[HairOfTheDog]

Hey all - This is a Kitty question from a dog person ;~D. We'd like to get a couple kittens to help with mousing, and there's a litter available that will be ready in a few weeks.

I have never had good luck introducing another cat into a house that already has a cat, but I did have a good experience with our old orange Tom (neutered) and a lost kitten that was here for a few days awhile ago... so I became hopeful that he might accept a kitten, maybe better than adopting an another adult cat.

Though there was a certain amount of friction....

At other times he seemed almost maternal.

They'd be indoor/outdoor on our little farm, but encouraged to spend time in the barn, where the mice are, once they grow up.

If we have a choice, would you suggest that two females might be better than trying to bring in another male? Or does it make a difference?

[Slings and Arrows]

Hey all - This is a Kitty question from a dog person ;~D...

Continued in post 6, with cute pix.
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Kitty Ping List alert!

[Freepmail me to get on or off the Kitty Ping List.]

[Goodgirlinred]

I once had 4 cats. Two of those have died. I had two males and two females. Now I have a male and female. The female is several years older and is considered mentally ill by the vet. She always has been. Anyway, this male cat has taken her over and he even bathes her. They sleep in a heap together on the beds or couches.

On the other hand, my late female cat hated this female. They fought all of the time. One of the male cats took care of the mentally ill cat before he died. That is when the remaining male cat took care of her.

I would suggest that you have a male and female. Both neutered of course. ;)

[Zacs Mom]

Sorry - no help here. I don't have any cats, but I do have a terrier that is one helluva mouser!! I stopped counting the number of mice he's nailed once it got past 50! Mouse hunting in the yard is one of his favorite past-times! lol

[HoHoeHeaux]

Damn these stories make me cry. Glad this one ended happy.
I just want to go down there so bad and help rescue animals.

[ellery]

I had my adult male cat first, and later brought in a male and female kitten. It worked very well, because the adult cat taught the kittens that he ruled the roost. There was some hissing and swatting for a while (heck, there still is sometimes), but nothing serious. These days, my first cat and the now-adult second male cat pretty much co-exist; my first cat and my now-adult female cat alternately cuddle and spat like an old married couple.

Long story short -- for us, it was enough that we introduced our two new cats as kittens, because it established a hierarchy. The gender didn't seem to matter so much, although if the kittens' gender doesn't matter to you, it might be safest to go with two females.

Kittens (and cats!) are so much fun -- good luck!

[DollyCali]

thanks for the ping to this nice story. Now your question

I have had A LOT OF CATS (and only 2 dogs)over the years having been involved in rescue & being a place where many get dropped.

One of the keys is to NOT fuss over the new pet. The mentality is the new pets are your "current dog/cats pets." Give extra attention to the older pet & talk about his/her kitty.

Cats I find are like people. some are easy going and hardly lift an eyebrow & some are very jealous & will be mean spirited & territorial. all the techniques in the world can't overcome some.

A male will normally accept a female more readily but most of them after a few days of tension settle down & enjoy a playmate & companionship, if only to share a cuddle spot on the bed or sofa.

FOr some a few days of getting acquainted under a door. Put new kitty(ies) in room & let the new/old meet by smelling & doing the "paw under the door" play thing.. They will still hiss when then nose to nose & some fur might fly but it will not be the total shock.

Make sure all pets have thier nails cut back to minimize thier eyes getting cut & your skin being slashed. Do NOT cut into the red artery you can see. I use regular nail clippers

One thing I have been semi-successful with is introduing them & having two piles of catnip.. at least 4 feet away. Each gets high in their own pile, as they eye the other. They will probably trade piles a few time with old cat taking over the new cats.

Keep us posted & good luck!

[Bellflower]

If you know of anyone who is soon driving from WI to WA you could have a couple of our cats. We are trapping and taming feral cats. Right now we have 9 we have trapped and are taming. They are such nice kitties. Because they were feral I am sure that they would be expert mousers. You folks look like wonderful people to entrust them to. They all really like each other and sleep rapped around each other. In their pack they were very close so they are good with other kitties.

[skr]

Usually two of the same neutered gender don't get along as well as if they were opposites. Two females might even be little more problematic than two males. My personal experience is limited, though.