This is a two part question...If my male cat is 6 yrs old can I bring a new female cat into the house?
My cat is an adorable, spoiled, loving male cat. I was thinking about bringing a spayed female cat into the home....Is there something special I should do so both cats will feel comfortable around each other? Will the male cat be able to handle having another cat in his territory? Will they fight? Also, I wondered why when I play with my cat and he gets excited he hisses at the toy I am playing with him. Is that normal. I thought cats only hissed when they were angry, yet he enjoys playing with this special toy. Thanks
The Wombat Queen2009-09-30T05:07:47Z
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the male cat will probably be very unhappy with a new cat arriving in his home. the best thing to do to make sure he is not too angry is to make sure he always has his own food source and space to be without the other cat intruding. don't feed them in the same area until they've adjusted to each other.
If a cat is hissing, it means it feels threatened. cats do not hiss when they are having fun. if the cat is hissing while you are playing with him, you need to back off and let him have the toy to himself. it doesn't mean he dislikes the toy, it just means that he is upset with you being there. my cats hiss sometimes when I get too close when they are eating or playing with a special toy, yours is probably the same.
I hope he's fixed.. an un-neutered male cat will destroy a home with spraying.. either you've fixed him, you're extremely lucky, or you already know this.. If he's not fixed, get him fixed ASAP
anyway.. Enough of my "Bob Barker" plug. I"ll answer your actual question
In my 29 years of experience with cats I have discovered that despite their reputation as loners, they really DO enjoy feline companionship. However...
Mixing two adults is something of a gamble.. Depending on the personality of the cats they will PROBABLY learn to tolerate each other (Toleration took one year the one time we did this) and MAY become friends.. It all depends on their personalities.
However, in my 29 years during which I have RARELY been without two cats in my home, I have SEVERAL times brought home a new kitten to a home with adult cats already in residence. I have NEVER had a problem with them becoming friends... THis is because KITTENS have not developed a sense of territory yet, they're not territorial. They are less "threatening" to an adult cat than another adult, for several reasons. Also, for cats to "get along" there has to be a hierarchy established, which can take time for adults. However, kittens easily assume the "lower rung" of the totem pole, and hierarchy is established quickly and easily.
In my experience, I recommend that, if you want another cat, you get a kitten. If so, gender doesn't matter nearly as much as age, Definitely go with pre-puberty (Under 5 months old).. Get him/her spayed or neutered between 4-6 months old. You can still expect hissing/growling/spitting, even some slapping over the first couple weeks, but that should be short-lived and nobody will really get hurt. The kitten will be eager for a playmate, the adult will put him/her in their place and show them who's boss. That's okay.. he won't really hurt the kitten. I'd almost bet money that within two weeks, they'll be playing together, depending on how "payful" your adult is at his age.
Just incase you were thinking of a specific (already adult) female cat you wish to adopt, the only thing I can tell you is introduce them gradually, and you'll have to see what happens. They will be aggressive, but will most likely not actually hurt each other. (Catfights, unless between two un-neutered males, are usually just alot of noise) Look for improvements after the first two weeks to see if they show signs of tolerating each other. Give both plenty of attention. As I said, mixing two adult cats is a gamble.. you'll just have to see.
As for the hissing.. I guess that's just his personality.. Each cat is an individual and act a bit differently when playing.. THey all have their goofy quirks.. My female falls over on her side with a dramatic thud when you talk to her, so she can start stretching and acting cute. Best of luck.. shoot me a message if you have any further questions.
My cat is also 6 yrs of age and he has had many cats introduced to him over the years. The latest ones were two small kittens. They were strays and very skinny. He hated them at first which is how he always is, but the kittens gave him his space and after about two weeks he was playing and chasing one of the kittens. I found that very healthy for my otherwise lazy cat. I think as long as you introduce them slowly, and give them different food bowls as well as different feeding areas you should be fine. I noticed that it took my cat a while to allow the kittens around him while he was eating. It really depends on the cat, when it comes to how long it'll take for him to be accustomed with other cats. I mean my cat REALLY hated these kittens when he first met them.
As for the hissing it may just be a personality trait if he truly is enjoying playing. I hope that helps. If there's catnip in the toy that also may be what he's reacting to. I personally am not fond of catnip.
You bet! I had an 11 yr old female (at the time) and got a new kitten two years ago. If you put the kitten in the bathroom for a little just so the other older cat can still have the run of the house AND smell the kitten under the door then it won't be as much as a shock when she comes face to face.
My two cats get along good now. One thing that my vet told me is its important to let one of the cats assert his/her dominance. One of the cats will want to be alpha and they won't be able to work that issue out without a couple of swatts and hisses. Just be sure to stick around and keep an eye out so things don't get out of hand. If either of them hide, let them hide too...they'll come out after the fear subsides and the curiosity intensifies :-)
I had a 5 year old female cat and we brought a male kitten into the home. She was mad and was threatened by him. All they did was fight for 2 years. Then, we brought a dog into the house and the cats don't fight much anymore. They are both threatened by the dog and fight my puppy. So here is advice. They might be fine, they may not. It depends on the cats. But, never bring a dog in too LOL! :)