[mrmages]

As you all know christmas is right around the corner and i thought it would be the perfect time to get a cat. I'm 17 years old and want a cat of my own, so i can take to college in 2 years and so on. We have a cat and a dog and a little dwarf hamster that always sits in the corner. The dog is getting old, my other cat is as fat and as crabby as they come. (Female). the best reason my mom can come up with for no cat is "Not enough room" Well the dog is hanging in the yard most of the day, comes inside now and then, but its really old and I hate to say it might die soon.
Anyways I want a cat, are there breeds that grow noticably smaller than other cat breeds? I don't want a "dog" of a cat. And one more question having a female cat already I'm geussing another female would be the only option, the femlae is spayed so could I get a male? I hear males have a tendancy to be friendlier.

Thanks in advance, Dan.

 

[Lilly]

I dont think you can really tell from kittens who may end up being bigger and who may be smaller. Usually the girls tend to be smaller than boys, however this is not always true. On the plus side, another cat really isnt going to take up much more room.

As for the sex of your cat, it should not really matter as long as everyone is fixed. Some cats however do not like another cat coming into their home. If your cat is old and grumoy, she may never like the new cat. They will probably grow to tolerate each other in time...they may never be good buddies. Then agian they may end up being best freinds. It is really hard to tell.

I would say, if you and your mom agree that you may have a new cat, go with your heart. Pick a kitten that you fall in love with and dont worry if it is a boy or a girl. The size will not matter much either, because a big cat and a small cat both really take equal space in a house if you think about it.

Get another litter box, especially if your older cat does not like the new cat. You can keep the boxes next to each other if you want, as long as they have the option of their own box. Also get a seperate food and water dish for the new cat. Then you should be all set! Good luck! Let us know what happens ok.

 

[Aonir]

I noticed you said "cat" and not "kitten". Are you honestly looking for a grown cat? If so, good for you!

 

[mrmages]

Sorry, typo. I did mean kitten. Thanks for your replies. I think my mom is sold, but now my dad has to think about it. They came close to buying a new kitten about 2 times now, and I think they will do it, but as a christmas gift for me... cheap parents

 

[mrmages]

one more quick question.

My current cat is indoor, and used to want to go outside constantly. Now that it is a little older and fatter(pretty much) it has lost most interest.

"The grass is always greener on the other side" I suppose this is true. If I were to get a new kitten and make it an indoor/outdoor cat would it upset my old cat at all. And would an indoor outdoor cat be generally happier.

I don't want a cat that wants out al lthe time, or the otherway around.

 

[Padunk]

Indoor/Outdoor cats have shorter lifespans and can easily get injured by other animals or even worse, hit by cars.

There are many stories on this forum about people's cats getting hit by cars or their cats just never returning... These are just a few of the reasons why your cat should always be kept inside! It's just too dangerous for them out there.

I'd also recommend you visit your local animal shelter and pick out a cat or kitten there. Some shelters take care of shots and spaying/neutering before you adopt, while others have you do that on your own. (May I ask where your from so I can find the nearest shelter for you?) You save a life every time you adopt from a shelter, too many great cats are put to sleep because not enough people adopt.

Both of my cats came from the shelter, and they're great! I couldn't dream of having a better pair... here are some pics.

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g'luck

let us know how it turns out - and post pictures

 

[Richo]

Another word about outdoor cats... if you never introduce them to the outdoors as kittens, they will generally not feel the need to be outdoors, even though they may try to sneak through the door to explore what's beyond.

A cat can live a full and happy life indoors and they are safest there, not exposed to disease and the other dangers of outdoors, meaning cars and cruel people. And I think that so many vehicular animal deaths are from cruel people who intentionally swerve to hit the animal.

Bottom line, it is so much better to keep your cat indoors.

 

[Sol]

The singapuran is the smallest breed among the domesticated cats, however I think it's quite expensive...

Slim cats with short fur such as rex and siamese tend to appear smaller than longhaired and more cobby cats such as the persian.

Don't forget to think about the temper. Do you want a cat that'll be playful, social, independant, quick to learn etc?

And since the female you already have is spayed, the sex of the new cat doesn't really matter. Just remember that spayed/neutered cats often are submissive to fertile cats. And older cats can be a little bit "touchy" about new cats.