Should I get a second cat for my only cat? What kind should I get?

Question

I have a 2.5 year old male cat. He has been the only cat in the household his entire life and also my first cat. He's very spoiled but not affectionate like many cats I see. Is getting another cat as a playmate a good idea? He is not aggressive. If I got another cat, what she would be best? Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 2 years and 5 months old | 14 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Charlie is a very handsome! I can see why he's so spoiled ;) Yes, it's fine to get another cat for the house. You can get a male or a female cat, just make sure the cat is fixed to avoid any problems. You will also have to introduce them slowly to each other. Take the new cat, and put her in her own room with her own food, water, and litter box. Keep the door closed, and for a few days, feed them both treats on other side of door so they associate each other's smell with a good experience. Then let Charlie in the new cat's room while the new cat is in a cat carrier. They can smell each other, but not be in contact. If either becomes upset or show signs of aggression, remove Charlie from the room, and try again later. Praise them when they interact appropriately. When they are interacting well with each other through the carrier, you can let the new cat out of her room, and see how she interacts with Charlie. Praise them when they interact appropriately, and separate them with any sign of aggression or upset. I would get a cat tree with lots of shelves to give the cats vertical space to get away from each other. I would keep the new cat in her room when you go out until they are comfortable with each other. I hope this helps!

Should I get a second cat for my only cat? What kind should I get?

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