Expert: Dear Tabbi - 9/21/2008

Question
Dear Tabbi,
Eight months ago I adopted an orphaned  three month old kitten. The people
at the shelter informed me she had behavioral problems because she was
raised without a mother and siblings. She is a very sweet and friendly cat, but
she does have aggression problems, although they have been improving as
she gets older. I am considering adopting another cat, but I am wary because
of my current cat's undeveloped social skills. In your opinion is it a wise idea
to bring another cat into my home? Can an orphaned cat learn or benefit from
living and interacting with another cat or should my cat remain a single pet?

thanks in advance for the advice!
         Merry

Answer
Merry,

All cats are different with different temperments and personalities. Most cats enjoy, and sometimes need, a cat friend. Occassionally, it does not work out. The only thing you can do is try it.

For introductions to be successful they need to be done slowly. Here are some guidelines on how to go about it:
(copy and paste, or type the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.messybeast.com/first-impressions.htm

http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=cattocatintro...

Growling, slaps, and hisses are nothing to worry about. They are just "kitty communication". That is the way one cat tells the newer cat to keep her distance, what the rules of "his house" are, etc. When to be concerned is if there are ears pinned back, blood being shed, or major fur flying.

Once the cats can be together without being aggressive, or freaking out, feed the cats yummy cat treats periodically (like tuna, sardines (in oil) or pieces of raw steak, etc.) TOGETHER. That is so the cats will associate each other with something pleasant. Also getting a pet laser light (at PetSmart, Petco, etc.) is great for interaction between the cats. They can chase the 'little red bug' on the floor, ceilings, and walls, and they tend to forget about the other cats as they focus on the 'bug' which helps them get used to each other.

With patience, time, and love...and doing the introduction process correctly, things should work out fine. That is a nice gesture to get a friend for your cat. Just make sure that you give your older cat a lot of love and attention so she doesn't feel like you like the new cat better than her now.

Tabbi