Problem Solving & Advice by Pam Johnson-Bennett Cat Behavior Expert & Best-selling Author
If you’re considering expanding your cat family, the question of whether to add another kitten or an adult cat may have you confused. And what about gender? Should the new cat be a male or female? While there’s no magic solution for a perfect kitty match, I’ve got some tips to help you increase your odds of a happy cat household.
For a senior resident cat, the addition of a second cat may not be a wise choice at all. A new cat introduction may prove too stressful and that can have an impact on your senior cat’s health. Before deciding on whether to add another cat to the household, carefully examine whether this will truly benefit your current older cat or whether it will be unfair to disrupt this time of life. Some people assume the addition of a kitten or an active younger cat will re-ignite a spark in the older cat, but it may end up making your senior cat more fearful. Instead of a second cat addition, what your older cat may benefit from is more time with you and some customized playtime, enrichment.
If your older cat is happy, comfortable and content, carefully think about whether the stress of having to adjust to life with another cat will really be of benefit or not.
If your adult resident cat is younger, playful, healthy, social and energetic, then a kitten might be a good choice. Just be sure the kitten you choose is old enough to go through the introduction and isn’t put in a dangerous situation.
Complementary Personalities
Think about your resident kitty’s vibe. Is she outgoing, assertive, or a fierce feline warrior? If that’s the case, your new cat should be more of a chill counterpart. Opting for another take-charge cat will lead to a constant battle for the throne. So choose wisely, to avoid ongoing nose-to-nose showdowns! On the other hand, avoid choosing a cat from the opposite end of the personality scale. A very timid, shy cat would not do well with a very assertive cat. Choose a cat with a complementary personality. One who is out-going and friendly but not on either extremes of the personality chart.
Male or Female?
As for whether to get a male or female, many people have believed for years you should get a cat of the opposite sex. I have never followed that theory and in all my years of doing professional behavior consulting, making good personality and temperament matches have been far more important than whether the cat is male or female. It all comes down to whether the personalities will mesh or compete.
Don’t Rush
Take your time when choosing a second cat. You’ll be bringing in a companion who will hopefully become a lifelong buddy for your resident cat so don’t rush the decision. I know situations come up, such as a cat who is rescued and brought into the family suddenly, but if you have the opportunity to do your homework when considering a feline companion for your kitty, use that time to make a good choice.
If your search involves going to a shelter, keep in mind there’s a risk of making an impulsive decision that could not be the best for either cat. Rely on the wisdom of the shelter staff and what they may know about the cat you’re considering, along with your own knowledge of your resident cat.
Pleased to Meet You
Once you’ve made the decision on which cat you want to bring home as a companion for your kitty, you’re next big step will be preparing the cat-to-cat introduction. This is where many cat parents drop the ball and the result can be a disaster. Take your time and do a gradual introduction. Give the cats a reason to like each other. Don’t toss them in together and expect them to be friends. Provide the newcomer with a sanctuary room (usually a bedroom or some other room you can close off) and let him get his bearings. Then you can slowly begin to introduce him to your resident cat. A gradual, positive introduction is the only way to go.
Even with all the research and planning you’ve done, new cat introductions can take a wrong turn. If things start to go south, evaluate whether it’s because you may have moved through the introduction steps too quickly. I find that’s often the case, rather than the cats being a bad match. Since you are working to help the cats develop a friendship that will last a lifetime, it’s worth the time to go at the pace most comfortable for them. Some cats become friends in a matter of days but in most cases, it takes weeks or even longer. Stay positive and move at the pace of the most stressed-out cat. Even if your progress feels as if you’re only taking baby steps, you’re still going in the right direction.
After working on the introduction, if you feel the cats aren’t a good match, talk to the behavior staff at the shelter for additional guidance. You may find you’ve missed a step in the intro process. In some cases, you may need some additional professional help by calling in a certified cat behavior consultant to develop a specific plan for your cats. Talk to your veterinarian about a referral to a certified behavior professional.
Here are some helpful articles on introducing a second cat.
A Simple Little Trick to use During New Cat Introductions
What if You’ve Already Done the Introduction Incorrectly?
Relax, it’s not too late. The easiest way to fix this is to simply start over again. Separate the cats and do the introduction all over again as if they’ve never met. Keeping them together if they’re fighting will only increase the stress and aggression so the best solution is to give everyone a break and do it again the right way. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been trying to do the introduction.
Need More Information?
For more specific information on cat behavior and training in a multicat household, refer to the revised and updated edition of Pam’s best-selling book, Cat vs. Cat. Pam’s books are available at bookstores and online. We’ve included links to Amazon here on our website.
If you have a question regarding your cat’s behavior or health, please contact your veterinarian. This article is not intended as a replacement for your cat’s veterinary care. This article is for information purposes only and not offering medical advice or providing a medical diagnosis.
