talked and now have a 10 week old kitten who is a brindle tortie and is a madam!! She is so gorgeous but hisses and growls at everything in sight. She's so loving too.
Tomorrow we are having a 12 week old Tom
to keep her company. I can see a great deal of hissing and growling in the first of many encounters I will let you know how our two babies are settling in (the tortie is already ruling us, never mind the Tom!
3 Second Memory, that's so lovely. They'll have a wonderful home! Aww. ((hugs))
Bondgirl, you don't say what sex your kitten is, but I'd be more inclined to suggest getting a male cat.
I've noticed over the years of having cats and kittens, that boys tend to gel and work their way into existing cats lives much quicker, and quieter than female kittens/cats do.
So, if you've got a boy cat already, then the transition period of the other kitten joining you would be easier. And if it's a girl kitten, you should find that introducing a male cat into her home life should help to keep her calm.
Thing is, female kittens are so chuffing pretty, it's nigh on impossible to resist them!! Actually, I can't resist cats full stop!! lol
But yeah, I'd suggest getting a male kitten over all. As another poster said, the sooner you do it, the better.
Good luck!!
Bondgirl, you don't say what sex your kitten is, but I'd be more inclined to suggest getting a male cat.
I've noticed over the years of having cats and kittens, that boys tend to gel and work their way into existing cats lives much quicker, and quieter than female kittens/cats do.
So, if you've got a boy cat already, then the transition period of the other kitten joining you would be easier. And if it's a girl kitten, you should find that introducing a male cat into her home life should help to keep her calm.
Thing is, female kittens are so chuffing pretty, it's nigh on impossible to resist them!! Actually, I can't resist cats full stop!! lol
But yeah, I'd suggest getting a male kitten over all. As another poster said, the sooner you do it, the better.
Good luck!!
Originally Posted by 3 Second Memory:
“We lost our lovely 18month cat to a boy racer some weeks ago,she will never be replaced as we loved her so much, but an emptiness was in our home. She was such a sweet natured cat and very placid.
However, I don't know if it's a good thing or not but we talked and now have a 10 week old kitten who is a brindle tortie and is a madam!! She is so gorgeous but hisses and growls at everything in sight. She's so loving too.
Tomorrow we are having a 12 week old Tom to keep her company. I can see a great deal of hissing and growling in the first of many encounters I will let you know how our two babies are settling in (the tortie is already ruling us, never mind the Tom!”
“We lost our lovely 18month cat to a boy racer some weeks ago,she will never be replaced as we loved her so much, but an emptiness was in our home. She was such a sweet natured cat and very placid.
However, I don't know if it's a good thing or not but we talked and now have a 10 week old kitten who is a brindle tortie and is a madam!! She is so gorgeous but hisses and growls at everything in sight. She's so loving too.
Tomorrow we are having a 12 week old Tom
to keep her company. I can see a great deal of hissing and growling in the first of many encounters I will let you know how our two babies are settling in (the tortie is already ruling us, never mind the Tom!”
i'm sure you're way to busy to reply .. but how are you're getting on..
Bondgirl - we got two siblings from day one, I'm embarrassed to say that we got them in a pet shop - there were three of them in a small cage, and I couldnt' bear to leave them there.. it broke our hearts to leave the third one there, and , as it turns out OH, who didn't like cats AT all initially, went out the following day to get the third, because he felt bad about her having seen how much fun the other two were having ! She was gone - thank god, two is more than enough for us in our little house. They definately enjoy each other's company... give it a go.. 4 months is still young enough to adapt, make sure they have their own food bowls though ...
Thanks all for your lovely comments, I always come here for advice and it is truly lovely advice.
We had our Tom, who is now called Custard from Cat Protection, like our little She who is called Treacle.
There is a very sad story behind Custard. He was found by a member of CP on the street infront of a derelict house along with 7 other kittens. A woman came out of the house and wasn't willing for the kittens to be taken. The fosterer from CP persuaded her to give up four of the kittens and then the next day the woman phoned wanting money for the rest.She was duly paid
and the CP took the others into care. One kitten died. They were like skin and bone and all had cat flu.
However the CP fosterer has done a marvellous job between her and the vet and now our Custard is in our home.
He's the most lovliest, placid Tom I've ever known, he's definately been through the mill!
