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Old March 7th, 2009, 04:58 PM
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A buddy for Roland???

Hello everyone. Im back for a bit.
I think I finally have my bf convinced that Roland needs a friend cause we will be away a few weekends over the summer and I dont want Roland to be lonely. Honestly I used some underhanded tactics. I told him that I would be miserable over weekends away thinking of poor Roland by himself, even if it is only for one night. hehe. He finally realized that its worth his while to give in.
Now some advice please. Roland is 2.5 years old and I was wondering if we should get a kitty around his own age or younger, and if younger, how much younger? He as been on his own for 6 months now and seems to be more a cat now that a brat. I dont think I want a very young kitten.

Im super excited and a little aprehensive at the same time. I know they say that if you have one, you may as well have two, but we dont have a huge apartment, yikes. tell me its a super idea!!!!
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Old March 7th, 2009, 05:07 PM
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Hi Rolands mom and welcome back!
I always think it's better with more than one cat,I always found it easier introducing a kitten to my cats,but depending on how Roland is any age cat would be ok,
You just have to come here for instructions on how to introduce them to each other,there certainly is no shortage of cats needing homes.
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Old March 7th, 2009, 05:17 PM
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Thanks Chico. I know the introduction process. When we moved in with my ex roommate and her two cats I locked him in my room and let them smell each other under the door, but they were so badly wanting to play that it only lasted about a day and a half. I just hope Roland hasnt become a grumpy old geezer in the past 6 months.
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Old March 7th, 2009, 05:22 PM
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Oh no,not Roland
I am glad you are in a new good relationship
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Old March 7th, 2009, 05:34 PM
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yea, not my crazy boy! My boyfriend and I have been dating for a year now. cant believe how time flies!!!
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Old March 7th, 2009, 05:35 PM
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Omg! I just typed half a flippin' page and hit the wrong button!

Basically the gist of it was....... thank you for thinking of adopting an older kitty.
People are of two minds as to have two males or a male and female.
Ask the shelter how the kitty you want to get gets along with other kitts.
Great site for learning a proper intro...........
http://www.squidoo.com/multi-cat-management

And, litterboxes....... rule of thumb.....one per cat with one extra to boot.
Good luck!!
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Old March 7th, 2009, 05:36 PM
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haha. that first picture always makes me laugh. That is Rolands favorite way to let us know that he is as relaxed as he can get.
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Old March 7th, 2009, 05:40 PM
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lol 14+. I dont think Roland is a normal cat, or even a real one. last time he was introduced to new kitties he went straight to theirs. I hope that the next cat we get is just as laid back about such things. WE will be careful though. Its supposed to be to give them both a friend so we will make sure we do it slowly. As for male or female, I think either will be good. Im leaning towards another male though...but we will see.
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Old March 7th, 2009, 05:51 PM
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Roland is looking mighty find, RM! It's been a long time! Glad to hear you're doing well.

I'm surrounded by dogs as always and have no kitty advice, but I did want to say welcome back.
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Old March 7th, 2009, 05:55 PM
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Thanks you Hazel
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Old March 7th, 2009, 08:04 PM
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Beautiful boy and very lucky to have such wonderful climbing "trees"...he is indeed a spoiled boy.

Do you have any idea of how Roland was as a kitten with his litter mates? Was he the alpha or submissive?

If you don't know, my suggestion is get one that is a female about 5-6 mos.old. Generally speaking (& there are always exceptions!) older cats adjust to a kitten better than one their own age, and I think opposite sexes get on better than same sex. Because of Roland's colouring (orange tabby & white), sometimes male orange tabbies can be aggressive---you know, that red hair thing. Torties & calicos tend to be bossy and usually end up being the alpha cat, so I think a girl who is very laid back, perhaps a grey or black might work. When you do go to look at kittens do the flip it on its back and hold down with light pressure in that position for a little while test. A dominant kitten will not like that much and will be pretty squirmy to get away, but a laid back one should accept for a little while. Just my
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Old March 8th, 2009, 03:44 PM
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Rolands mom,I've always had males with males,only once did I have a Tortie,the males seem to bond easier to each other,but then again I've only had one female to compare with.
I have 3 boys right now,if you remember...
Love the cat-tree and little Roland of course,great pics!
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Old March 8th, 2009, 03:46 PM
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Just to offer a different viewpoint from catlover2 (and probably confuse the issue), I think cats of the same sex tend to get along better, and also if they're the same age. This mimics the social structure they're more likely to have if they were "wild". Same-sex siblings form the closest bonds in feral colonies, and it's the females that rule the roost (and therefore can be the bossiest or most aggressive).

Also, adult cats, unless they've been around kittens before, can often be either fearful of them, or have no patience for their rambunctiousness. I'm of the opinion that it's better to match cats based on energy level. Not that a 2.5 yr old is going to be a couch potato, but kittens can be pretty unrelenting in their quest for play.

I also don't buy into that "flip them on their back" stuff. Maybe it applies to dogs, but the social hierarchy of cats is much more complex than that.
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Old March 8th, 2009, 04:01 PM
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hehe. Thanks. I am leaning towards a male. Maybe a little younger than Roland but I dont think I want another kitten at this stage. Roland is still very playful but sleeps a whole lot more than he used to as well. I think he will do well with anyone I give him really. hes always been a very sociable boy and even now runs out into the hallway to scratch under the door of the apartment opposite to talk to thier kitty. Poor boy. As unsure as I am of this whole second kitty thing, I really think he will be happier, less spoilt maybe but happier.
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Old March 9th, 2009, 12:27 PM
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The "flip it on its back" test does work with kittens, but usually not with adult cats. That's my experience.
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Old March 9th, 2009, 12:40 PM
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Roland is looking handsome as always!

