Should I get a second cat? Any tips I should know before?
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free skin care · Thu Jun 18, 2009 9:09 pm

This might work out and it might not...

We had a an only cat. We thought he was lonely. We got a 2nd cat. He was ticked of about it FOREVER. He became a snob.

Then we had kids, and both cats that we brought the worst things home ever. They hid during any waking hours.

Oldest cat died just over a year ago. We stuck with the one. Then I adopted my sisters cat. They like each other, and play together. They still both hide from the kids.

They can share a litter box, but we let ours outside, so the litter box is really for locked in the house emergencies.

Good luck!

free skin care · Thu Jun 18, 2009 10:37 pm

I have 4 cats, and consider myself to be somewhat of an expert on cat dynamics. Very Happy

First question...how old is your male cat?

And as far as the litter box is concerned, multiple cats can be very picky...the onus will be on YOU to keep it VERY clean, or you may need to add a second box.

You are correct that you should add a female instead a male.

free skin care · Fri Jun 19, 2009 4:41 am

I'd definitely advise 2 litter trays. Otherwise you may well find messes left on your floor as most cats prefer to use a clean/reasonably clean tray.

Generally, the advice is to have a boy and a girl. However, I find that boys are often more playful together than girls. If cats are young enough, then 2 boys can go together well, often teaming up to play or sit and watch birds together. However, it would certainly be worth trying to find another cat who has lived and got on well with others. Some cats, such as my big ginger boy, adore other cats. There are, of course, no guarantees.

Be careful with taking on a Siamese cross in this instance. Siamese can be very temperamental. If she has certain Siamese characteristics, she might hate having another cat in "her" house.

Also, be prepared for the two cats to not get on at first. A careful introduction is usually a good idea (especially if you're out at work and leave them indoors for the day), and there are likely to be quite a few hissing, spitting, paw swiping and sulking incidences. Persevere and miracles can happen!

My two are around the same age (about 3 years old). I got my boy first and he definitely wanted company, trawling around the house and calling for other cats. Our girl was supposed to be temporarily fostered with us and she didn't like her new companion one little bit. Cue plenty of hissy fits and one big scaredy boy hiding on the landing.

Now, however, although we have moments when our girl hisses and swipes at our boy - especially as she gets annoyed with him constantly wanting to play with her, they get on fine the rest of the time. There are even rare moments when I find them lying near or right next to each other.

Good luck!

free skin care · Fri Jun 19, 2009 5:16 am

Another cat person here!!!...I would say yes, get a female kitty for your orange tabby (those are my favorite cats!!!) Siamese?? oh boy...that's a crap shoot...ya never know with Siamese Rolling Eyes

Ideally a 2nd litter box might be good, unless you are hypervigilent about cleaning it (maybe you should invest in the cat genie?www.catgenie.com/ )

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