Introducing Your Cat or Kitten to a New Pet

Before deciding on an additonal pet ask yourself, “Why do I want one?” Two or thee pets are not exactly as much work as one. Additinal pets will require time, energy, patience, and cost more money. Don’t be mistaken by the idea that pets will keep each other entertained if you are not home or short on time. Every one of your animals requires your time, your love, your attention. If you don’t spend this time, you might end up with two, three or more cats that misbehave instead of one.

Take a look if your cat really desires a companion. Some cats are perfectly content to be the “only one” in a household, getting undivided attention. Some are very territorial and especially these might either attack a family addition or start misbehaving out of frustration. If a cat is very shy, it might be intimidated by another animal. When your cat has never been together with other animals, it might not respond the way you hope it would. Some cats are already traumatized when a stranger comes for a visit, or a stranger feeds them during a short vacation. So if your cat is not very social, you might want to re-consider your thought of adding another animal.

If you are convinced that you have time, that your cat will enjoy a companion, go ahead. As always we are asking to first consider the option of adopting a pet from a shelter or someone who just had a litter and needs to give away the kittens. In most cases it is better to add a young animal to your family, unless your cat is already used to other animals. Personally I have made the experience that two males can get along very well, one will be more dominant than the other. Some swear that it should be a male and a female. That’s entirely up to you, both variations are possible.

Rabbits
These animals are very different than cats. Unless you already have experience it’s better to do some research and gain a basic understanding, especially if we are talking about the small breed rabbits. Rabbits are rather time consuming, cleaning their cages, making sure that they can exercise where there is no danger for them. Rabbits just love to bite through cables, make sure not to leave them unattended roaming the house. House training of a rabbit is a rather time-consuming chore, you will eventually manage with lots of patience and praise. My friend has 2 little rabbits and 2 cats, even after 2 years she does not dare to leave them “alone together”. Her rabbits are enjoying her balcony for exercises, otherwise they are locked in a big wire cage. Not too much of a companion for the cats I’d say.
Rabbits have some benefits though, they are normally developing a non-competitve relationship with other animals in the house. But still, a younger, smaller rabbit can trigger a cat’s predatory instincts.

Birds, mice, hamsters, etc.
Don’t even think about it. These natural preys for cats will rather frustrate them in the home environment. On the other hand, a cat’s presence will stress them out. Some hamsters are really good in escaping from their cage, you don’t want to find your cat walking around with the dead hamster in it’s mouth.

Dogs
Contrary to the saying “Like cats & dogs”, they do get along very well. It’s always best to introduce a puppy to an older cat or another kitten, not so good to introduce a grown Rottweiler to a kitten.