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04-07-2011, 01:20 PM
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1,646 posts, read 2,280,966 times
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I have one cat, her name is Maia and she is almost 2 years old. I want to get her a little sister but she is a big boned girl and sometimes she plays rough.
I am afraid she will hit the other kitty too hard. What to do? Please advise.  |
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04-07-2011, 01:28 PM
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Location: St. Louis, Missouri
9,353 posts, read 19,021,913 times
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maybe get an adolescent or young adult cat instead of a tiny, young kitten....
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04-07-2011, 01:29 PM
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Location: Philaburbia
38,974 posts, read 69,293,552 times
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Absolutely get a young adult cat -- and a feisty one that can keep up with Maia.
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04-07-2011, 01:30 PM
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Location: Massachusetts
4,037 posts, read 9,694,436 times
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If you are worried about your cat playing too rough with a little kitten, then why not adopt an older cat? There are lots of older cats at shelters, mostly b/c they are less-likely to be adopted. Many are also already littered trained, calm (won't wake you up at 3AM b/c they're playing  ), and know how to handle themselves around other cats, even rough-and-tumble sorts like your girl. In fact, when you go to adopt, an adoption specialist will ask you about the other pets in your household to try to pair you up with a pet that will be a successful addition. The adoption counselors usually know a lot about all potential adoptees, and can advise you re: which cat's personality will fit well with, say, a two-year-old bruiser cat.
So, yes, if you can afford it and would like another cat, I would definitely start going around to shelters to see what is available. Just don't forget to introduce the two cats slowly; you will need a separate room in which to confine the new cat for about three weeks so that your other cat can get used to him/her (smell, presence, etc.). You will also, of course, need to get another litter box, food bowl, etc. so that your cat doesn't feel threatened or that it's space is being infringed upon. |
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04-07-2011, 01:38 PM
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1,646 posts, read 2,280,966 times
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ok, they need two litter boxes... because Maia is a diva and she wont share!  |
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04-07-2011, 01:50 PM
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Location: Chapel Hill, N.C.
36,502 posts, read 50,608,771 times
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it makes me sad to see all the young adult cats up for adoption. Seems like people get the kittens cause they are so cute, keep them till they get tired of them but aren't in that cute phase anymore and then dump them. Please take in an older cat.
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04-07-2011, 02:28 PM
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Location: California
10,090 posts, read 40,541,085 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CarolVa1977
ok, they need two litter boxes... because Maia is a diva and she wont share! |
Rule of thumb is 1 box per cat, plus another.
Be aware that not all cats want a playmate. Some are perfectly happy being the lone cat...but only you know your cat. |
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04-07-2011, 03:08 PM
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1,646 posts, read 2,280,966 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by no kudzu
it makes me sad to see all the young adult cats up for adoption. Seems like people get the kittens cause they are so cute, keep them till they get tired of them but aren't in that cute phase anymore and then dump them. Please take in an older cat.
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good advice. Thanks! |
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04-07-2011, 03:31 PM
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2,455 posts, read 6,233,175 times
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Starla, another wonderful post chock full of advice. I agree with all you suggested an older cat would be better then a kitten.
Best of luck to you!
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04-07-2011, 05:37 PM
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Location: Near Nashville TN
7,201 posts, read 13,810,636 times
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3 is better
Quote:
Originally Posted by CarolVa1977
ok, they need two litter boxes... because Maia is a diva and she wont share! |
Three litter boxes for two cats would even be better. We have three cats and 4 litter boxes. Haven't had one of them to have an accident yet. |
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