When is my cat ready for a new friend? What gender cat is best?

If he seems like a friendly cat than there is a good chance he will get along with another cat. It may take some time for him to adjust but usually cats learn to get along. You could try some Feliway spray or diffuser and see if that helps. Taking the introduction slow is usually best. You can start by separating them in rooms that share a common door and feeding them by the door for a few days. Then switch the rooms that they are in so they can get used to each others smell. After that, you can put them in the same room with supervision and see how they do.

I think getting another kitty friend for Spooky is a great idea. Try to get a cat who is similar in age, personality type and energy level. Ideally get a cat who is socialized with cats. Many shelters now house cats in communal areas. Spend some times watching the cats to get an idea of their temperaments. You don't want to adopt a cat is is scared and hiding from other cats just like you don't want to adopt a bully. It doesn't matter if its male or female. Matching the energy levels is much more important. Also keep in mind that most cats will not hit it off right away. Posturing and hissing are normal behaviors for the firs few weeks until the pecking order is figured out. Thank you for using Pet Coach!

It's kind of you to think about getting Josie a kitty friend for company, since you'll be starting work soon - I'm sure she would appreciate it, if you can find her a good match :) You're right that it can sometimes be difficult to successfully introduce adult cats to each other, so a kitten may be easier. And generally speaking, male/female pairs tend to do better - so I think a male kitten is a great option. To help make the introduction go as smoothly as possible, I would recommend setting up a separate room for the kitten when you first bring him home - he should have his own food and water bowls, litter box, toys, and a scratching post or cat tree. Keep him in this room with the door closed for the first week or two, so that Josie can get used to smelling him and hearing him through the door. You can also help her to associate good things with the kitten by feeding her treats outside his door a few times a day. Once she is no longer reacting at all when she hears him or smells him under the door, you can start to leave the door open for short periods so that he can venture out into the house. This way, Josie will already be used to his presence before they actually meet face to face. Feliway pheromone diffusers placed around the house can also help to reduce Josie's stress and encourage more social behavior during the adjustment period.

Cats often do better in pairs! The age depends on your cat. If Luna tends to be more reserved, I would probably get a younger cat so that her dominance isn't threatened. But likewise if you find a cat that is similar in age or older and is friendly with other cats, it may not matter. Likewise, boy or girl doesn't matter. It depends on the cat's personality. The most important thing is how they are introduced.

I'm so sorry for your loss. In general, cats tend to get along better with members of the opposite sex so you may want to consider adopting a male. Kittens can be quite annoying to older cats, but with an older cat it may be difficult to determine what their personality is like prior to adoption and older cats are not quite as adaptable as kittens are. If there is a rescue group or shelter in your area you may want to ask about young adult cats with easygoing personalities - there may even be a rescue that would allow you to take a cat home for a trial period. If you do end up adopting a new cat be sure to introduce them to each other very slowly, make sure they have separate resources at first (food, water, resting areas and litter pans) and consider a pheromone spray like Feliway to reduce stress.

Likely getting a young adult cat would be best so that they are about the same age and may have similar energy levels. It doesn't matter male or female as long as they are both fixed. Pay more attention to personality and look for a cat who is already in a social situation with other cats. Try to get a cat with a temperament similar to Kovu's. Here is a link with some other helpful information: https://www.petcoach.co/article/should-you-get-another-cat/ I hope this helps.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Cats are finicky creatures. Cats tend to only like the cats they know. Even though your cat seems to like the ones she lives with doesn't mean she will like a new cat. Cats are territorial and like their own personal space. I would first allow your cat to get used to your new house with your boyfriend. See how is goes over several months. She will be stressed for a while just because of the move. Then see how she is once she is settled. If you want to get another cat for company consider it in a few months. Good luck!