It's so wonderful you want to get him a friend. I'll give you my , strictly from what I've observed of mine.

I had Vlad and Oksana as kittens, Oksana came second and she's about a month older than Vlad. They played as kittens, and now Oksana just wants to be left alone. Maks and Kiska are litter makes and they still play with each other and get along extremely well, but I believe that's because A) they are litter mates and B) Maks is a pretty laid back cat.

Czarina is about 3 years older than the others and is wary of the others and mostly only lets Maks play with her a little bit.

Vlad and Maks are about 6 or 7 months apart in age, but they play well together and tend to play rough with each other and I don't get as nervous. Vlad will play rough with Kiska, but I get nervous because he outweighs her by about 10 pounds.

If it were me looking for a friend for Roland, I'd look for another male, hopefully with the same temperament and personality.
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Old March 9th, 2009, 07:36 PM
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aww roland's a cutie.

From my experience, females tend to be a bit more tempermental than boys..sorry girls

I had only one boy and when I wanted to get him a buddy I was reccomended to get another boy and sure enough it worked out great in the end

That is not to say there werent times when they played too rough/were trying to establish dominance. If you get a cat from a rescue theyre likely to know how they are anound other cats
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Old March 10th, 2009, 11:06 AM
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True enough about the girls. You have to earn their respect and love; the boys tend to be bigger "sucks" and more demanding of attention.
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Old March 16th, 2009, 03:02 PM
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WE are going to meet some kitties tonight at the MEOW foundation. Im excited!! five more days and Roland and his new friend will be (hopefully) talking to each other under the door. hehe. I know Roland is not the most patient cat so its a good thing BF is away for the weekend. I am used to Roland antics so his impatience wont bother me that much. The people at the shelter told us that most of the cats there are a little shy so we shouldnt expect them to love us on contact. I dont mind this, as long as it is okay with Roland sooner than it is okay with us, we have far more patience than him!!!
Yay!!!
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Old March 16th, 2009, 03:24 PM
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I hope you find the perfect buddy for Roland!
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Old March 16th, 2009, 03:59 PM
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Rolands mom,that's great,but you you know of course,it might seem hopeless in the beginning,just be patient,ok
You know of course that we are going to need pics
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Old March 16th, 2009, 05:00 PM
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Thanks. Im not too worried Chico, I know Roland will be very lovely and inviting and full of bull for the first while Im sure. I know we will have to tape a towel to the outside of the door or we will have to listen to Roland scratching to get in there ALL the time. you will all get pics just as soon as the new cat doesnt freak out at the flash, or is comfortable enough to have his picture taken.
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Old March 16th, 2009, 05:04 PM
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Great!!! I am sure they will get along famously after a bried period of time!!
I know when my son adopted PCKitty from me he took him home, tried to keep him in his bedroom to give him and Sarah a chance to get used to each other. Well, that lasted until halfway through the first night. Sarah was frantic trying to get into the bedroom with Daddy. She was used to sleeping with him. So he opened the door, PC and Sarah sniffed each other, and it's been love ever since. Let's hope your story can be that easy.
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Old March 16th, 2009, 05:30 PM
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14 I really hope it goes that well this side! When I moved in with my ex room mate and her two cats it took a day and I couldnt keep Roland and Billy away from each other any more. They were good friends!!
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Old March 16th, 2009, 10:16 PM
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So we decided on an little dark grey boy. Hes 8 months old and at this stage his name is Ellory (although Im fairly certain that that will change once he is settled in here!). He is a sweet playful friendly kitty. It was a really difficult choice. So many lovely kitties. Our first choice was an older huge grey cat but he has been through some surgery and was really grouchy (fair enough, I would be too) and we decided that he probably needs some time to settle down again and moving into a new house may be a little stressful. I feel bad about choosing a younger one over him but we though that the younger one is a better match for Roland. Considering that this is mostly for him (and secretly for me..heehee) we went with with the little guy. I am picking him up on Saturday morning YIPPEEEE! and then I will post regular updates on here and pics. He seems really sweet and not crazy kitten hyper. Im hoping that the move is not too traumatic for him.
keep them crossed!
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Old March 16th, 2009, 10:24 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RolandsMom View Post
I am picking him up on Saturday morning YIPPEEEE! and then I will post regular updates on here and pics.
Awesome!! Can't wait to meet the little dude.
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Old March 17th, 2009, 03:00 PM
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I just seen this thread now.

WOOO HOOO for Roland getting a little brother .....looking forward to the pics.
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Old March 17th, 2009, 03:09 PM
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Wonderful news!! I am so excited for you! I am sure things will go swimmingly once Roland and Ellory get a chance to hang together. Neat!!!
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Old March 17th, 2009, 04:18 PM
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Rolandsmom,that's great,he sounds like a sweet kitty
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Old March 18th, 2009, 07:56 PM
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Thanks! I cant wait. Roland has been really restless the past few nights, I think he smells the other cats on my clothes (still in the washing basket). Hes been scratching again in the middle of the night, when for a while there he slept all night. Lol the bf is going to be back on Saturday night, I didnt know this, not sure he knows what hes in for sleepless night wise. hehe. photos to follow soon.
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