Getting a 2nd cat - good idea?

[theben]

i totally support this! just make sure you consult somebody about introduction/compatability issues (boy-boy, boy-girl, girl-girl). IIRC, girl-girl is bad, the others should be ok

also, separate litter boxes and a period of initial segregation are a must, as well as constant support for your current cat (dont make him think he is being replaced)

[esad]

I got two cats for the same reason you're thinking of. They get along fine although they are two girls so sometimes they are minor little fights. They kept track of and play with each other all the time. Makes it much easier to go away for a couple a days and not have to worry about leaving one cat home alone.

[tuq]

theben,

Thanks. In my rambling OP I did mention that I had a boy and that my research indicates that it makes him compatible with either gender (ref your comment about girl-girl).

FWIW my current cat is 1) neutered and 2) still has his claws. I'm looking for the same combo because I don't need a cat in heat, and it's not fair to introduce a declawed cat into an environment where it can't defend itself. Luckily I think the pound has plenty that fit this criteria.

[Lazy Meatball]

you shouldn't have much in the way of introduction issues if both cats are still young.

[tuq]

[ QUOTE ]
I think an extra cat is great if they get along. Cats are fun. Be careful though, you don't have a cat, you have a kitten. Most kittens become significantly less playful as they age. You may be disappointed when you end up with a family of lazy furballs that just lay around all day.

[/ QUOTE ]
This is an awesome point - my big concern is having to rid myself of one or both of these if life circumstances dictate as such in the future. Let's face it, cats are a 10+ year commitment, particularly indoor ones. Anyway, I do realize they outgrow the kitten stage and become very sedentary, but research with some cat-loving IRL friends indicates that you can bring out the kitten in the older ones with the right toys, and that some of them become very affectionate/loyal as they age (which of course is a trait more commonly associated with dogs).

[Caldarooni]

You should have gotten 2 cats to begin with anyway. Not as much for you, but for the animals.

[Hey_Porter]

Ok, so what about going from 2 to 3? My wife REALLY wants another cat, and I'm not sure. We have a two year old male and a one year old female. Are there any tips out there for getting three cats? Any big problems to be aware of?

[amplify]

The Chinese symbol for prosperity is two cats under one roof. Ok I made that up, but I like cats.

[cbloom]

OP, get another cat. Having just one cat in an apartment = borderline cruelty to animals. They'll be much happier and healthier with a compadre.

[tuq]

Caldarooni,

Good point, but obviously getting any pet is rooted in self-interest (excepting possibly those crazy spinster broads who get like 12 cats who piss all over her place while she lives alone and hasn't had sex since the Nixon administration...they reek of "ooh don't kill the cat I'll take it, it's as desperately needy as I am!" Plus, it's a well-known fact that single chicks with multiple cats are psycho). I didn't consider that mine could possibly be so much happier with a companion. Luckily he's young enough that I can hopefully get him a friend.