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bringing a stray cat into a house with another cat?
Okay, I have a male cat, who is about 14 years old, and he is still very active. Recently we've been having a stray cat who looks to be at most a year and a half old come around our house. It is a girl, and she hangs around our house all day. It is a gorgeous cat, and we've been considering taking her to the vet, getting her spayed, and cleaned up from her life outdoors, then bring her in to the house as a new addition to the family. Will this have any negative effects on our current 14 year old male cat? We would love to bring her in, and the only thing stopping us is the possible negative effects it could have on our current house cat. Any advice would help! Thanks a lot.
The following is my advice based upon having cats all of my life and also taking in a stray.
You would be doing the correct thing by taking the stray to the vet and having all of the medical things done that need to be done as well as tested for any possible diseases. Just wanted to add that last part about diseases, because it is very important.
Your 14-year-old cat will probably enjoy the company. There will be some time for them to stake out their individual territory at first. Cats will do that. But, in the end, I am sure that everything will be okay, as long as both cats are healthy, physically and mentally.
I have a 15-year-old male who lost his mother a few years ago. I know that he is lonely because of the way that he has acted when I have been away. I have been thinking of bringing a younger cat into my home for him to have some companionship. With my cat, I don't think that there will be any problem. But, what happens in your home, greatly depends on the personality of your 14-year-old cat.
I took in a much older cat many years ago. I already had two of my own. There were some problems. I think that the problems could have been overcome with time. The cat that I brought in escaped through an open window in the basement and was never seen again. I think that the younger the cat is that you bring in, the better. Because the younger one will learn things from the older one.
Thank you for your comment, firmbeliever. I am by no means an expert in this field. But, I have had cats all of my life. And, I have had experience taking in a stray as well as a cat that needed a new home.
There may be someone who might come along who could offer better advice than I have...
Hehe
Clough I know...
experience with cats is one of the best things in life.
I understand your answer as I too have had cats (have lost count how many), but by no means am I an expert!!
clough is right a lot depends on the cats. I think a boy girl combo should be fiine. My very aggressive neutered male indoor/outdoor cat was around 7 when I brought a female kitty around him. It took about 2 months for him to not want to eat her. Mow there are 4 cats and 2 dogs in our home. Yes he was an only oet for 7 years. I would lbring her in and give her a room to her self and maybe put her in a cage a hor at a time so they could be in the same room together. also the room she stays in leave the door slightly cracked so they can sniff and interact through it. A screen door would be perfect for this if you have one. Either way you go I would take it slow so neither one gets hurt. But witha little patience it should work out.
Thank you! I really appreciate everyone's opinions and advice. I definitely will be taking it in to the vet to get it checked out and cleaned up. And I think we're going to bring her in. If worst comes to worst and she does not get along with our current cat after time...then we can find her a new home. Now...any ideas for a name
What does she look like? Any specific markings? What color or colors? My neutered male cat is named "Boots." That is because all of his paws are white.
What does she look like? Any specific markings? What color or colors? My neutered male cat is named "Boots." That is because all of his paws are white.
Well, she's solid gray with very bright yellowish brown eyes. Her fur is not short, but not long. Gorgeous cat.
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