As for him and our little madam, Treacle , she is the dominant one. They had a cagey start, with Treacs hissing and growling and little Custard didn't give a monkeys, but now they play (Treacle plays and hisses)and the most beautiful sight was when they were cuddled up together on the chair to sleep. Custard seems to take the initiative that he needs to be looking after her...the little sweetie madam!
We had our Tom, who is now called Custard from Cat Protection, like our little She who is called Treacle.
There is a very sad story behind Custard. He was found by a member of CP on the street infront of a derelict house along with 7 other kittens. A woman came out of the house and wasn't willing for the kittens to be taken. The fosterer from CP persuaded her to give up four of the kittens and then the next day the woman phoned wanting money for the rest.She was duly paid
and the CP took the others into care. One kitten died. They were like skin and bone and all had cat flu.However the CP fosterer has done a marvellous job between her and the vet and now our Custard is in our home.
He's the most lovliest, placid Tom I've ever known, he's definately been through the mill!
As for him and our little madam, Treacle , she is the dominant one. They had a cagey start, with Treacs hissing and growling and little Custard didn't give a monkeys, but now they play (Treacle plays and hisses
)and the most beautiful sight was when they were cuddled up together on the chair to sleep. Custard seems to take the initiative that he needs to be looking after her...the little sweetie madam!
Originally Posted by summer_chick:
“i'm sure you're way to busy to reply .. but how are you're getting on..
Bondgirl - we got two siblings from day one, I'm embarrassed to say that we got them in a pet shop - there were three of them in a small cage, and I couldnt' bear to leave them there.. it broke our hearts to leave the third one there, and , as it turns out OH, who didn't like cats AT all initially, went out the following day to get the third, because he felt bad about her having seen how much fun the other two were having ! She was gone - thank god, two is more than enough for us in our little house. They definately enjoy each other's company... give it a go.. 4 months is still young enough to adapt, make sure they have their own food bowls though ...”
“i'm sure you're way to busy to reply .. but how are you're getting on..
Bondgirl - we got two siblings from day one, I'm embarrassed to say that we got them in a pet shop - there were three of them in a small cage, and I couldnt' bear to leave them there.. it broke our hearts to leave the third one there, and , as it turns out OH, who didn't like cats AT all initially, went out the following day to get the third, because he felt bad about her having seen how much fun the other two were having ! She was gone - thank god, two is more than enough for us in our little house. They definately enjoy each other's company... give it a go.. 4 months is still young enough to adapt, make sure they have their own food bowls though ...”
Two is plenty!!!!
They have seperate bowls and seperate toilet boxes. But madam eats her own food an goes to her her toilet and his! Doesn't realise the difference between Ladies and Gents! Custard eats his food, her food and keeps to the Gents
Originally Posted by 3 Second Memory:
“Thanks all for your lovely comments, I always come here for advice and it is truly lovely advice.
We had our Tom, who is now called Custard from Cat Protection, like our little She who is called Treacle.
There is a very sad story behind Custard. He was found by a member of CP on the street infront of a derelict house along with 7 other kittens. A woman came out of the house and wasn't willing for the kittens to be taken. The fosterer from CP persuaded her to give up four of the kittens and then the next day the woman phoned wanting money for the rest.She was duly paid and the CP took the others into care. One kitten died. They were like skin and bone and all had cat flu.
However the CP fosterer has done a marvellous job between her and the vet and now our Custard is in our home.
He's the most lovliest, placid Tom I've ever known, he's definately been through the mill!
As for him and our little madam, Treacle , she is the dominant one. They had a cagey start, with Treacs hissing and growling and little Custard didn't give a monkeys, but now they play (Treacle plays and hisses)and the most beautiful sight was when they were cuddled up together on the chair to sleep. Custard seems to take the initiative that he needs to be looking after her...the little sweetie madam!”
“Thanks all for your lovely comments, I always come here for advice and it is truly lovely advice.
We had our Tom, who is now called Custard from Cat Protection, like our little She who is called Treacle.
There is a very sad story behind Custard. He was found by a member of CP on the street infront of a derelict house along with 7 other kittens. A woman came out of the house and wasn't willing for the kittens to be taken. The fosterer from CP persuaded her to give up four of the kittens and then the next day the woman phoned wanting money for the rest.She was duly paid
and the CP took the others into care. One kitten died. They were like skin and bone and all had cat flu.However the CP fosterer has done a marvellous job between her and the vet and now our Custard is in our home.
