Introducing a second kitten

Gryzor

hi i've a 8 week old male kitten, just been in the house a week and he's king of the place allready.. , was thinking of getting a second one cause he's on his own alot...from about 12 at night to 4 or 5 the next day... i read up the page on kittenadoption.ie ...got some good info there....seems to be just a case of patience encouragement and hopefully it'll work out......

was wondering has anyone done this in the past...is there anything else to look out for??

hadook

Kittens *usually* get on like a house on fire fairly quickly.

One thing to note - be careful where you get your second kitten from - if your first is only 8 weeks he's not vaccinated so introducing a second kitten puts him at risk.

Contact KittenAdoption - KittenAdoption is great.

Gryzor

thanks hadook...yeah i was thinking kittens would be easier to introduce than older, more "set in their ways" cats....all i can do is give it a lash methinks..

DrIndy

remember cats grow up and although a kitten is cool, two big cats aren't neccessarily. Cats are also naturally solitary so they don't actually mind being on their own. He is giving you loads of attention because he is young and you are "mum" for him, as he grows up, he'll become much more independent.

I would recommend wait and see. Unless you have a big back garden and lots of space for the cats, you are better off with one.

They are great pets, but they leave fur EVERYWHERE!

If you are introducing a new cat, it is good to get a big cage and put one in and the other out. that way if they take exception to each other, it minimises the damage. Alternate one out and one in. Do this for a few days and then supervise them for a few more. Rubbing the new cat in the old cats blanket also makes them more acceptable.

(This applies to older cats)

CookieCat

Why 2 kittens?

The decision to adopt a kitten is an exciting event, but not to be entered into lightly. Kittens do deserve/require an enormous amount of care, which, of course is compensated by the extreme pleasure of watching them grow and develop. Sometimes, it is better to adopt two kittens? One kitten can become lonely.A kitten left alone during the day can become lonely and bored, which sometimes can lead to mischief. Two kittens will never be lonely, especially if they are siblings. In fact, you'll often find in the rescue groups adoption process you will be told "These kittens may be adopted only as a pair." Rescue workers recognize that siblings really need to stay together.


Although it might sound contrary, an older, established cat will probably accept two kittens better than one. One kitten will seek out the older cat as a playmate, or worse, tease and pester the senior cat which can cause stress to an older cat. The kitten in return, will be "rewarded" for his playful efforts with hisses and swats. Two kittens will expend their energy in play with each other, leaving their older playmate to relax in peace.(For a while at least)
Kittens learn by copying. If one kitten is quick to learn appropriate litter box use, the other will be likely to copy. They also help each other with grooming; cleaning whiskers after meals soon becomes a ritual with two kittens.
Kittens will often play so hard that they simply flop where they are, and more likely than not, they will flop next to (or on top of) each other. There is no sight so endearing as two kittens curled up together for a nap. Their peaceful innocence can soften the heart of even the grumpiest Scotsman (My hubby) And the sight of that blissful moment will wash clean the slate of their previous antics.
Even the most devoted cat "parent" can quickly become exhausted by trying to keep up with the energy of a single kitten.Two kittens will wear each other out, leaving their human victim free to just enjoy watching them or a rare glimpse of the TV. Many people who experience behavior problems with kittens (And contact Kitten Adoption) Find that behaviour is modified when they adopt another playmate. What may be perceived as unacceptable behaviour is often just the result of boredom. Much like their human counterparts, kittens sometimes misbehave because "negative attention is better than no attention."
If one kitten is finicky about food, the belligerence is often overcome by curiosity at what its sibling is eating. (Feed one cat Same Old, the other cat New Stuff, and they both end up tasting the new stuff.)"

I'm sure you can come up with your own good reasons why adopting two kittens is better than one.
So if you're thinking of adopting a kitten, do give some consideration to the reasons why you should choose two instead of one. We know it makes sense. :cool:

Sigma Force

"Cats are also naturally solitary"

I am sorry but that is a load of rubbish, cats are not solitary animals. They live in colonys or groups in the wild and feral cats also do. Unneutered Toms can be sollitary whilst looking for a mate.
Some cats will get on well with each other, others will accept each other but keep out of each others way at times and others will bond strongly with the other.

Having two kittens together is a healthy option, they don't have to be the same age. Kittens will usually play together no problem, and if they grow up together will accept each other easier.
They MUST be neutered/spayed however at as early an age as your vet will do..no later than 6 months.

It is true that some cats prefer their own or human company to other cats but to presume they are all loners is unfair.

If you go to Kitten adoption they will help you match a cat or kitten to the one you have already, mabey give you a trial run to see how they get on together.

Gryzor

now i'm just feckin confused..

was talking to my vet about it...he said there was no need to get another cat to keep the other lad company....so i don't think we'll get another one, just yet anyway...thanks for all the replies!!

CookieCat

I give up. Doesn't surprise me though there are some vets still saying that cats should have a litter of kittens . It's just not the public that needs educated. :rolleyes:
Good luck with your kitten, and I am sure he or she will be very well looked after.