1 Young Cat Killed, How to help 2nd One?

Question
Norm,
We had two fixed male cats who are inside/outside cats.  They get their choice of where to be and are able to knock when they want in.  Generally they are outside from early morning until we come home from home and then another hour or so before bed.  On Thanksgiving, Munchkin (14 months old) was hit and killed on a farm road about 1/2 mile from our home.  My husband and I are in mourning, as is our 16 month cat, MacGvyer.  Munchkin although younger and smaller seemed to be the "alpha" male throughout their life together - quick to take a toy or treat if we didn't watch.  He loved to play with toys and seldom sat still.  MacGvyer the remaining cat is more laid-back, doesn't play as much with toys (prefers mice).  He is what one pictures when thinking of a sleek, fast, hunter cat.  He would always give way to Munchkin if ownership came into question.  McGvyer however, is not afraid of sounds (such as the sweeper) and is quite bold outside.  My question is whether or not we should get a second kitten for companionship.  We both work so MacGvyer is now alone most days.  Since the loss of Munchkin, he has spent almost all of his indoor time in the same room that we are in (as opposed to about 40% previously).  We want to do whatever is best for our remaining cat, but want to be careful that he is not put into a submissive mode again.  Please don't misunderstand, we miss Munchkin and would give just about anything to get him back.  Any advice on whether to get another kitten (cat), what sex, etc... would be appreciated.                                               Nancy  

Answer
Nancy,

I am so sorry to hear about Munchkin!  The truth is, even in a farm area, where automobile traffic is less, cats who can go out of doors tend to have their lives shortened by automobiles, predators, or thoughtless humans.  Short of making MacGyver an indoor only cat, there is no guarantee he will not share the same fate.

Getting a second kitten is certainly an option.  It will not be a replacement for Munchkin.  The odds are that they will develop a different relationship than Munchkin and MacGyver had.  While they probably will get along fine, there is not guarantee that they will not hate each other (a rare phenomenon in cats).

Anyway, here is a technique  we have used for introducing a new kitten to a household with an already established cat:

Start out your new kitten in one room with a litter pan and water dish. Ideally, the one room should be a bedroom with yourself or another human resident. This accomplishes a couple of things. Your new kitten will not be overwhelmed by its new surroundings and get "lost", and thusly will have no problem finding the litter pan (often kittens or rescue cats have been confined and are somewhat daunted by wide open spaces!). You will feed the new kitten in this room and keep the established cat out. It allows the new kitten to bond with you or another human being and also build up some self assurance in its new surroundings since it will not have to compete for food or attention right away. Finally, it allows the new kitten and the established cat to sniff each other under the door and get familiar with each others' scents.

After 3-5 days of being in its one room, it is time to let them meet each other. Be prepared for some posturing, some spitting and hissing, and the like. IGNORE IT! After a while (hours, days, or weeks), they should begin chasing each other about and still have the occasional hiss or spit as they get accustomed to each other. Cats tend to make a whole lot of noise and even loosen up some fur. Rarely will two cats hurt each other.

Once they are introduced, there are a couple of things you must remember. Do not separate them again, they will get along! Do not interfere in their "discussions" as they need to sort it out amongst themselves!

It does not hurt to give the established cat treats and extra attention after the new kitten is introduced (yes, cats do get jealous!).

A couple of things you may have to do are to feed them on separate dishes. Provide more than one litter pan in different areas of the household (as cats can be very territorial about litter pans).

All, in all, this method seems to have had great success in the past and makes for a fairly smooth introduction. Please remember that they may make up immediately, or it may take a few weeks.


Best regards... Norm.