Hi,
I have two male cats, both about two years old. Mikey, a mostly black cat came first. Whitey, an all white cat came next. I think Whitey may have either been abandoned or a feral.
I have to keep them separate because they fight (viciously). They're both very territorial so this question is probably going to sound pretty stupid but... I fell in love with a kitten yesterday at a pet store. I put my finger in the cage and he licked it. I picked him up and he snuggled up close and purred and purred - for a good 15 minutes until I put him back in the cage. Then he cried and stuck his paw out the cage to try and reach me. I know this sounds crazy but I felt like he belonged with me and I had the worst urge to take him home. I have this bad feeling about his "fate" (either that or I'm really trying to talk myself into this!).
Is there any chance either of my "bullies" would leave a younger cat alone (I'd say he's maybe about 4 months old?) or am I just asking for more trouble? I haven't had the chance to see them around a younger cat.
This kitten also has a brother, just as sweet. It'd be nice if they could stay together...
Suggestions?
To get or not to get?
Re: To get or not to get?
First, what methods have you tried to get the two cats associated better with each other? It seems non-productive to have to keep them seperated all the time. (assuming they are both neutered and kept indoors only?) What are their personalities and attitudes like as individuals, are they happy, content? What is their environment like, room to play, non-stressful, etc?
As for the new kitten(s)....take into account the added responsibility and of course, added expenses that come with a new kitty, vet exams and other vet care, etc (and never introduce a new adoptee to your other cats without a full vet exam, deworming, testing for FELV/FIV, vaccinated accordingly)
In my experience, bringing new kittens into the home has actually helped some of my other cats mellow out. The new activity, curiosity, forming bonds, etc can be favorable amoung them, but it depends on the individual cat, the environment, temperament, etc. In your case, if it were me, I'd adopt him and his brother so they could grow together and keep each other company. But, this has to be a decision only you can make (based on committment to them, costs, consideration of your other two cats, secure environment, etc).....If your heart is set on this new kitten and his brother, go for it, but do be prepared for a time of introductions, costs, and not neglecting the first two cats' needs and your attention to them.
As for the new kitten(s)....take into account the added responsibility and of course, added expenses that come with a new kitty, vet exams and other vet care, etc (and never introduce a new adoptee to your other cats without a full vet exam, deworming, testing for FELV/FIV, vaccinated accordingly)
In my experience, bringing new kittens into the home has actually helped some of my other cats mellow out. The new activity, curiosity, forming bonds, etc can be favorable amoung them, but it depends on the individual cat, the environment, temperament, etc. In your case, if it were me, I'd adopt him and his brother so they could grow together and keep each other company. But, this has to be a decision only you can make (based on committment to them, costs, consideration of your other two cats, secure environment, etc).....If your heart is set on this new kitten and his brother, go for it, but do be prepared for a time of introductions, costs, and not neglecting the first two cats' needs and your attention to them.
..........Traci
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Guest
Re: To get or not to get?
Hi Traci,
Thanks for responding. It is kind of a bummer having to keep these cats separate. What makes it work is that I share a two story house with separate living quarters with someone who keeps Mikey at night. Both cats are neutered and spend some time outdoors (mostly Mikey). I would say they're both happy/content. The house is mellow/quiet. Nothing going on to upset either one of them.
Whitey's happiest to be near and lay around most of the day. Mikey's very independant and wants to go, go, go. They both have "attitudes" (they both came here "off the street" so they're both a little on the wild/cocky side).
We just recently started letting them outside at the same time (closely supervised) and things seemed to be going well until a couple weeks ago while I was at school and my housemate was 'supervising', Whitey got ahold of Mikey. Another trip to the vet for Mikey...
It used to be Mikey attacked Whitey until Whitey finally came to stay.
After I left my original post I found some information about introducing new cats and that helped me decide, much to my deep regret that it probably wouldn't be a good idea to try bringing the kitten in. It might help the situation here but more than likely it'd just be more trouble and I hate to subject that sweet little thing to my monsters. That's quite a gamble. My heart will just have to break.
If you happen to live near The Pet Stop in Monroe, Washington, go see these two. They're absolutely sweet and precious. Maybe you know someone? I'd really like to see them go to a deserving home. They're going to make someone really happy.
Thanks for responding. It is kind of a bummer having to keep these cats separate. What makes it work is that I share a two story house with separate living quarters with someone who keeps Mikey at night. Both cats are neutered and spend some time outdoors (mostly Mikey). I would say they're both happy/content. The house is mellow/quiet. Nothing going on to upset either one of them.
Whitey's happiest to be near and lay around most of the day. Mikey's very independant and wants to go, go, go. They both have "attitudes" (they both came here "off the street" so they're both a little on the wild/cocky side).
We just recently started letting them outside at the same time (closely supervised) and things seemed to be going well until a couple weeks ago while I was at school and my housemate was 'supervising', Whitey got ahold of Mikey. Another trip to the vet for Mikey...
It used to be Mikey attacked Whitey until Whitey finally came to stay.
After I left my original post I found some information about introducing new cats and that helped me decide, much to my deep regret that it probably wouldn't be a good idea to try bringing the kitten in. It might help the situation here but more than likely it'd just be more trouble and I hate to subject that sweet little thing to my monsters. That's quite a gamble. My heart will just have to break.
If you happen to live near The Pet Stop in Monroe, Washington, go see these two. They're absolutely sweet and precious. Maybe you know someone? I'd really like to see them go to a deserving home. They're going to make someone really happy.