Getting A Kitten? Introducing it and looking after it?

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Georgie1

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Right, so I got two cats that were adolescents when I got them six years ago, and they were a boy and a girl, were siblings, and were called Bingo (girl) and Sydney (boy). Unfortunately, Sydney died of liver failure three months ago, and since then his big sister (Almost his mommy, because she looked after him, fed him, and washed him) Bingo has spiraled into what I think is cat depression. She is always outside and hardly ever comes near us, she has a cold and looks scrawny and sad, and yesterday was the first time she slept on my bed with me since sydney died.

Well, we just saw a report on the news about a cat sanctuary near us that is going to put down half their cats due to low funding, so in two days were going to get a little boy kitten, but were worried that it will make Bingo even more unhappy instead of cheering her up.
So heres the questions:

How to introduce a male kitten to a female cat?

How to choose a kitten from the rest?

What to name one?

What to buy for it?

How to look after it?

And finally, although this is very weird, would it be ok to buy a harness and lead for the kitten
 
How to introduce a male kitten to a female cat?
Slowly. Keep the kitten isolated for the first few days, then put him in a crate and let Bingo come sniff and hiss and get whatever she needs to out of her system. Repeat these little visits until she can see him without freaking out. At that point you can try face-to-face meetings, but I would not leave them unsupervised until he is old enough to defend himself and/or run away from her just in case they get into a tiff.

How to choose a kitten from the rest?
Depends on what you're looking for. I suspect once you see what's available your preferences will become clear quickly. Don't hesitate to ask workers or volunteers there for guidance though. They usually know the animals pretty well and can help you make a good choice.

What to buy for it?
The standard stuff - food, litterbox + litter, bedding, crate, toys, etc.

Would it be ok to buy a harness and lead for the kitten?
Absolutely. Some (not all) cats do enjoy going for walks on a harness and lead. I would start by just putting the harness on and letting him run around with that before trying to attach the lead.
 
How to introduce a male kitten to a female cat?
Slowly. Keep the kitten isolated for the first few days, then put him in a crate and let Bingo come sniff and hiss and get whatever she needs to out of her system. Repeat these little visits until she can see him without freaking out. At that point you can try face-to-face meetings, but I would not leave them unsupervised until he is old enough to defend himself and/or run away from her just in case they get into a tiff.

How to choose a kitten from the rest?
Depends on what you're looking for. I suspect once you see what's available your preferences will become clear quickly. Don't hesitate to ask workers or volunteers there for guidance though. They usually know the animals pretty well and can help you make a good choice.

What to buy for it?
The standard stuff - food, litterbox + litter, bedding, crate, toys, etc.

Would it be ok to buy a harness and lead for the kitten?
Absolutely. Some (not all) cats do enjoy going for walks on a harness and lead. I would start by just putting the harness on and letting him run around with that before trying to attach the lead.
 
How to introduce a male kitten to a female cat?
Slowly. Keep the kitten isolated for the first few days, then put him in a crate and let Bingo come sniff and hiss and get whatever she needs to out of her system. Repeat these little visits until she can see him without freaking out. At that point you can try face-to-face meetings, but I would not leave them unsupervised until he is old enough to defend himself and/or run away from her just in case they get into a tiff.

How to choose a kitten from the rest?
Depends on what you're looking for. I suspect once you see what's available your preferences will become clear quickly. Don't hesitate to ask workers or volunteers there for guidance though. They usually know the animals pretty well and can help you make a good choice.

What to buy for it?
The standard stuff - food, litterbox + litter, bedding, crate, toys, etc.

Would it be ok to buy a harness and lead for the kitten?
Absolutely. Some (not all) cats do enjoy going for walks on a harness and lead. I would start by just putting the harness on and letting him run around with that before trying to attach the lead.
 
How to introduce a male kitten to a female cat?
Slowly. Keep the kitten isolated for the first few days, then put him in a crate and let Bingo come sniff and hiss and get whatever she needs to out of her system. Repeat these little visits until she can see him without freaking out. At that point you can try face-to-face meetings, but I would not leave them unsupervised until he is old enough to defend himself and/or run away from her just in case they get into a tiff.

How to choose a kitten from the rest?
Depends on what you're looking for. I suspect once you see what's available your preferences will become clear quickly. Don't hesitate to ask workers or volunteers there for guidance though. They usually know the animals pretty well and can help you make a good choice.

What to buy for it?
The standard stuff - food, litterbox + litter, bedding, crate, toys, etc.

Would it be ok to buy a harness and lead for the kitten?
Absolutely. Some (not all) cats do enjoy going for walks on a harness and lead. I would start by just putting the harness on and letting him run around with that before trying to attach the lead.
 
How to introduce a male kitten to a female cat? - it depends on the nature of Bingo and how she is with other cats in general. the best way i have found to introduce new cats is when you bring the new kitten in to your home you should keep him in the cage while Bingo takes a look at him, let them sniff each other through the cage etc. and if there is no hissing/growling it is ok to open the cage but don't take the kitten out, let him come out on his own and get acquainted to his new surroundings

How to choose a kitten from the rest? - you just have to go and take a look, chances are you will fall in love with one certain kitten or the kitten may choose you. there isnt really any rule on choosing one

What to name one? - names can be difficult sometimes, it may take you days until you find the perfect name or you might just like at him and instantly know what you will call him

What to buy for it? - the usual, litter tray, food bowl, few toys, maybe scratching post, collar if you want him to wear one, cat bed unless he will be sleeping on your bed

How to look after it? - kittens aren't that much hard work,you have experience with cats so you will be fine

using a lead is perfectly fine as long as the cat is happy and comfortable with it. I tried using one for my cat but she was 2 years old, its best to start when they are kittens

i had 4 cats and 2 were really close then one on them got ran over and died, its horrible seeing your cat upset and missing their best friend. cats may just be animals but they have feelings too. my cat got over it after a few months and started getting closer to the other 2.

hope this has helped and i wish you the best of luck with your new little kitty. i hope Bingo likes her new buddy :)
 
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