Thinking about getting another cat - would a male or female be better?

[mookie]

We're considering adopting another cat to the family. We have 2 dogs and a cat already, but we take the dogs with us a lot of places and we feel like it would be nice to have our cat have a companion when we aren't home. Our cat is a male, 2 years old, and has a great personality. (outgoing, friendly, etc.) We would love to have another similiar, if we could. I have heard though that 2 males in the same house is not a good idea, and that a male and a female would be better. Is this true? Any other advice you can give?

Thanks!!

 

[Grandpa Simpson]

Don't believe everything you hear. A lot depends on the cats. Some cats are more aggressive than others; some are naturally passive or laid back. If you think about another male cat, ask if the cat has lived with other cats before -- and not just in a shelter environment. Some cats are better off alone, while others may adjust well to a new addition.

Is your existing cat an adult? If so, you might want to think about a male kitten. Some males can adjust more easily to a kitten than to an older cat. Bottom line: every cat is different and this has been done-- quite often-- with success.

If you want an adult cat, it may be best to go with a female (who can then become "queen" of the house).

There will be an adjustment period while the two cats sort out their relationship. This could be very quick or it could take months (or longer). Be patient... there are lots of resources on the Internet with tips on how to introduce a new cat to your home. It takes lots of love, nurture and willingness to listen to some snarls and hisses. You may want to look at a slightly larger litter box -- some cats can be very finicky about sharing a litter box.

Good luck!

 

[MAKmom]

If you have 1 cat they are more user friendly. 2 cats just want to hang with each other.

 

[jbdreamer]

I have heard though that 2 males in the same house is not a good idea, and that a male and a female would be better. Is this true? Any other advice you can give?

Thanks!!

I was told the same thing when getting a second cat - that you should get one of the opposite sex. I was also told you should get a cat younger then the one you already have.

Have fun picking out your new kitty!

 

[MomofKatie]

We have had three combos- 2 males (neutered), 2 females, and 1 of each. The best combo we had was 2 males. One was 3 years old when we got the other as a kitten. The older one became the kitten's surrogate "father". They would lie together on the sofa and groom each other. They got along famously and were both outgoing and friendly.

1 male and 1 female- they didn't get along real well. The female was older, and the male was a kitten. She pretty much never tolerated him. We thought she'd "mother" him- no way. I guess she wasn't the mothering type!

2 females- the older one really ruled the roost- really intimidated the younger one. The younger one was timid, and ended up basically living under the bed in the guest room while the other one had the run of the house.

 

[Jcricket Fan]

This is how some of ours matched up:

1 female & 1 male, got along great she was the top cat and he never challenged her for the spot.

Added another female and still no one challenged the top kitty everyone got along just fine. Stayed with the 3 cat combo for 14 yrs. then added 2 young females to the mix.

Top cat still was queen until she passed away...then sadly my little "hairy man" passed away a month later then the 3rd. oldest female passed away the next month.

So now we have the 2 young females...I think they are still trying to figure out where the other 3 went. One is a little more outgoing then the other but there is no strife or fighting. They are sisters and love to play and chase each other around the house.

Our history has been that all the cats have gotten along really well no fighting no problems.

(I do miss my little hairy man very much though )
Colleen

 

[LK03]

We had our 1 year old male Siamese and saw a female Balinese for adoption at Petsmart that was to be 1 year. Well some other papers aged her about two years. The male was sooo excited. He came from a breeder so he was used to cats so he was sooo interested in the girl whereas she was not. Took a few weeks but they now are cuddle buddies and playmates. Our female also looks out for the male. If we are bathing him or he's making that horrific meow sound she comes a running and swipes at either DH or me to whomever is making him make those sounds.

 

[mookie]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm goign to have to show DH this. He thinks I'm crazy for wanting another cat, as he thinks I just want a zoo.

But really, we do love our animals, and the dogs are able to travel with us, even if we go to the store, they love to tag along. Obviously, the cat is stuck at home (he doesn't go outside, either.) and while he is great and loves everyone, I often can't help but think he could use a companion while we are gone. We do go on a few extended weekend trips, as well, and our neighbors come over to check on him, but it's not the same.

One question: DH thinks that we'll have issues with litter box and scenting. Right now, our cat is very clean, so DH is worried about disrupting that. He thinks that if we introduce another cat, we are opening up ourselves to having a sprayer, etc.

I think I've got him hooked, just need to seal the deal. He likes how outgoing and friendly our cat is now, and DH thinks that males have a better personality than females. I think that is why I want to make sure if we get a male, it will be okay. (We'll probably consider a kitten or a young cat, someone younger than our current cat, to keep him "top dog.)

Do any of you think the theory that male cats have a more outgoing personality than females?

Anyway, tahnks for your responses, they have definitely helped. Any more are also welcome!!

 

[WDWguru]

The personality thing is funny - our two males have the LEAST personality of our brood. Our most social kitties have always been females - especially torties. They have wonderful outgoing personalities and are very talkative.

As for marking - a valid concern and one you'll be more likely to have issues with among two males. We have five kitties - three females and two males. We've had various introduction stages and the only time we had problems were with the two males, who still don't get along 10 years later. They just ignore each other for the most part now.

While we never had spraying problems, we were careful to introduce them gradually and not interrupt the existing cats' routines. It's also a good idea to give them extra attention so they don't feel the need to act out. If you introduce the new cat slowly and give her her own little territory (a bathroom is a good start) where the old cat isn't allowed for a while, that worked for us. Keep the cats separated for the most part at first, but take each cat's bedding (or something else scented) to the other periodically so they slowly get used to one another's smells. Then start letting them interact on neutral ground for short periods. You'll get a feel for how it's going and how fast you can progress from there.

 

[luv2nascar]

just wanted to say I think its nice you are looking to adopt again. I don't know about the male/female thing though. I would think it depends on the cats. I would think two males could get along if they had the right personalities.

 

[bballmom56]

We have 1 female and 3 males. The female would be very happy to be an "only" cat. She detests the other three and lets everyone know it. The 3 males get along beautifully - the third was added 2 years ago as a starving 10-12 month old who showed up on our back porch. My tabby male has accepted a mentor role with the young one. They will curl up together and clean each other.

 

[debden]

I have six cats: 5 male and 1 female...They all get along fine.The female doesn't bother with any of the males.She's more of a loner.She has her own little corner of the house she stays in...
We had a male/female (brother/sister) first,then came another male kitten left at our door step,the we adopted a male cat (1 1/2 yrs old) from the local shelter and they did give us his personality traits:ie:gets along well with other cats,exc.,exc.,(It was rough going at first to introduce an older cat to the household but it's worked out great),then we decided to adopt another male (kitten this time) from the local shelter and he fit in perfectly,then last (but most definitely not least) we adopted a 12 week old male kitten from a friends daughter.
After the initial 'I don't know you or recognize your scent' hissing/growling,everything went fine.....
There has never been and will never be a cat fight in my house.They are all inside cats.
Hope you have as much luck with your kitties as I have with mine...
Debbie
And just an FYI my friends have a male and a female cat and they are having lot's of problems.The female keeps attacking the male and he won't come out from hiding.I guess he's really afraid to come out.
So it goes to show that getting a female cat to go with a male cat will not always work out...