Need Cat Advice!

[Jamestown1630]

Hi;

I just joined the Kitty-Ping list.

I have what is kind of an urgent question about CATS, and our FRiend 'Slings and Arrows' suggested that I post it to the larger group.

We adopted a little cat, Leroy, a week ago; he’s about 8 months old and still very kittenish. He's adapted to us and our household very well; but we think he needs a cat companion.

We have the choice of adopting one of his brothers, from the same litter; or adopting a female cat who is about 1-1/2 years old, who has already had a litter.

I have never really ‘mixed ages’ in cats; I’ve either had a single kitten, or two or three adults.

Do you think there would be problems, if we adopted the older female, and she lived with the 8-month old male?

We like both the older female and the little brother cat equally; but we want what will be the most harmonious mix.

(The adoption org told us that they first had Leroy and his whole litter available at the pet store; but they fought among themselves so much, that nobody would adopt them. So, then they started showing the boys singly; and that’s how we adopted Leroy.)

The older female is very calm and quiet; the Leroy is very “exuberant", to put it mildly :=)

Can anyone give us advice? We have to make a decision within a day or two.

We live in a small space - two bedroom, two bath apartment. We've never had a problem keeping two cats here; but we've never mixed ages. And, at least until everyone is adapted, the cats will have to stay together in the Master BR, while we are at work.

We are hoping to adopt a second cat before the upcoming holiday weekend, so we'll have several days to get everyone adapted.

The advice of FR cat people would be greatly appreciated;

and

Thanks very much,

JT

[al baby]

Kittens are pure evil

[chris37]

It’s been my personal experience that a cat’s best friend and playmate is a dog.

Even if there is a bit of friction at first, eventually they will become friends and partners in crime.

Both of my last two cats, one of which I have now, have been a bit feisty, will occasionally bite and such, bu they have both gotten along great with the two German Shepherds I have had.

[Jamestown1630]

Yeah. I think I’ve seen you say that before :-)

Kittens are also very loveable, and grow into great Cat Companions!

-JT

[Slyfox]

Advice about cats needed here.

[FlJoePa]

I’ve had mixed aged cats (2) always. I think it’s only an issue if the older cat is a dominant male (which isn’t the case here).

That said, the opportunity to adopt a sibling should trump everything else, imo.

[Jamestown1630]

I have also known cats and dogs who loved each other dearly, and became great companions.

We hope to have a dog someday; but right now, we can only have cats.

-JT

[Delta 21]

Yes.

[Slings and Arrows]

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Be careful that your male kitten will not grow much bigger then your older female.

I have a little (six pound) male cat. We got a kitten that grew into a 22 pound mountain of muscle. He would knock the other cat flying without even trying. We had to find him a new home.

[informavoracious]

I think it is the personalities more than whether they are related or differ in age. Was the older cat an “only” cat? If so, it might be hesitant about sharing or get jealous. Is there a littermate in particular that your kitten seemed to get on well with? Do you have the opportunity to introduce the two cats? (Although you cannot always tell, they might start hating and wind up loving.) Unlike dogs who crave companionship, once they are past kittenhood, most cats just do their own thing!

[notted]

Who the hell knows? I’ve had cats all my life, you might as well adopt Schrödinger’s cat, for all I know. Just understand, they own you, adjust.

[al baby]

I have been a cat lover my entire life I am subscribed to Fancy magazine

[mykroar]

I had litter mates when my kittens adopted me, many years ago. But they were both males, so there may be a difference. They got along great. When I had to put down the first, however, the second didn’t last a lot longer.

[goodnesswins]

A couple months ago we adopted a a now 9 month old kitten with issues...afraid to be picked up...but once we catch him he is happy...anyhow...we have a 4 yr old male cat and 14 yr old Dog. He loves them even though Boo cat still hisses and slugs him occasionally because hes too friendly. Was great with dog until he kept rubbing against her too much and she tried for a bite...keeps his distance now. Bottomline....who knows although I think I’d lean toward older female because of daytime rooming...2 kittens can get wild.

[Jamestown1630]

Thanks;

We have, collectively, over a hundred years experience with cats; and we’re quite accustomed to being our cats’ ‘Staff’.

:-)

-JT

[editor-surveyor]

Get a litter mate, or they’ll never get along.

[deweyfrank]

I got two Siamese kittens for my Granddaughter about 6 years ago (females from same litter). They are inseparable. They still play fight, but nothing serious. They never draw blood. There is a protocol. They are both spayed and not declawed. They are harmless to themselves and the family. My suggestion is get the males from the litter and get them neutered. They will entertain you for their lifetime.

[Jamestown1630]

That’s good advice. Thanks very much. We have to talk more with the ladies who actually know all of these cats. That will happen tomorrow.

-JT

[Jamestown1630]

Good for You!

-JT