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Cats/Bringing in a second cat

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Expert: - 7/12/2011


Question
Dear Ms. Craft:
We have a male,three year old neutered cream, medium hair tabby who has a Cheetah complex.  He is especially attached to me but plays with and tolerates my husband.  He spends a lot of time "humping" his teddy bear. He tries to ignore our 13 year old son who is still a bit awkward in playing with him.  We want to adopt a second cat from the shelter so our son can bond with it.  What I would like to know is whether we should look for a male or female (spayed or neutered). Further, should it be young or would older be better?  We want the two to get along but have our son be able to hold, pet and sleep with the new kitty.

Any help would be appreciated.

Answer
Hi Cynthia,

Two cats in a household are always better than one. My own personal choice from past experience has been to pick a young neutered male. Or a male kitten that you get neutered when he comes of age. Male neutered cats get along great together. And getting a young one will help with your older guy accepting him. Here is a link that explains how to introduce them together.

http://www.sdhumane.org/site/DocServer/BT_Cat-Cat_Intros.pdf?docID=621

Have your son pick out the new cat. The best way to do this is to have him walk by the cages with his hand near the cage. The kitten who goes up to him or who tries to grab his hand is the one you should take. He will bond with your son since he is picking your son out. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen

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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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