Tips on getting a new kitten?

Question

We are going to have two cats now, we had one before and we are getting another kitten. The first one we have is about 3 years old. The new one we are getting is going to be about 8 weeks old to 4 months old or maybe older but all under a year.

First, Will a cat get along with a new Kitten, or will it be annoyed by the kitten?

Second, Can the two cats use the same litter box?

Third, Will the first cat get jealous that she is not the center of attention anymore?

Fourth, What if the cats dislike eachother, do we take one back?

Fifth, Should we pick a kitten who has simular personality traits as the first one?

Thanks!

Answer 1

the cat might like a play mate or it might get a little cranky at first.

yes

possible, make sure you love them equally

yes

yes

Answer 2

Hi,

1 - You can never be sure how a cat will re-act with a new addition its best to introduce them slowly.

2 - It is best to have a litter tray for each cat and a spare so if you have 2 cats you should have 3 litter trays.

3 - Depending on how your cat is it will ( Not speak to you for a week or so lol) or be glad that it has a sibling to play with. just make sure that you make a fuss over it the way you would normally.

4 - You have to give them time I would say around a week but always have a back up plan, dont take on a cat or a kitten if you are not willing to put the effort into making the situation wok.

5 - No 2 cats are the same but I would make sure that the kitten is similar to the one you already have.

I hope this helps

Answer 3

first they will hate each other then they will like each other.  yes they can use the same litter box. Yes it will but then it will get used to it.  No don't do that because believe me i have 4 cats and they turned out fine.  yes because the cats will need the same stuff you already have!!!  

Answer 4

First :: yes  :)  At first, the cat will get irritated with the kitten.  It might take a while for them to become friends.  Just keep your eyes on them to make sure nobody gets hurt.  And don't let them be together right away - keep them in separate rooms for a while first, to let them get used to each other's scents.

Second :: It's better to have at least one litter box per cat.  Otherwise, there might be soiling issues around the house.

Third :: yes.  So, as exciting as the new kitten is, be sure to give your cat as much attention as you did before.  Especially when the new kitten is nearby.  Remind your cat that s/he will always be first in your heart and then they will be more accepting of the newcomer.

Fourth :: I kinda answered this in the first section.  Do not return the kitten unless absolutely necessary.  (and definitely don't return your cat! it's her home and s/he wouldn't have done anything wrong!)  Again, it will take time for them to become friends.  It could even take a year.  Just be patient, give them treats when the other one is around.  

Fifth :: Depends on the personality traits.  Is your cat dominant or temperamental?  Or is s/he sweet and loving?  Either way, you would want a kitten that likes other cats (some don't) but that will respect the cat's space if the cat tells the kitten to back off.

It's wonderful that you're doing the research beforehand, this is an important decision and you're helping to support everyone's happiness.

Good luck!

Answer 5

The most important element is your commitment to working things out.  Definitely you will need THREE litterboxes if you get a kitten.  Do not expect your older cat to share anything with the kitten at first.  She will be appalled by the kitten's presence and take some time to adjust.

If you have a female cat now a male kitten is the best choice.  If your cat is male it won't make that much difference.  There is absolutely no way to know the "personality" of a young kitten so you are not going to be able to choose on the basis of temperment.

Answer 6

Okay, I have done this a bunch of times.  It all depends on how you introduce them.  Make sure you keep the kitten in a separate room for like 3 days.  (They say longer but 3 is plenty)  The whole time they will be sniffing each other through the door.  You are going to want to introduce them but avoid the temptation.

The older one will probably be annoyed with the kitten, yes.  Kittens areso fiesty and hyper.  They want to play fight A LOT.  

Yes, they can use the same litter box for sure.  During the time when you have the kitten in it's own separate room you can get a cheap little tiny litter box (it will be so little anyway), and then later you can use that little bucket to mop the floor.  (just clean it good w/bleach)

You will have enough attention to go around and the old cat will be getting all the attemtion it could ever want from the annoying little kitten.  

If they don't like each other you are stuck.  It would ruin the kittens life to get it and then move it.  They are very terretorial (especially females)

If you get a kitten when it's very young it will be hard to tell exactly what it's personality is like.  You won't know what it's like til it is in your home and comfortable for a month or so.

*** You said your cat is female.  I speak from owning all males.  They are much less terretorial about their home and a lot nicer.  

Good luck!

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