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I have two cats, 7 yr old male and 3 yr old female I introduced into my home about 2 years ago. They get along OK, not famously, but just fine. The male is much more bonded and affectionate w/me. Even though he is top cat, the female is a bit of a primadonna. This is an indoor only situation. I don't travel much, but am out of the house 12 hours a day, M-F.

I'm toying with getting a third cat---keep getting drawn to those rescue days at the local pet store! I am assuming that the introduction method of gradual desensitization, by slowly introducing the new cat would be the same as I did when I brought the female home 2 years ago. But I need some advice:

1. I live in a 1100 sq ft condo w/2 BR---will it become two crowded?
2. male or female?
3. older or younger (no kittens---too much trouble)
4. who should I expect to have more problems with the newcomer, the male or female?
5. any other things to watch for, or tips?

1. I live in a 1100 sq ft condo w/2 BR---will it become two crowded? It totally depends on how much of a cat person you are. I would not find it crowded at all. Usually cats pick their place and sleep there. In our house two cats sleep in the dog crate together. One sleeps in my sisters room. One sleeps in the sun room and the last sleeps in the bathroom sink. We also have two dogs and a flying squirrel. People come over all the time and can't believe we have 5 cats in the house.

2. male or female? totally depends on the personality of the cat. I have had nicer males then females but then I have had great females.
3. older or younger (no kittens---too much trouble) If you adopt from a shelter they will be able to tell you how the cat gets long with other cats. If your not getting a kitten I probably doesn't matter the age. I find that cats act pretty kittenish (is that a word) until about the age of 2.

4. who should I expect to have more problems with the newcomer, the male or female? In our house my female has had more problems with the kitten then the rest of the cats (two males and one female). But I think again it depends on the personality of your cats. Which one is the more laid back type that doesn't let anything bother it?

5. any other things to watch for, or tips? I would really question the shelter people about the personality. If they have a cat room see how the cat interacts with the others in the room.
Are you looking for a playmate for one of your other cats? Or just a cat for your own companionship?

I don't think I was much help. I am sure some one will be more helpful.

Jaime

>>I have two cats, 7 yr old male and 3 yr old female I introduced into my home about 2 years ago. They get along OK, not famously, but just fine. The male is much more bonded and affectionate w/me. Even though he is top cat, the female is a bit of a primadonna. This is an indoor only situation. I don't travel much, but am out of the house 12 hours a day, M-F.
>>
>>I'm toying with getting a third cat---keep getting drawn to those rescue days at the local pet store! I am assuming that the introduction method of gradual desensitization, by slowly introducing the new cat would be the same as I did when I brought the female home 2 years ago. But I need some advice:
>>
>>1. I live in a 1100 sq ft condo w/2 BR---will it become two crowded?
>>2. male or female?
>>3. older or younger (no kittens---too much trouble)
>>4. who should I expect to have more problems with the newcomer, the male or female?
>>5. any other things to watch for, or tips?

It's hard to say how any cat will react to a newcomer whether it be young or old, male or female. You have enough room because cats tend to find their own "purrsonal space" anyway. Do the introductions slowly, give your resident cats extra attention and make sure you have plenty of high places for all the cats to get to once you do introduce them. You might even want to try one of those Feliway Comfort Zone Plug-ins to help calm things during the intro period. I am sure things will go smoothly.
Good luck.
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Dottie
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