new cat or kitten advice (merged)

Carrera74

I rang CatsinCrisis yesterday and they rung me back last night and advised against getting a kitten She said my cat might eat it!! He's a dominant cat when it comes to other cats coming anywhere near our house but we lived in another house for 6 months and he made friends with another cat - they used to follow each other round everywhere so I can't see him being all that nasty. There is a cat further down the street who is quite a nasty piece of work and they ended up fighting and mine got the upper hand so I think he's possibly scared of other cats and that's why he scares them away. Also he brings quite big birds in for me and mice - apparantly a gift, lol but if he can kill a big bird I'm worried that he might attack the kitten although they'll be someone at home 24/7 for a good 4 weeks, surely they['ll get used to each other by then? I'm confused as to what to do now but I will make sure I know 100% before I get a kitten.

Mich_city, hope your moggy comes home soon

elite_2

Get a kitten rather than a cat - he won't see her as a threat and will probably just ignore her, he won't notice her getting bigger until it's too late and she's got him under the thumb !!

Obviously initially keep them under close observation whenever they meet and make sure your existing cat gets lots of attention, treats and play

You'll have a few scraps I'm sure (my two are brothers, and like nothing better than a punch up after cleaning each other!)

pusscat

about 3 years ago my 12 yo rescue neutered male (long history of abuse etc) was introduced to a 12 week old kitten we got. The rescue centre gave us loads of advice about introducing the kitten gently, first inside a a cat box etc.

We started on day one and the old boy just ignored the kitten, we thought "this is going well" and took the kitten out of the box with old boy on the other side of the room - kitten bit Mr P who let go of him - he scampered over to the old boy and headbutted him in greeting.

Old boy looked horrified, but then swatted the kitten around the head for being cheeky (no claws) and after that they got on fine! Old boy did sit behind the bookcase making strange noises for a few days, but he was just showing the kitten that was his private space.

They get along pretty well now (3 years later). The kitten actually gave the old boy a new lease of life - they did have a few fallings out over the years - they have drawn blood on each other once or twice, but in general they get on pretty well.

The youngster is a really cheeky chappie character - he was abandoned at a few weeks old and hand reared in a pen with lots of other cats so he is well socialised - old boy has always been the dominant one, but just recently he has been getting quite slow and arthritic - he no longer likes to play fight and just brushes the youngster off when he tries to play with him

It just seems to depend!

Sorry I can't be more help - we thought my old boy was the last cat on earth who would accept another one - best we could hope for was indifference, so he has shocked us all :-)

Puss

Carrera74

All I do is think about getting a kitten at the moment! I'm going to give it another week then go for it. I'm going to take it really slow and give it a good month or so to see if they like each other. If it turns out my cat really isn't going to put up with a new kitten then we may have to take him back but I'm going to work hard at it. My cat is being really friendly at the moment so I think as long as he gets lots of attention he'll be fine. Watch this space

Carrera74

I've just got back from the local RSPCA and had to post about how upset it made me feel. Those poor grown up cats sat there and the dogs too. I got quite tearful when I got there which really surprised me. I'd definately take an older cat if I didn't already have one - they seem so much more in need than the little kittens. Everyone there was cooing over the kittens which are so adorable but they're only kittens for a short time! The cats that got my attention were the older ones. They were lovely. I so wish I had a huge house or a big farm. I think I could adopt them all.

I know some people have no choice to get take their pets to the RSPCA but it really saddened me the quantity there. There were cats there who had been brought in with their kittens and dogs found wandering the streets I do wish people would be much more responsible.

Rant over

Ellie2758

Carrera74 wrote: »

I've just got back from the local RSPCA and had to post about how upset it made me feel. Those poor grown up cats sat there and the dogs too. I got quite tearful when I got there which really surprised me. I'd definately take an older cat if I didn't already have one - they seem so much more in need than the little kittens. Everyone there was cooing over the kittens which are so adorable but they're only kittens for a short time! The cats that got my attention were the older ones. They were lovely. I so wish I had a huge house or a big farm. I think I could adopt them all.

I know some people have no choice to get take their pets to the RSPCA but it really saddened me the quantity there. There were cats there who had been brought in with their kittens and dogs found wandering the streets I do wish people would be much more responsible.

Rant over

Horrible isnt it?

Have you decided what to do yet? I've been the same over getting a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Been wanting one for over a year, but we have three cats and the ginger one hates dogs. Looked after a friend's dog earlier this year and Ginger attacked it

Btw, we got a kitten when our two other cats were grown-up. They accepted him eventually.

Tortieshell

I actually posted a similar thread (somewhere!)

I've got 2 cats and thinking of rehoming another, all the cat charities gave me lots of advice and information.

As my other 2 are babies themselves (2 yrs and 14 months) I was told as they are young they shouldnt have a problem accepting another but told me it's best to get a kitten so it's not seen as a threat, also been advised to try for a female as one of my cats is a tom.

I feel much better for discussing my concerns with the cat charities and think I have actually found one already, although she is only 5 weeks old at the moment so will have to wait a few more weeks yet

I have seen pics of her and am going for a visit next week!

Good Luck!

scat

We took in an abandoned kitten several weeks ago. Weren't planning on keeping her but agreed to hold on to her for two weeks, whilst we tried to find out where she came from, as the CPL were at capacity. Of course the two weeks came and went and she's still here and we're all in love!!!

My two cats are both 15 and the fear that they wouldn't accept another is one of the reasons I didn't plan on having any more! Turns out the tom rather likes her - is at the cautiously playful stage! The female hates her though - all hissing and snarling. Cats will learn to tolerate each others existence but you can't force friendship. I wouldn't worry unduly, will take a little time and patience and make sure you don't give your current puss reason to be jealous.

Emmacw

I have finally decided we, as a family, can afford a cat/s after so long but am determined to do things properly. It will be my first time owning a cat (as an adult) not bad for (cough) 39!

I have researched: prices of vet bills in my local area, pet insurance (thanks Martin), food, worming, toys, animal sanctuaries etc. All ok and comfortably within my budget.

What I am worried about is should I get 1 kitten or 2? Its kittens because of my 10 year old rather than re-homing an adult cat (I aim to do that next time :A ).

Both husband and I work so kittens will eventually be left alone for 6+ hours. I am planning to take on a kitten/s immediately after I have my operation for carpal tunnel syndrome which will mean 4-6 weeks off work giving them plenty of settling in time and company. I have organised my in-laws to be cat visitors during the days we are at work for the foreseeable future.

But should I get 1 or 2 kittens? If I go via an animal sanctuary its a definate 2 but have a friend of a friend who has kittens available as well giving me the option of just the 1.

Having put off having a pet for so long due to budget constraints am I jumping in too deep with having 2? I have estimated a monthly budget for 2 cats of upto £70.

Would it be mean to have only the 1 kitten (will they get lonely)?

I want to ensure I do the best for the kitten/s we take on as it is a lifetime commitment.

Am hoping I have at least thought of most things for our soon-to-be family members but let me know if I am missing something obvious!

Your thoughts are and experience are needed please!

Many thanks


Emma

Emmacw

thanks for the swift reply

I must admit that was one of my thoughts too (and the fact I can have more cuddles with two )

Emma