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Cats/Introducing a new cat with a fairly new and young cat

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Expert: - 2/17/2008


Question
Hello.  My fiance and I have a cat we've had for about 3 months now, he's bordering right on 6 months old.  We'll be moving into a new apartment soon and feel that we'd like to get him a friend to keep him company while we are gone during the day.  We were thinking of getting a female that is about his age or perhaps a little younger, however we have several concerns.  We are worried about putting stress on him because he was sick due to a decreased immune system when we got him and are worried about stressing him with a new cat, but also are not sure if his age will play a role in accepting a new cat.  Our second concern is that he may have been weaned too young which makes him a little rough when he plays and might hurt a playmate, unintentionally of course.  On the other hand we hope having a playmate will let him learn the limit when he plays.  So we're wondering if there are any tips or comments you'd have on our situation.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Mike,

Giving your cat a new friend is an excellent thing to do. There have lots of studies showing that two cats together are much happier than one by himself. I would suggest you get a male instead of a female. Two fixed males get along the best. Get him a little young. Kittens are easier accepted by the resident cat than one that is older. Follow a cat introduction protocol when bringing them together. This will minimize the stress of a new cat to your older guy. I am attaching a link to one from the SFSPCA that's pretty good.

A kitten will keep up with his rough play. You also need to get some good interactive toys for them. I like the cricket. It's a laser pointer that cats love. Change out their toys so they don't get bored. You will find that with the new cat your older guy will be much happier. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

http://www.sfspca.org/behavior/cat_library/cat2cat-intro.pdf

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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