Should I adopt another cat?

[musicalcats]

I'm considering adopting another cat. My Friedrich is almost 7 months old and an only cat. He's an easy going but very playful boy. He loves new people but is stand-off-ish with other animals: granted it is hard to make a judgement on his behavior around other animals because he's only been around a few and mostly dogs. Is it too soon to introduce another kitty into the home? What thoughts or suggestions do you have?

 

[feralvr]

I am always for adopting a new kitty especially if one needs a playmate/roommate/friend. IF you do, it is best to do some research and reading up on how to do proper introductions. These articles will help. But, I think adding another kitty as a friend for Mr. Fredrich will enhance his life and bring him much joy !!!!! We can help with intros here.

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/the-other-cat

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/introducing-cats-to-cats

And this one because you mention dogs.

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/introducing-cats-to-dogs

 

[musicalcats]

Very helpful, thank you!

I am always for adopting a new kitty especially if one needs a playmate/roommate/friend. IF you do, it is best to do some research and reading up on how to do proper introductions. These articles will help. But, I think adding another kitty as a friend for Mr. Fredrich will enhance his life and bring him much joy !!!!! We can help with intros here.

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/the-other-cat

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/introducing-cats-to-cats

And this one because you mention dogs.

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/introducing-cats-to-dogs

 

[stephenq]

@MusicalCats

And 7 months is a great age to do an introduction!  Here are some more tips.

There are several steps to a successful introduction, the goal being BFFs, not enemies or angry at you (especially the resident cat).  A careful introduction raises the stress level in incremental steps, allowing both cats, especially the resident cat time to acclimate to the stressor before being introduced to the next level.  You are going to move the "bar" closer and closer to the resident cat until the final step, a supervised face-to-face, becomes  a fender bender and not a car crash.

Step one: Complete separation, putting the new cat is a small room like a bathroom with food, litter and water.  Do not let the cats see each other - too much stress too soon.  Give the new cat time to adjust.  Give both cats time (a week+/-) to get used to this.  They will know each other is there.  Start feeding the resident cat nearer to the door, adjusting daily until he is at the door eating. Do voluntary scent exchange by rubbing the new cat's cheeks on a sock and then offering the sock as a gift to the resident. Don't force him to smell the sock, don't rub it on him. Observe his behavior and allow it.   Rub a clean sock on his cheeks and offer it to the new cat.  Continue to do this but never force either cat to interact with the other cat's sock.

When they are reasonably calm with everything in step one go to:

Step Two:  Allow the cats to see each other.  Two baby gates stacked on top of each other in the open door is a great way.  Cracking the door open and blocking it into position so they can't get through the door is another way.  With many cats the stress of this will make them revert, but it would have been much worse if you had started with this step.  Continue as if this was step one, but now with them seeing each other.  When they are both calm, no hissing or growling, you can go to:

Step Three: After eating meals and feeling satisfied (full stomach = less aggressive) and trimmed nails, you can start to do brief supervised introductions face to face.  Watch their body language and reactions and increase their time together until you are confident that they can manage on their own.

In General, treat the resident cat like he is King.  Don't do things to make him jealous. Don't discipline either cat for showing aggression, punishing them for what they feel is a normal behavior (and is normal for them) just raises the stress.  And follow your cats' lead on the speed of the introduction, there are no rules other than to listen to them.

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/introducing-cats-to-cats

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/introducing-your-cat-new-cat

http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/a-simple-little-trick-to-use-during-new-cat-introductions/

 

[musicalcats]

THANK YOU @StephenQ! I will do this and be as patient as possible!

 

[stephenq]

We're all happy to help