Adding a second cat (with PIP)

HeatherBell89

Hi

I need some advice. My husband and I are planning on getting another kitten. We have a 9 month old female kitten named Lucy. She is very sweet and outgoing, she is best friends with every person she meets. She even sleeps with house guests (if they let her). 

I have heard that it is would be best to get a male kitten. For some reason, the rescue groups around us have mostly female cats. I have no idea why, it is about 10-15 female cats per male cat. Should we just wait until there are more males available? I plan on introducing the two slowly and keeping the new cat separated for as long as it takes. 

 Because I know everyone loves pictures, here is Lucy! 

 

Showing off her manicure 

 

 

breaness

Aww I love the pictures with the soft paws. Do you find them hard to apply? Sherlock doesn't scratch often where he's not supposed to, but I have some that I bought just in case he gets a destructive itch.

 

ETA: on the male cat observation, it was the opposite here at our rescue. Most of the males were being left behind and the females were being snatched up. I guess because male cats are crazy?  

kellbell1919

I think female female can be fine especially at that age, although it isn't necessarily ideal.  I would pick a cat who's personality and energy level will match hers; for example if she is outgoing and energetic maybe pick a kitten who is shyer and likes to play.  The book cat vs. Cat is great for help with cat intros.

And the gender and age guidelines really are just guidelines; my male cats hate each other and love my female; personality wise she is just a better match for them.

KatiesCats

I really think that the sex doesn't matter as much as the personality.  We started with two males and then added a female.  Since then we've fostered a few females who have always done fine with everyone in our cat family.

Our last foster, Naomi, was adopted with another female cat, and they are now bff.

And I'd like to just throw in a plug for adult cats.  People prefer kittens to adults, and some of the adult cats I know languish in shelters for months or even years on end because they're no longer tiny or adorable.  My H and I have acquired all of our pets as adults and had zero issues because of it.  Rescuing is great whether you get a juvenile or an adult, but getting an adult who wouldn't otherwise be adopted would be great!

HeatherBell89

breaness:

Aww I love the pictures with the soft paws. Do you find them hard to apply? Sherlock doesn't scratch often where he's not supposed to, but I have some that I bought just in case he gets a destructive itch.

 

ETA: on the male cat observation, it was the opposite here at our rescue. Most of the males were being left behind and the females were being snatched up. I guess because male cats are crazy?  

 

She was never destructive, they were just more of a precaution. They are pretty easy to apply. We trim her back nails about once a week and replace any soft paws that have fallen off. Usually, she has one a week fall off. As long as your cat lets you trim her nails you should be fine! She is wearing the medium size now, but I think I will have to order the large when we run out of these. She must have large claws, she weighs 9.5 pounds now and the large size is supposed to be for 14+ pounds. But the medium are so snug now and don't go very far down on the nail like they used to. 

HeatherBell89

KatiesCats:

I really think that the sex doesn't matter as much as the personality.  We started with two males and then added a female.  Since then we've fostered a few females who have always done fine with everyone in our cat family.

Our last foster, Naomi, was adopted with another female cat, and they are now bff.

And I'd like to just throw in a plug for adult cats.  People prefer kittens to adults, and some of the adult cats I know languish in shelters for months or even years on end because they're no longer tiny or adorable.  My H and I have acquired all of our pets as adults and had zero issues because of it.  Rescuing is great whether you get a juvenile or an adult, but getting an adult who wouldn't otherwise be adopted would be great!

 

I am open to adopting an older cat. I feel in love with a two year old male a few weeks ago. He was at petsmart with an adoption agency. We couldn't get him that weekend because we were going out of town and he was adopted the next day. I was disappointed but I know we will find a great cat. Thanks for the advice! I'm glad to hear people have had success with female/female, and male/male pairings.

mainerocks

kellbell1919:

I think female female can be fine especially at that age, although it isn't necessarily ideal.  I would pick a cat who's personality and energy level will match hers; for example if she is outgoing and energetic maybe pick a kitten who is shyer and likes to play.  The book cat vs. Cat is great for help with cat intros.

And the gender and age guidelines really are just guidelines; my male cats hate each other and love my female; personality wise she is just a better match for them.

This! I read it in preparation for adding 2 to my house (in addition to my female) and it was super helpful. 

HeatherBell89

I'll order cat vs. cat today, thanks.

I just talked to a lady that runs a rescue group on the phone. They have a cat adoption room at the our vet's office. We are going to go by the vet to meet them after work tomorrow. She sounded great on the phone and knew a lot about each cat. I'm so excited! 

MissD611

Heather! Have you informed Juneville of this addition? Did I miss something?

Either way, yay kitty!

KatelynS07

We have four cats, two males, and two females. 

 

One female loves the other female and tolerates the boys. The boys both like each other, and love the one female.

 

So in our case, our one female(a formerly feral cat) is our most social and liked cat of the four.