The Hoboken Cafe 

Does anyone have experience in adding a new kitten to an adult cat? I've been thinking about it and heard that it can be difficult.

Rocco is 12yrs(64) old and is very attached to me. I think that he may have developed "anxiety/separation disorder" from what I've read on the web. I will start working again at the end of August and I don't want him to be too lonely, so I was thinking about getting a kitten. On the other hand, he's a bit of a bully and I'm not sure he'd accept a new pet.

Does anyone have some advice? Is it best to get a male or female? What age is best? I was once told a male kitten is best, but I don't know how true this is.

i can only speak from experience, i am not a pro. i had the same situation with a 5 year male old cat. i thought he was lonely while i was at work. i brought him a male kitten companion whom he didn't tolerate in the least. the kitten ended up back at the shelter (breaking my heart) and the adult cat eventually got used to my erratic schedule. he just demands a lot of attention when i am home.

now the same adult cat (at 7) goes to stay with my family sometimes. they have an old (10 yrs) female. they play "stand-off" for a few days each visit, but eventually end up sleeping curled up together.

my advice - see how he acts when you go back to work. if he's ok, let it be. if not, get a mellow adult cat that is known to do ok with other cats.

Hmm, thanks for your examples.

I was laid off last November, so I've been home alot and I think he has got used to me being around all of the time.

I went to Iowa for 10 days during Memorial Day Week. I've been on trips like this before with no problems(but I was working then). When I came back, I found that he peed on a rug and my bed! I got rid of those and he peed on another two rugs. I have hard wood floors & now can't have rugs on the floor. Also, if there is anything(clothing, a towel), he'll pee on it. He also follows me from room to room. These things are symptoms of "Separation Anxiety Disorder". I guess there is medication for it, but I can't afford to take him to the vet right now.

I thought a friend would help him. When he was a kitten (7wks.), I also had a Female kitten. I had to give her away b/c at the time, I had Roomies and they could only stay in my bedroom.

I would love to have rugs again!

Look at all of the pets up for adoption!

http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/libertyanimalshelter.html

I'm still considering a friend for Rocco . . . probably will try out another adult cat.