Should we adopt kittens or a cat?

Question

We have an older (12+) spayed female cat, and we are looking to adopt another. Julia (the cat) is pretty set in her ways, is pretty established as the queen of the castle, and doesn't get along well with other cats. She's an indoor-outdoor cat, who hisses at the neigbor's cats when they come to play.

We know all about the long introduction period and are all set for that, but my question is, do you think a kitten or a cat would be easier for her to adapt to? What about two kittens?

Many suggest that two kittens would be the way to go, because we can separate them from the older cat and they'd have each other to play with; we are pretty sure that the best we can hope for is detente among the felines. At the SPCA, they say that's a mistake, because the two would gang up on Julia, and it wouldn't be fair.

Is there any way to predict how this would go? Do you have any suggestions about which way to go? One kitten? Two kittens? One mature cat? Male? Female? Orange? (some have said that an Orange Male Kitten is ideal for an older female cat).

Answer 1

i would go with a young cat. a young cat is playful but it is not extremely hyper. it will keep your 12 yr old cat in shape.

Answer 2

you should most definetly get a girl kitten mabye about11 or 12 weeks old so julia ans your kitten will get along faster hope this helped give julia a kiss and hug for me!!!

Answer 3

If you were getting your first cat, I would suggest an older, SPCA-saved cat. In my experience, these cats tend to be more loyal and affectionate.

But since you have an older, more settled cat, I suggest a young kitten (the s*x doesn't matter, but males are cheaper to spay). Especially if the cat dislikes other neighbourhood cats, it would feel less menaced by a young cat. And older animal do tend to be more accepting to young. You must be ready to be shunned by your older cat when you bring the new one home, this is normal.

Two kittens are always better for a kitten, but not for an older cat. I hope this helps :)

Answer 4

NO young ca only

Answer 5

I would get one young kitten. Not a baby, but young. That way they are more..."mold-able" than an already adult cat would be. Julia might also be able to accept the kitten better. Who knows?

As long as you play with your kitten, they wont need a playmate.  

Answer 6

You should get a kitten. A "young" one. Not too young... just about 1 year old.... or 9 months. They aren't as much work.

Hope this helps!

I love cats!

Answer 7

no matter what, you lose.

two kittens in a separate room is best. they will TRY to gang up on her if they meet. but she will hiss and smack them so hard they will hide under the bed for a week.

one adult cat will need to be separated,but he wont do as well being locked in one room.

i wouldn't do it. but if i did, two kittens, separated. after  few weeks, introduce slowly, with supervision.

Answer 8

Well if you don't mind having to clean up pee and p**p from the kitten then go with a kitten but if you hate doing that then go with a alreadyy trained older cat!!!!