Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Help! Kitten dilemma

5 replies

TheKurgan · 29/11/2018 17:40

Wondering if anyone might have any advice...
I have a 7 year old female cat, whom we all adore, and after a lot of thinking we decided we would like to get another cat. As she has never lived with another cat (though she is very affable with next-door's cat), we thought the best chance of them getting on would probably be if we got a male kitten.
A month ago, we duly made an appointment at a rescue centre where they had several litters, but were told when we got there that they had all gone. They said, however, that one mother cat who had just come over with her 5 month old kittens from Romania had turned out to be pregnant again and that we could have first refusal of one of the unborn kittens. We met the mother (who was very friendly) and made a fuss of her and the 5-month-old kittens - they were the most outgoing and affectionate kittens I've ever seen. Based on this, we were happy to wait for one of the unborn kittens, which would probably come to us in February.
However, I've just had a phone call to say that the home for one of the now 6-month-old kittens has fallen through and would we like her? She's ready to go on Sunday. I'm not sure what to do: we obviously haven't done any preparation for getting a kitten as we weren't expecting it but I could probably sort this out on Saturday. I'm just wondering whether my cat is less likely to get on long-term with another female, or whether the sex doesn't make too much difference as they are both neutered (which is what the rescue centre said, but they would say that, wouldn't they!). Have to let them know tomorrow. Would be grateful for any thoughts!

OP posts:
Cakemonger · 29/11/2018 17:55

Watching with interest as we're considering getting a second cat. I assumed it would just depend on the cats and be unpredictable whether or not they're different sexes?

viccat · 29/11/2018 18:36

It general it doesn't seem to make a huge difference although there's a school of thought that a younger cat of the opposite gender is more likely to be accepted. In your situation though I would seriously consider getting two kittens instead of one! That way they can entertain each other and keep out of the older cat's way, plus they'll have a friend if the older cat ends up merely tolerating them rather than becoming friends.

thecatneuterer · 29/11/2018 18:46

I agree with viccat

Ineedabiscuit · 30/11/2018 08:35

TheKugan, what have you decided?
Viccat and the cat neutered are very experienced with cats, so if you can afford it I recommend you consider 2 kittens as well.
Don’t worry about the the 6 month old as IME, kittens under 1 year normally have no problem being adopted .

TheKurgan · 30/11/2018 14:12

Thanks very much for the advice. I'm afraid two kittens isn't an option, though the reasoning behind it totally makes sense.
We've decided to take her - she just seems such a sweetheart. I know older cat's nose will be very out of joint for a while but we'll introduce them very slowly and give both cats lots of attention. I work from home so that helps.
Any tips for easing the introductions gratefully received ... we're picking her up on Sunday morning!

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page