We did the same thing years ago. My wife had found two torty girls and we went to look at them. And there was a male tabby, the only other kitten from that litter. And he looked so puzzled why he wasn't getting attention. So I said 'but what about that one?', and we left with 3 cats. Never regretted it but I would have regretted not getting him. Charlie, Belle, and Emma. They were wonderful cats.
Last October we decided to get 2 more kitten's, came home with them 2 weeks later went back for their sister as she was the last one nobody wanted. They have been so good and they have fitted in with our 3 other old cats they love my eldest who is 18 and half and she loves them.
@@xlerb2286Oh my goodness, it's heartbreaking to think of the tabby being all on his own as the last kitten of the litter. I'm so happy you took all 3 of them.
We lost our cat Milo last year, he was last of 3 of cats, that grew up together. Milo was 17, Coco was 16 and Max was 16. I said no more cats, but the house was so quite without them, so I decided to adopt a kitten. We rescued Toby but he was so nervous that he hid from us all the time, he was from a litter of 4, Toby was the friendliest. So we went back for 1 of his siblings and got Ted the same day. This is the best thing we’ve done. Our 2 boys love life and doing things together. I will always recommend having more than 1 cat, they are better off with a friend.
I did the same, I got noodle from a rescue, and sat at home for about 6 days thinking about her two brothers and how she must miss them, so I called the rescue and went back the next day, fortunately for one of the kittens they were adopted out already, but the little guy that was left had a messed up eye and partially blind in the same eye, also he was black and apparently ppl in Ireland don't want black kittens as much as other colours, I called him Thor (homage to Marvel's Thor in Ragnarok), When I brought him home they spent around 30 mins eyeing each other up and then they just curled up around each other and went to sleep, they did this up until they were 18ish months old, they are 4 now and sometimes they sleep like that when it's cold outside. It was the best decision to go back her brother(s).
I adopted a female kitten (Jessy) in May. I went for a second kitten from the foster after watching one of the JG's videos two months later. My girl needed company so bad. I live alone so she was pestering me non stop. Guess how I called her brother? Milo! ❤️
I used to volunteer at a cat shelter and they had implemented a rule that bonded kittens must go together. Totally agree with adopting two if you can afford it!
I like seeing that in shelters. It definitely gives them credibility to me, an unethical one wouldn't care. And after seeing how much my boy loves playdates with the kitten a friend of mine has, you can definitely see how important that kind of social contact is for them. My boy *glows* with happiness for an hour or more after they go home!
The rescue I adopted my cat from had a general rule that kittens had to be adopted in pairs unless there was going to be someone at home most of the time in their new home, or another cat that would be happy to make friends with it. If a kitten was a singleton or rescued and had no sibling, they would try to match it with a "buddy" before adopting them both out. I had fostered my cat before adopting her, and because she had had distemper (they can stay contagious to other kittens for a long time after recovery) and had lost all her siblings to the same disease, I was given an exemption from the 2-kitten rule, which was a good thing as my landlord probably wouldn't have agreed to me adopting more than one cat. I was working at the time but still home a lot and she never showed any signs of needing a companion or being bored or lonely.
I’m in between on this. There was a beyond amazing shelter where I used to live and then there was the Human Society. The only cat I didn’t pick up off the street and actually adopted from a shelter was from the latter. Best cat I ever had after my first passed quickly from FIV. It was sad to see how much they were trying to get rid of them. I was not going there to adopt at all that day but I absolutely fell in love at first sight. They were giving cats away for $5 with a free vet visit, a decent size bag of food, a crate, and I forget what else. I was flabbergasted. At the first shelter I mentioned it was $85 and thorough background checks. That place was a no kill shelter, I would spend hours and hours there in the “cat room” just chilling and socializing with all the cats. 90% of the city gave 10% of their income to that shelter. Brotherwolf in Asheville, NC. They helped me steal a cat from this family who was threatening to call the police on me. They weren’t feeding him or anything though. That’s the cat that died from FIV. So glad I could give him a happy last few months.
I was going to adopt my one orange boy, but when I kept hearing you talk about how important it is to adopt two, I decided his brother is coming along, as well! My boyfriend wasn't happy at the surprise of an additional kitten at first, but after watching them play, and knowing how much we're both away from home, he realized what a good choice I made. I love my beautiful orange boys with my whole heart! They're 13 weeks old today! 🥰😻😸💖💕
😭 it was the same thing for me! My boyfriend said, “We agreed on one!” And I said “But they’re SISTERS. We can’t separate them!!!” Guess who won hehe. Now he tells me every now and then “You were so right and I was so wrong.”
