Cat introduction advice / comments

When it comes to pets DUers love 'em and love those who love 'em and love to talk about 'em.
As some of you know the commie and I had to have our beloved Montana put down this weekend (massive stroke). He was a stray when he came to live with us about 8 years ago. Upon taking him to the vet we learned that he was probably about 10 years old. So he had a loving family (the commie and I and his little brother Spooky) and a good home. Upon discussion last night the commie and I decided that Montana would want us to offer the same good life to another kitty who would not otherwise have one. So what is best for Spooky?

Spooky is 11, kind of small and sort of timid. He and his brother got along very well. Should our next child be a kitten or a young cat, male or female?

Things with Montana went so smoothly, I want it to be a good experience for Spooky too.

kitten's energy level. You can still get a relatively young cat with a laid-back, non-dominant personality, and greatly increase the chances for positive interactions between the two cats. I'm not what the shelters are like where you live, but around here, they have private rooms that allow you to spend time with any animal you're considering for adoption, and you can get an idea of how Spooky might react.

There's a great organization not too far from me, that adopts out purebred cats, and provides pictures along with detailed descriptions of their personalities, as well as indicating what type of home environment the cat would most likely fit into...

www.purebredcatrescue.org

Young enough that you'll have the cat for awhile, but old enough that they will have outgrown the kitty-phase. There are plenty of adult cats waiting to be adopted while kittens always get adopted before them.

I am so sorry. :cry:

I'd suggest an older cat, like around 3-4 years old. They're mellower than kittens. (Well, duh, Bertha. :eyes:) A kitten might stress Spooky.

Good luck! :)

Spooky's near the "GET OFF MY LAWN" age and doesn't need a rambunctious kid around.

The other advantage of getting an adult cat is that the personality is formed. Look for one with a disposition like Montana. There are plenty of cats out there looking for homes and some of the rescue organizations are really good at helping people find and integrate a new cat into the household.

Everyone is saying older cat here, but....

Most all loved adult animals will accept young'ns into their world.

That is not always true when another adult is brought in. Each critter has different ways to sort pecking orders.

just sayin...

:hug:

Older cats of either sex tend to 'adopt' kittens. And will put them in their place just as a mama cat does if they go too far. Kittens may be rambunctious but they are rarely seen as a territorial threat. But remember to lavish attention on Spooky when you bring in a new cat. That's really important.

An adult cat thinks he/she already knows the ropes :D

:hi:

I have had the least friction introducing kittens. :)

:hi:

I had to keep them separated whenever I wasn't there for a year.

The Commie and I are in deep discussion about our options.