adding a third cat

Question
I have two female birmans.
they are 4 and 2 and get along great.  I'm thinking of adding a third birman.  Should I get a boy or a girl or does it really matter?  I have never had a male cat before would he get along with the 3 females?

Answer

Dog Crate Terri,

For Birman-specific questions, especially if they are not fixed, you should ask this question of an expert in the 'breeding and showing' sections under cats. I will give you the information that is general to introducing cats.

When you get a new cat it needs to be kept in one room with food, water, and litter for a few days. That gives the cat a chance to get to know you (when you spend time with the new cat, talking to it, etc.), gain confidence and trust, and get acclimated to having a new home. Then you let them explore the home gradually, one room at the time. It is too overwhelming to have a whole big house at one time to be in. You can put the cat in a carrier  for short periods of time in a room that has the most traffic so it can get used to the normal people movements in the house and voices. Then as the cat is comfortable with the expanded area, let it go where it wants but still have the safety of it's 'safe' room to run back into. You should NOT add the introduction your resident cat until the cat feels secure and comfortable with you and the new home. Then you start the getting acquainted process. Otherwise there are too many new and confusing things going on, and too much to learn and accept all at once.

You should try to get a new cat as near in age and temperment as your resident cats. The gender match doesn't matter...It's the cat's personalities that do. The introduction process if done correctly will work out. It can take from 2 weeks to a month. In some cases, they won't get along, but that is rare. It has to be done slowly. You can not rush them together or you will have behavior problems.

Don't worry about the hissing, growling, spitting, and slaps. That is kitty communication which the cats understand between them. It could be one setting the rules, setting the pecking order, telling the other cat it's boundries, etc. When to be worried is when there is major fur flying, blood being shed, or ears pinned back. Keep a watch on them, but don't be too protective. Once they can eat near each other, or sleep in the same room, or area, without any scenes then you are on your way. And they may surprise you and get along immediately.  

I am attaching 2 links on how to go about the introduction process in the correct manner. The articles should be of help to you:
(copy and paste, or type the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.messybeast.com/first-impressions.htm

http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=cattocatintro...

Once the cats can be together without fighting or freaking out feed  the cats yummy cat treats periodically (like tuna, sardines (in oil) or pieces of raw steak, etc.) TOGETHER. That is so the cats will associate each other with something pleasant. Also getting a pet laser light (at PetSmart, Petco, etc.) is great for interaction between the cats. They can chase the 'little red bug' on the floor, ceilings, and walls, and they tend to forget about the other cats as they focus on the 'bug' which helps them get used to each other (and you).

There is a calming product that you can add to the cat's food or water that reduces anxiety called Bach's Rescue Remedy. It is available on-line and in health food stores. Here is a link about it: http://www.bachflower.com/Pets.htm

I use a big dog crate for a new cat. It has room for litterbox, food and water, small cat carrier without the door for a bed and to get up on, and they still have room. That way they can get used to other cats around, and other cats can sniff and check them out safely. You can gradually let the cat out for short periods of time as they start getting used to each other. I got mine at Petco. I am attaching a picture of it.

I hope this helps.

Tabbi