We adopted my girl 5 years ago, gosh it’s gone fast, I didn’t know about adopting 2 at the time. The woman we got her from only had 2 left & she wanted the sibling (along with the 4other cats she said she had 🙄). Now that I know, I wonder if we could have persuaded her to let us have the sibling too. 🤷🏻♀️ I’m a stay at home mom who gives my girl lots of love & attention so she’s not totally alone 😻❤️😻
Growing up we had three cats (we still have 2). They were never close. They didnt cuddle or show each other affection. They all had their own spaces in the house that the other cats respected. When one of them, Blossom, started declining in her old age and losing weight, our very food motivated boy, Snowball, would give up his food for her and always waited until she had her fill before he ate (she got special food he liked and previously we would have to put him in another room or he would try to steal her food). If he was eating his food and she showed interest in it, he would stop eating and give it to her. We always thought that they didnt care for each other. He really proved us wrong. They may not be afffectionate with each other, but he cared enough to give her his dinner and treats when she needed it more than him. Now, Snowball is 18 and our other girl, Rose, is 19. Rose is declining now and losing weight as well. A few months ago he would have happily pushed her asside and stolen her food given the oportunity. Now he eats his and then patiently waits for her to finish before going after the leftovers even when he likes her food better than his own.
My girlfriend and I wanted to adopt a cat last year. We called a shelter and they told us that being our first time having a cat it was better to adopt two cats (in this case a mother and her kitten) instead of one kitten. We looked at each other in disbelief but then agreed because it wasn’t about what we “wanted”, it was about giving a family to a creature in need of one. One year later, we regret nothing: they are our girls and we can’t imagine our lives without them. It was the right call!
@@aWomanFreed Sometimes... Like birds forcing their babies outta the nest. But I had 1 Momma who never quite got over when her 1 yr old baby boy ran away ... She cried over him (or for him to return) a painful wailing for like 6 months before finally accepting he wasn't returning.
August 1 2020 I became a first time fur mom. I had an appointment to meet my orange girl Sunny and while walking over to see her I saw my grey boy Stormy. He was so scared he was shaking. I obviously couldn’t leave him there so I took both. They were 3 months and 4 months old and a handful. I can’t imagine not having both of them. I love them to the moon!
When I adopted my older kitty, the shelter would only let her go to a home with no other animals. She had always been an only pet. But she’s a sweet thing and has no problem when my Grandpuppy comes to visit. Has anyone out there had any success introducing another cat in this situation?
@@crochetmima1443 - maybe she would do better with a mature dog of the same breed or size of the puppy? I would check her reaction to another cat before adopting. Maybe foster with intent to find a companion YOUR cat CHOOSES.
i have 2 cats. best thing i’ve ever done. i got them when they were kittens, from the same litter (they’re twins, brother and sister). they’re so attached to each other and me. they love, protect, and play with each other all the time. they’re also SO EASY to train when there’s 2 cats, because they feel so comfortable and safe having another cat they love there. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!! also, you aren’t splitting up siblings and families as much, so if you have some compassion please adopt siblings and families together as kittens. and KEEP it that way forever
Getting a third cat changed the dynamic in my house completely. my two cats were always tense with each other, and fought constantly- but once we introduced a third they started sleeping and playing together all the time. the 3 of them sleep in a big pile and do everything together- best decision I ever made!
Similar for my household - I'd adopted a pair of sisters from the local shelter at ~3 years old, and while the girl who demanded that I adopt them has been laidback, loving and cuddly from the moment I met her, her sister was always extremely shy and would have little to do with me or any other human, despite my efforts. She would only spend time with her sister. In time and with medication we reached a point where she would lay on my bed near me and allow gentle touches if I were also laying down and keeping still. She refused play if I were on the other end of the toy. I eventually accepted that the shy cat needed her sister and her sister needed me, and that would be how the household worked. Three years after I brought the girls home, my coworker had found a stray kitten and couldn't keep him b/c landlords, but the shelters in our area were closed to admissions. I agreed to foster him temporarily and to post his profile with the shelter for adoption to someone else but I knew within a couple of weeks that wasn't going to happen. My shy girl had taken over the care of the kitten, bathing him, teaching him to be a cat, playing endlessly, etc. In the process she learned to play with me while I played with the kitten (and her, and her sister), and since she took that first step her confidence has exploded! Her body language is so much happier. She explores the house, attacks toys spontaneously and with vigor, lays on furniture she would have hidden under before, and she's also become super chatty with me, which is an adorable surprise. She will actually seek me out sometimes to ask for pets and playtime! Her relationship with her sister even improved which surprised me since I'd thought they got on well before. I think she became less smothering to her sister and easier to handle, since her sister is pretty low energy and she is actually an active cat when not immobilized by anxiety (her vet is helping her anxiety with meds too). She and the kitten continue to adore each other and play together lots. That kitten's a couple of years old now, all grown up, very bold and friendly to everyone - Mr. Mojito himself. He and his aunties enjoy many a cuddle pile.
