I need advice re kitten

purplepatch

We used to have cats in pairs through my childhood and occasionally would lose one on the quite busy road we lived on. We introduced kittens when this happened and it kind of depended on the personality of the established cat on what kind of bond developed, but mostly they tolerated each other eventually. One cat we had,who had been a rescue cat himself and was always an independent soul, couldn't get to grips with the new kitten we got as a replacement for his brother though and upped sticks to find himself a new home. We know he did, as we used to see him from time to time and he looked very well cared for.

You mention yours is a tom cat. Usually that means a cat that hasn't been neutered. Is that the case? If so, I would strongly advise neutering, not only to control the cat population in your local neighbourhood, but it will make him a lot less aggressive to the kitten you wish to introduce. Unneutered males are fiercely territorial and you will get problems with spraying.

katyk_2

purplepatch wrote: »

You mention yours is a tom cat. Usually that means a cat that hasn't been neutered. Is that the case?

Thanks for the advice Purplepatch and, with repsect to the above question - he was neutered as soon as our vet considered him the right age (about 7 months). My choice of description just shows my ignorance of the correct terms!

MrsTinks

Just to spoil things a little... no matter HOW well you do the introductions and how careful you are your cat may NEVER accept another kitten or cat... Your older cat may try to kill it or it may even leave home permanently.
I don't want to put you off getting another rescue cat (not in the least! I think it's great!) but I do think you need to be aware of the possibilities before going ahead...
Slow introductions will make a huge difference, swapping bedding too to get them used to eachothers scents before they actually meet will help too.
Make sure the kittens arrival doesn't mean no more attention for the exsisting cat - infact be prepared to ignore the kitten as soon as the older cat is around. This too will help with acceptance.
I have 2 now 7 year old cats, one male and one female, and both of them have been with me since they were 7 weeks old. I also foster kittens that need special help from time to time - youngest was 5-6 days old :eek: and neither of my cats felt the least bit happy about ANY of my foster kittens. My girl cat would refuse to speak to me, the boy would sulk, refuse to go near the kitten but he's more food focused so forgave me quicker.
I also have no doubt at all that if the girl had been left with any of the kittens she would have hurt them... SO until they have accepted each other then I would make sure all meetings are supervised VERY closely

Tortieshell

purplepatch wrote: »

You mention yours is a tom cat. Usually that means a cat that hasn't been neutered.

I always refer to my tom cat as such and he was neutered at 6 months. I think most people call male cats toms.

purplepatch

Tortieshell wrote: »

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I always refer to my tom cat as such and he was neutered at 6 months. I think most people call male cats toms.

Yeah, I appreciate that is the case, but just thought I'd check with Katy as clearly an unneutered male cat would not be the most accepting of a new kitten