Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone,

I currently have a one year old male cat named Bear. I would like to bring home one of the wild cats my mom has living on her proch, but i dont know how my Bear will react. I also live in a one bedroom apartment so I dont know if it is enough space?

Is it better to get another male or female? The other cats are about the same age so would I still have to seperate them for a period of time? I heard that male cats like to be alone so they can be "king of the castle" will Bear become jealous? When you have two cats do you need two litter boxes and two food dishes?

If anyone can offer any info or advice for me it would be a great help, I have to decide soon because my mom will be taking them to a local organization where they will be adopted. Thanks and take care

Hey there

Regarding the sex of the new cat is really doesn't matter as some prefer same sex cats some don't.

Although they are around the same age it is essential that you have a 'safe room' wher eyou can isolate the new cat when you aren't home or when you are asleep until the 2 cats get on fine. I know from comments on the boards that cleaning each other is a good sign or lying together peacefully etc. It may not take a long time to get to that time but I think it's important to take as long as you need to . Supervised meetings of the cats is very important so that you can remove the new one if things get heated.

I have a resident cat and a 3 month old kitten I have had for 5 weeks and we are still at the stage of supervised outings in the range of about 2 hour sessions before things get too much and to give the resident cat a breather.

Some cat books recommend having 1 litter tray too many (so 3 for 2 cats) but I have 1 litter tray each and that's sufficient. The kitten usually goes in either depending on whether he is out his safe room or not. For food bowls always have 1 food and water bowl each at least, and again maybe a 3rd bowl of say biscuits in another location in case of bullying.

Let us know how you get on.
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Kind Regards
Pepsi and Cola's human Janis
MAX - Earned his wings April 2006 - Sleep tight Pussy Cat

"Like those great sphinxes lounging through eternity in noble attitudes upon the desert sand, they gaze in curiosity at nothing, calm and wise"
Charles Baudelaire

Hi There,

It's so nice of you to want to take in one of the wild kitties. If you go for it, you would have to be prepared for the cats to go through an adjustment period. This can be quite a challenge, but well worth it!

Bear will definitely be jealous at first, and it can take months before the cats get along. It is always best to isolate a newcomer, no matter what the age. I recommend adding at least one more litterbox and that the cats have their own bowls.

If you have the time and patience, I would go through with adopting a second kitty. Please let us know and we can give you some tips on introducing them. Be prepared for some hissing and growling, but remember that this is normal. At some point the cats will also have to work out the "pecking order".

I share my home with 10 wonderful cats and introductions here have always gone well. I just make sure that they all get lots of attention and love. There is an occasional spat here but never a serious fight.

Regards,
PHKitkat