Question about introducing a new kitty . . .

[legally blonde]

One of my good friends just got a teaching job and will be moving into a new apartment in August. She already has one cat (he's about 3 years old) and is thinking about getting another.
However, she's concerned about when to introduce the new cat. She's living with her parents at the moment so she wouldn't be able to get another cat until she moves. So, should she wait until her cat is adjusted to her new place before getting another cat, or should she get a new cat right after she moves?
Thanks for your help!

[newsguyatl]

1. i'm thinking about getting a new one myself

two things: 1) getting a new cat right when she moves to a new place would be ideal, namely because the older cat will be adjusting to a new environment at the same time, and won't see the newer kitty as a territorial threat -- probably some jealousy still, but nothing like it would be with the introduction of the new cat into "his" home (ie, familiar surroundings)

2) it's also a good idea, especially with an older male cat, when introducing a new kitty, for it to be FEMALE and YOUNG (preferably a kitten)... the cat is much less likely to see the new one as a threat -- and might very well take it under its wings so to speak...

[legally blonde]

4. good points, newsguyatl

I suggested a young kitty, too.

My second kitty was young when we found him (he was a stray) and my older cat adjusted well. After a week of hissing and swating they became buddies.

[radfringe]

2. depends on the old cat's personality

if the cat is "skittish" moving into a new place could be stressful enough and the introduction of another cat immediately could lead to problems

myself - I would wait on getting a new cat until the new home is unpacked and the stress of moving has abated a bit

although I agree with the "territorial" issue and that a new place and new cat at the same time would avoid that problem -- but it really depends on how the old cat reacts to changes

in any event - introducing a new cat into the home can go very smoothly or not.

when we've brought in a new cat we don't separate the cats - we show the new cat where the food/water and litter boxes are located and then let them all work out the "pecking order" at their own pace

yes, there have been hissing and swatting at each other - but within a couple of days they've established the heirarchy

[legally blonde]

3. well, her cat is pretty laid back

He doesn't get too upset about things. I think he was okay moving when my friend moved back in with her parents after grad school, but I would have to ask. I think that her cat would adjust well to a new friend, but you never know.

[bvar22]

5. Toss up.

Wait until the older cat is adjusted to the move?

or

introduce new cat with the new apartment?

Ultimately, I think it will depend on the temperment of the older cat.

I do agree that it minimizes problems to adopt a young female. We recently moved, and adopted a new kitten into a family RULED by a very spoiled neutered male. The older cat was already stressed out over the environmental change, so we waited a couple of months until he adjusted before getting the new kitten, a 16 week old spayed female.

It was a little rockey at first. We didn't leave them alone in the same room together for several weeks because the older cat was SOOOO hostile.
Now, (several months later) they are best buds.

The story, some pictures, and advice from other DUers are on this thread:
***When Worlds Collide****

Good luck.

[Eurobabe]

6. common kitty sense says

let the older cat adjust to the new surroundings, and then slowly introduce a kitten/cat after a few weeks of being in the new place. Cats stress when being put in a new environment, you can help the older cat with this by using Bach's Rescue Remedy for the first few days to keep him or her calm.

I would wait at least 3 wks (depending on how accepting the older cat is of change) then put the newbie kitten or cat in a separate room and let them sniff through the door for at least 3 days. Take the newcomer out and change rooms for awhile (put the older cat in there)

You should be able to put them together in the same room after 3 days, yes there will be some fireworks, but I have intro'd three cats this way and have had no problems.

They all love each other now and actually GROOM their non-blood brothers. It really works! Best of luck -48%er

[legally blonde]

7. Thanks for all your help, everyone

I'll pass the info along to my friend. :hi: