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Expert: - 2/23/2009


Question
I already own 2 cats (female 8yrs and male 3yrs) and am thinking of getting a kitten. The female is really passive but the male can be quite hyperactive and can torment the female. I am just wondering if it would be wise to get another cat, if it would settle in ok and if it would be a good playmate for the male cat. (Both cats are already spayed/neutered).  Thanks Pam

Answer
Pam,

Unfortunately there's no way to absolutely predict how your two resident cats will react to having a new kitten introduced to the household, especially given the vague description of your resident cats and their personalities. The only recommendation I can really make is that you make sure to introduce any new kitties to your resident cats properly. Questions about new cat introductions are quite common and I've answered countless questions on the subject. I would recommend that you consider checking out my previous answers on new cat introductions before adding another kitten to your household. I should warn you that there is a chance that a kitten might join forces with your male cat and help drive your female cat insane. On the other hand it's just as likely that the kitten would bond with the female cat and protect her against the male cat. It's so hard to say what the outcome will be, especially since I don't have many details to work with. I do recommend that you consider introducing a kitten with a laid back disposition if you do decide to add another cat to your household. The reason that I recommend a relaxed kitten is so that it will be less likely that your female cat will be bullied by your male and the new kitten once proper introductions have been completed. I think that with the right introduction your new kitten will settle in just fine, the main concern in my opinion would be making sure that the female cat doesn't experience undue stress because she's constantly being pushed around and bullied.

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Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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