He's the most lovliest, placid Tom I've ever known, he's definately been through the mill!
As for him and our little madam, Treacle , she is the dominant one. They had a cagey start, with Treacs hissing and growling and little Custard didn't give a monkeys, but now they play (Treacle plays and hisses
)and the most beautiful sight was when they were cuddled up together on the chair to sleep. Custard seems to take the initiative that he needs to be looking after her...the little sweetie madam!”
Awwwwwwwwwww, 3SM, I am chuffed that it's all working out ok. All of my cats are CPL kitties, it's so hard leaving some of them behind.
Big huggles to you all. ((((hugs))))
I would advise against it.
I have always had two cats and there have ALWAYS been big problems. Usually, after a while a sort of armed truce is reached.
This time though it looks as if it will never happen. One of our two cats died and we brought another quiet, gentle, good-natured second cat into the house two years ago.
The first cat attacked her viciously right from the start. It is now over two years since and things haven't got the tiniest bit better. If the first cat can get at the second one and attack her she will. We have to keep them apart at all times. The first cat lives downstairs and the second cat lives upstairs. We have to make sure doors between them are kept closed. They have to take it in turns to go outside. I have to get one cat in before I dare let the other out - it's a nightmare. Even if the first cat sees the second one through glass she hurls herself at the glass "swearing".
In my opinion cats prefer to be the only cat in the house. They usually don't care for other cats. They prefer human company.
If you have a large number of cats they seem to be OK though. My daughter fosters cats for a cat rescue society. She had problems when she only had two or three cats but now she has 14 she says they never bother with each other and don't even seem to notice when a new one joins them. She reckons once you get over 8 it's OK.
So either get another 7 cats or none is my advice.
I have always had two cats and there have ALWAYS been big problems. Usually, after a while a sort of armed truce is reached.
This time though it looks as if it will never happen. One of our two cats died and we brought another quiet, gentle, good-natured second cat into the house two years ago.
The first cat attacked her viciously right from the start. It is now over two years since and things haven't got the tiniest bit better. If the first cat can get at the second one and attack her she will. We have to keep them apart at all times. The first cat lives downstairs and the second cat lives upstairs. We have to make sure doors between them are kept closed. They have to take it in turns to go outside. I have to get one cat in before I dare let the other out - it's a nightmare. Even if the first cat sees the second one through glass she hurls herself at the glass "swearing".
In my opinion cats prefer to be the only cat in the house. They usually don't care for other cats. They prefer human company.
If you have a large number of cats they seem to be OK though. My daughter fosters cats for a cat rescue society. She had problems when she only had two or three cats but now she has 14 she says they never bother with each other and don't even seem to notice when a new one joins them. She reckons once you get over 8 it's OK.
So either get another 7 cats or none is my advice.
I've recently introduce another cat to our house and though things are still not quite settled (it's only been 2 weeks) they are getting there slowly.
We had a female Bengal at 12 weeks sold, she has been with us since Decmeber 2007. We got another Bengal, a male about 6 months old 2 weeks ago.
She growls at him a bit but no fisticuffs so far, they are gradually getting used to each other.
We had a female Bengal at 12 weeks sold, she has been with us since Decmeber 2007. We got another Bengal, a male about 6 months old 2 weeks ago.
She growls at him a bit but no fisticuffs so far, they are gradually getting used to each other.
We took in Arwyn as a foster cat when Frodo was 5 years old, Arwyn was around a year old. At the time Arwyn was supposedly female but the discovery of balls a few weeks later disproved that.
We fully expected Frodo to be a little peeved at the new addition, but surprisingly it's been Arwyn who's struggled to adjust to another cat. We pretty much had to keep them separate for the first couple of months, because introducing them usually resulted in Arwyn attacking and poor Frodo cowering behind the sofa. It would be laughable if it weren't so worrying, since Arwyn's about 3 times smaller than Frodo!
We had Arwyn neutered last week and it's made a big difference already. He still has the odd hiss and swipe if Frodo gets too close, but no more brawls. Just as well really since we adopted him last month. (I'm clearly not cut out to be a pet fosterer)
I think it's a lot easier introducing new cats when they're younger though, before the dreaded hormones kick in.
We fully expected Frodo to be a little peeved at the new addition, but surprisingly it's been Arwyn who's struggled to adjust to another cat. We pretty much had to keep them separate for the first couple of months, because introducing them usually resulted in Arwyn attacking and poor Frodo cowering behind the sofa. It would be laughable if it weren't so worrying, since Arwyn's about 3 times smaller than Frodo!
