New kitten

by Maddy McLendon
(Birmingham, Alabama, USA)

We currently have 2 adult cats, a neutered male about 6 years old, and a spayed female about 4 yrs old. They are both indoor/outdoor cats. We've had the male since he was a kitten, and we adopted the female from our local shelter at about 8 months old. Ashley (the female) is definitely the alpha cat, which is quite funny since she weighs about 6lbs, and her brother weighs about 10-12lbs! I've been thinking about getting another kitten for a while now, and I think we're finally ready! My question is, do you think our cats would accept a new kitty? Should we get a male or a female? Tigger (the boy) is very lazy and calm most of the time, but still has his playful moments. Ashley is more reserved and usually a bit less tolerant.

RESPONSE:

Both of the older cats will likely be irritated at first with a new kitten. Kittens have boundless energy and love to play. The kitten will likely pester the older cats to play and will risk getting swatted in order to have a playmate.
We always try to have kittens (at least 2) that are around the same age so they can play together and not bother the older cats. Kittens risk injury when they have no one but an older cats to play with because an older cat does not play like a kitten. With at least 2 kittens, they can play fight with each other, practice their stalking skills, etc. and learn how to be cats together.
The older cats will likely tolerate a kitten but you will need to play with the kitten often to help him (or her) burn off her kitten energy. You should also keep her seperated from the older cats when you are not there to supervise them. At least until the kitten is older.
It does not matter whether you get a male or female kitten. The older cats will likely tolerate either sex equally. It is fine to let the kitten try to play with the older cats but only under supervision. We have on adult cat, Murry, that enjoys playing with kittens but even he gets tired of them and will smack them good when he doesn't want to play. Since we always have more than one kitten, they play with each other and only try to play with Murry whan he is in the mood. They have been slapped silly however when thay have tried to play with an older cat that doesn't like to play but it only takes tham once to learn and since they have each other to play with, we rarely have any problems between the older cats and kittens.
I hope this helps and have fun with your new little one!

Donna, House Full Cats Mom