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Cats/8 year old female needs a new kitten

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Expert: - 3/31/2009


Question
I have an 8 year old female and want to get a kitten for her to play with.  I understand the integration process and have used it successfully in the past.  My question.  What is better for my 8 year old female, another female kitten or a male?  Thank you!

Answer
Leslie,

It has been my experience that its best to balance out the genders when it comes to cats in a home, provided that you ensure that your resident cat is spayed prior to bringing home a new kitten and you plan to neuter the kitten I think a male kitten would be perfect. Since you are planning to get a kitten I would encourage you to ensure that your resident cat is spayed prior to adopting a new friend for her. There are many medical and behavioral benefits to spaying and neutering pets including a reduced risk of breast, ovarian, uterine, testicular and prostate cancers if the surgery is done early in life, when the surgery is performed later in life it still reduces the risks of these illnesses, but really the earlier the cat is spayed/neutered the better their chances are of avoiding serious medical problems related to hormones later in life. Female cats that haven't been spayed are also at risk of developing a potentially fatal infection of the womb called pyometra. This infection causes the uterus to fill with pus, if it ruptures spreading infection throughout the abdomen the cats chances of survival are slim at best. This infection is more prevalent among middle aged and geriatric cats. Behaviorally cats that have been spayed or neutered are far less likely to develop serious behavioral issues such as using urine or feces to mark territory, territorial aggression, fighting and wandering. Cats that fight because of territorial disputes are at risk of contracting two potentially serious incurable chronic viral infections, feline leukemia and FIV, these infections are similar to HIV/AIDS in human beings, don't worry though they aren't transmissible to people. Enjoy finding your new friend, its wonderful to be able to provide a shelter animal with their forever home, be sure that you look at energy levels and personality, its best to try and get someone compatible with your resident cat because Im quite sure that she doesnt want an overly active kitten to pounce on her, bug her relentlessly and generally drive her crazy.

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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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