We had Arwyn neutered last week and it's made a big difference already. He still has the odd hiss and swipe if Frodo gets too close, but no more brawls. Just as well really since we adopted him last month. (I'm clearly not cut out to be a pet fosterer
)I think it's a lot easier introducing new cats when they're younger though, before the dreaded hormones kick in.
We were going to have one cat and decided to have two - Jake and Elwood. Jake died and we took on another two (Derek and Clive). The three of them can and do keep each other company although we have lap contention
Another little update. Our Treacle and Custard are doing well together! They've discovered 'play' without getting seriously hurt and now share all dishes of food and toilets!
Our Custard is a poor little chap, he's so placid and loving, although he did find his naughty streak and started jumping uo to the kitchen worktops, which was soon sorted out by a squirty bottle of water! Bless him, he still has a runny eye which I'm treating with antibiotic cream, which he is good as gold in accepting. He loves hubby and is not a cuddle cat but a lap cat cos as soon as hubby walks in the door, Custard is straight there and settles down on his lap!
Treacle is a different story, although she will cuddle up and play games with Custard, she loves attention big time!
She likes to be picked up and snuggled, almost sleeping on my shoulder. She isn't a lap cat at all, but just likes to get as close a s possible to you!
So all is well so far in the 3 Secs House
Our Custard is a poor little chap, he's so placid and loving, although he did find his naughty streak and started jumping uo to the kitchen worktops, which was soon sorted out by a squirty bottle of water! Bless him, he still has a runny eye which I'm treating with antibiotic cream, which he is good as gold in accepting. He loves hubby and is not a cuddle cat but a lap cat cos as soon as hubby walks in the door, Custard is straight there and settles down on his lap!
Treacle is a different story, although she will cuddle up and play games with Custard, she loves attention big time!
She likes to be picked up and snuggled, almost sleeping on my shoulder. She isn't a lap cat at all, but just likes to get as close a s possible to you!
So all is well so far in the 3 Secs House
Originally Posted by B3aten:
“We were going to have one cat and decided to have two - Jake and Elwood. Jake died and we took on another two (Derek and Clive). The three of them can and do keep each other company although we have lap contention”
“We were going to have one cat and decided to have two - Jake and Elwood. Jake died and we took on another two (Derek and Clive). The three of them can and do keep each other company although we have lap contention
”
I'm so sorry about little Jake and glad that you are giving love to Elwood Derek and Clive (lovely names
)It is company for them all, which is so much better when you're out at work etc,
Originally Posted by 3 Second Memory:
“I'm so sorry about little Jake and glad that you are giving love to Elwood Derek and Clive (lovely names)
It is company for them all, which is so much better when you're out at work etc,”
“I'm so sorry about little Jake and glad that you are giving love to Elwood Derek and Clive (lovely names
)It is company for them all, which is so much better when you're out at work etc,
”
We lost Jake two days after I lost my job. Jake lived for 13 years which wasn't too bad; he had problems with his thyroid which in turn affected his heart. I will always love and miss him. He was my little man.
Clive has bonded with me big time! He likes toe-fishing when I'm in bed and will rush me when I'm in my office. One minute nothing - next minute he's launched himself on my lap and sometimes it makes me jump...
Cats are the most beautiful creatures and masters. Dogs are OK but you have more of a relationship with a cat than you do with a dog.
Jake and Elwood were named after the Blues Brothers and Derek and Clive were named after Peter Cook and Dudley Moore's characters. My wife won tickets to see the Blues Brothers at the time that we were looking for a cat. When we went to pick Jake up, the farmer asked us if we would be willing to have two and....errr...YES!!!!!
Worktop surfaces are a problem here, too and we also have a water pistol
Jake fell out with me for a couple of days years ago when I squirted him. He got away with a lot - he stole the Christmas beef one year and lived to tell the story Edit - He was a seriously wonderful little individual.
Originally Posted by B3aten:
“We lost Jake two days after I lost my job. Jake lived for 13 years which wasn't too bad; he had problems with his thyroid which in turn affected his heart. I will always love and miss him. He was my little man.
Clive has bonded with me big time! He likes toe-fishing when I'm in bed and will rush me when I'm in my office. One minute nothing - next minute he's launched himself on my lap and sometimes it makes me jump...
