Strange question for cat people

[Shredr]

Is it better to have them in even or odd numbers?

We have two cats right now. They're litter mats and have never been seperated. They're like one being in two bodies. But I keep seeing these cats at the vet and at PetCo that are up for adoption and I think we have room for at least one more.

My question is: is one okay, or should I get two? Does the new cat need a mate like my current cats have?

Thanks.

[Mutley]

1. If you're getting kittens it might be easier on the new guy if you

bring one of his littermates with you. But probably not necessary unless you think one of your other cats may be mean to him. For an adult cat it probably wouldn't make a difference.

[Shredr]

4. That's a good point.

I've seen so many cute kittens, but I was really thinking of taking a more mature cat. They seem less likely to find a home. My cats are almost 6, so they probably wouldn't want a little punk running around, anyway.

Thanks.

[xultar]

2. I had 4 now I have 3. I like the triad personally.

[Shredr]

6. I'm sorry you lost one.

It's such a heart-ache to lose a pet. I haven't experienced that since my childhood, and I'm not looking forward to it (obviously). But I love my kitties so much, I can't imagine my life without them.

[xultar]

16. Well Sydney didn't die thank God. He's living with a family in FL.

But, I have lost a cat and a pup in the past 10 years. It is rough still to this day.

[bertha katzenengel]

3. Hmm. My opinion . . .

It doesn't matter, as long as you're careful in introducing the new guy. If you'd like some tips on that, let me know.

Good for you for adopting an older kitty! :yourock:

[Shredr]

5. Thanks...

I've heard you're supposed to either keep your current cats or the new cat in a bedroom for a couuple days. Is that right? So they can smell each other or something.

How long should I seperate them and how long should I expect it to take for them to get along?

Thanks.

[bertha katzenengel]

7. I'd say keep the new cat in a smaller room, and give the old guys the

run of the house.

Do the t-shirt trick. It doesn't always work but it's always worth a try. Give each cat (in your case, one for the newbie and one for the litter mates) a t-shirt you've worn before, that has your smell. Put it somewhere where they might get their own scents on it, like in their beds or where they like to sleep. After 24 hours or so, switch the shirts. Then after another day switch them again. And a third time if necessary. That way all the scents are intermingled.

After doing that for a couple of days, use a feather toy or a string to get the kids to "play paws" with each other under the door.

I'd say keep them separate for three-four days. If there are fireworks, separate them again and go for longer.

The MOST important advice, though: MORE THAN ONE LITTER BOX. I'm no true authority but I've had cats for a long time, and now have many. I recommend one litter box per cat. More fights ensue over who pees where and when than over any other issue.

Good luck. Feel free to PM me any time.

And when you get the newbie, let us know!

Oh, yeah--always remember to spend as much time as you can in the closed room with the newbie!! Very important! And try to pet up the older kids before you go in there, so their scents are on your hands.

[Shredr]

9. Thanks for all the advice

I've never heard of the t-shirt trick, but I'll definitely try it. Hadn't thought of extra litter boxes either. The two I have right now actually go in at the same time (as I said, they're really one) so I just have one. I'll get the new one his/ her own.

One last question: Both my current cats are boys, should I get another boy or a girl?

Thanks again.

[bertha katzenengel]

12. Gender doesn't matter, as long as they're all spayed or neutered.

:hi: Anytime.

[Southsideirish]

14. One "box" per cat and let the old ones "find" the new one - like they

discovered him or her themselves. Don't get personally involved as the jealousy thing will come up. Act like you couldn't care less, but keep an eagle eye on the welfare of the newcomer as it could get ugly!

[barb162]

17. very, very good points. Most severe fights break out when they

are not properly introduced. I have 4 cats and 7 litter trays. Everyone likes to use 2 of the trays. I'd say those 2 trays get 80% of the action

[silver10]

8. I've had both odd and even,

and it really doesn't matter to them. As long as they get a few days to become accustomed to each other - like you said - about a week in separate rooms to get used to the smell of each other under the door. They don't care about odd or even, they only care about getting food, water, and love.

But if you have room for two more as opposed to only one, go for it. I have 6 completely indoor, and I love each of them. I'm trying to make a small contribution to the millions that are euthanized each year. Please neuter - make sure to wait at least until they're six months old. There are many arguments about this, but I know from first-hand personal experience that it is better to wait for health reasons. Hopefully all the others are already neutered. Thanks for caring so much.

[Shredr]

11. Wow! 6 cats!?!

I love my cats, and I'm looking forward to bringing home another one, but six! You must be changing kitty litter all day! Do you have territorial problems? Do they all get along?

Both mine are neutered, and the new one will be too.

Thanks.

[silver10]

15. No problems,

They all get along, really! no territory problems. I have 10 litter boxes which I clean once a week. And I buy a 20lb. bag of food (purina ONE) and it lasts about 3 weeks or so - I treat them with soft food every three days for their systems. What kills is the vet bills and the teeth cleaning, but I charge it. I probably wouldn't have so many, but when you get a chance to save a life, even a cat's (who are so great)it gives tremendous satisfaction. And they are all very loving, who says cats are aloof? All six are waiting at the door when I get home from work (not for food, because they graze all day). Good luck with your kitties!

[catmandu57]

10. You know I never really thought about it

I had two, my wife had two, we just threw them together, they got along okay except for her pshychotic siamese, I think she needs medicating ( but that's a different thread).
Then I rescued a kitten from outside, and now we have five inside, and she torments the tormentor, but they all get along.

[caty]

13. I was told by the vet

that there should be an even number of cats and humans. Cats pair up either with another cat or a human. If you have an odd number, one cat will be left out.