Cats are the most beautiful creatures and masters. Dogs are OK but you have more of a relationship with a cat than you do with a dog.
Jake and Elwood were named after the Blues Brothers and Derek and Clive were named after Peter Cook and Dudley Moore's characters. My wife won tickets to see the Blues Brothers at the time that we were looking for a cat. When we went to pick Jake up, the farmer asked us if we would be willing to have two and....errr...YES!!!!!
Worktop surfaces are a problem here, too and we also have a water pistol Jake fell out with me for a couple of days years ago when I squirted him. He got away with a lot - he stole the Christmas beef one year and lived to tell the story
Edit - He was a seriously wonderful little individual.”
“We lost Jake two days after I lost my job. Jake lived for 13 years which wasn't too bad; he had problems with his thyroid which in turn affected his heart. I will always love and miss him. He was my little man.
Clive has bonded with me big time! He likes toe-fishing when I'm in bed and will rush me when I'm in my office. One minute nothing - next minute he's launched himself on my lap and sometimes it makes me jump...
Cats are the most beautiful creatures and masters. Dogs are OK but you have more of a relationship with a cat than you do with a dog.
Jake and Elwood were named after the Blues Brothers and Derek and Clive were named after Peter Cook and Dudley Moore's characters. My wife won tickets to see the Blues Brothers at the time that we were looking for a cat. When we went to pick Jake up, the farmer asked us if we would be willing to have two and....errr...YES!!!!!
Worktop surfaces are a problem here, too and we also have a water pistol
Jake fell out with me for a couple of days years ago when I squirted him. He got away with a lot - he stole the Christmas beef one year and lived to tell the story Edit - He was a seriously wonderful little individual.”
What lovely memories you have of Jake, you obviously miss him so much. It's like our cat Poppy, she was a real character and very talkative. If I said it's bedtime, she'd meow at me and then gallop upstairs and settle herself down on the cushion on the chair of my dressing table. Like Jake was your little man, Poppy was my little girl, I mess her like hell and cry when I think of all the lovely things she did. I never missed an alarm call in the morning, if I'd turned the clock off by mistake, she would be on top of me kissing and licking and head butting my face to get up!
We've got our hands full now with these two little treasures, who will never replace our Poppy, but bring great comfort to us and lots of laughs and cuddles!
Was your Jake an indoor or outdoor cat?
Originally Posted by 3 Second Memory:
“What lovely memories you have of Jake, you obviously miss him so much. It's like our cat Poppy, she was a real character and very talkative. If I said it's bedtime, she'd meow at me and then gallop upstairs and settle herself down on the cushion on the chair of my dressing table. Like Jake was your little man, Poppy was my little girl, I mess her like hell and cry when I think of all the lovely things she did. I never missed an alarm call in the morning, if I'd turned the clock off by mistake, she would be on top of me kissing and licking and head butting my face to get up!
We've got our hands full now with these two little treasures, who will never replace our Poppy, but bring great comfort to us and lots of laughs and cuddles!
Was your Jake an indoor or outdoor cat?”
“What lovely memories you have of Jake, you obviously miss him so much. It's like our cat Poppy, she was a real character and very talkative. If I said it's bedtime, she'd meow at me and then gallop upstairs and settle herself down on the cushion on the chair of my dressing table. Like Jake was your little man, Poppy was my little girl, I mess her like hell and cry when I think of all the lovely things she did. I never missed an alarm call in the morning, if I'd turned the clock off by mistake, she would be on top of me kissing and licking and head butting my face to get up!
We've got our hands full now with these two little treasures, who will never replace our Poppy, but bring great comfort to us and lots of laughs and cuddles!
Was your Jake an indoor or outdoor cat?”
They give so much more than they take. Sorry to hear about Poppy; they are all special in their own ways. I treasure the memories of Jake and he will always have a special place in my heart.
Woody knows "time for bed" "num nums" and "outey and aboutey" and Clive is very talkative. Derek has learned from Woody about sitting at the bottom of the stairs and wailing when I'm in my office to get attention and all three have very different personalities. Clive is so much like Jake and has the same naughty streak.
Both Jake and Elwood had free reign of outdoors although I prefer them to be in when we go to bed. The little ones need to be neutered before they go out to stop them wandering too far from home.
Have you tried playing with Treacle and Custard with a laser pointer? The little ones go bonkers!
Glad they are settling in fine
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