Almost the same with mine. I started with one and then got her a kitten so she wouldn't be lonely. She didn't hate him, but tolerated him at most. She'd always hiss and yowl and run away to hide when he tried to play with her. So then we got a kitten for our second cat and it's been amazing. They play with each other and bother each other all the time. 1st cat now has company but isn't harrassed so she's less anxious, 2nd cat has a willing playmate to eat up his energy and no longer bothers 1st cat, and 3rd baby kitten has the older cats to play with, so he's not destructive out of boredom/understimulation. Win-Win-Win!
awesome. Just dont be one of those who make cute videos on youtube than ask for money at the end of the video cause they cant afford to feed 5 cats ( then don't keep 5 cats)...I believe these type videos are ruing actual charity towards animals
@@MrMarcodarko I totally agree with you. I won't upload more videos because my day is busy with other activities. I have actually nine cats and it is a huge responsibility and problems occur. Right now I have the male black cat separated because suddenly he and his mom started fighting. Animals have their own rules and we have to be aware that cuteness is not something natural in them.
I adopted a senior that had been in a kennel at the shelter for 6 months. My resident cats wanted nothing to do with him, yet he was desperate for friendship. I got him his very own kitten. Wow, what a great grandpa he turned out to be! He just loved and doted on his kitten and in the process, the other cats took interest. When the kitten got to an age where he was more than my senior could handle, my other cats took over and they all became friends. I lost that senior a couple of months ago and all of my cats and my dog mourned his loss.
I was at a shelter many years ago, just going in and sitting with the kittens. A couple with their child happened to also be in proximity. They were looking at adopting a SINGLE kitten and we got to chatting. I remember mentioning out that two kittens is always better than 1 as they can keep each other company when the humans are out. I headed off shortly thereafter to go sit with the adult cats for a bit. A little while later when I went to leave, I saw the same couple adopting TWO kittens! One of the best moments of my life!
I learned about this from my last cat. She was an only child all her life. She had a brother that was adopted by someone at the shelter and she looked so sad and lonely in that little cage. She was just a little kitten all by herself so I decided to take her home with me and she was my little sweetheart for 18yrs. She just recently passed away from old age. She had arthritis and a health problem that shortened her life. I miss her to this day. A strange thing happened after she passed. I had a dream about her. In my dream, she was at my front door with 2 other cats. They were siblings, brother and sister. I can't explain how I knew what she was saying. I just understood her that she was sending me these 2 little sibling cats to make me happy again. It was then that I also understood that she missed her brother her whole life. And this was why she sent me these 2 precious little cats that are brother and sister. It was only 2 days after that dream that a guy showed up at my daughter's work. He wanted someone to take 2 young cats because he was moving and couldn't take them with him. My daughter, who I live with, took them right away and I was surprised and happy because they were the same cats that I saw in my dream that were with my beloved cat that had just passed. I was never aware that she missed her brother all that time that I had her. I learned learned this from her. Never just adopt one. My 2 new cats are so cute and funny. I love them. 🐈🐈💕❤️❤️❤️
@@judyjudy4900 Bless you, too. It was real. It was a real dream and my cat that had just recently passed was standing outside my front door with these 2 little cats that are siblings that I now have. They are beautiful cats and I love them. Although there will never be another Tamu(her name), I will always love and miss her. Thank you for your reply.
Amazing tale! I am in awe of it. Wonderful. ...And I know what you mean when you say "there will never be another Tamu"... they are not "replaceable", even though more may come! ❤️❤️
What a wonderful message Tamu sent you!!!... Bless her furry soul now at peace. 🙏🏽 I believe the if the 4-leggeds could communicate with us, they would have SO MUCH to say!!! ~ 😻💞🐈🐈⬛
@@BlairMountainNetwork Thank you for your reply. Yes. I do believe that our 4 legged furry little friends would have a lot to tell us about and to teach us about. Much thanks to my little Tamu! 🐈💕
When we brought a kitten home that we adopted from a shelter our older cat came to "life". She started playing more seemed like she felt better. It was tricky at first but now they groom each other and now sleep togehter. I am so glad we adopted Mitzy.
This is similar to what happen to us. Our oldest cat was very close with our boy who unexpectedly passed about a year ago. Immediately after he got really depressed and was out of it. Once we brought home a 1 year old he perked right up and is running and playing more than ever!
We experienced the opposite. Our older cat (5 yrs old) didn’t like her space being shared with the new kitten who was stressed by the hyper kitty. We kept the kitten in the bathroom to sleep. At times we had to separate them during feeding. The kitten would jump to play onto the new cat and put older cat was not having it. We tried EVERYWHERE for advice. We found none that was helpful to our situation. We had to give up our kitty or mine I should say and I’m broken hearted. Sure she’s in a good home but…
I have had this exact same experience! Our anxious 2 year old who had too much energy for me to play out seemed like she needed a friend. We got a kitten 3 weeks ago and slowly introduced. So far, even though they are still at the chasing phase of play, she is calmer than she was as a single cat. The key here is really taking things slow and making sure the first cat doesn't feel replaced!
We adopted a young kitten after our elderly cat died. I was very firm about only wanting one pet. She had a happy, extroverted dog personality- not afraid of anything or anyone and seemed fine on her own. I watched a couple of your kitten videos and you brought up how kittens shouldn't be alone and was convinced to get a second kitten who is two weeks younger . I am so happy I listened to you! The bond between them is so sweet and older one taught the younger how to play hunt and to not be as afraid of people. The shy younger kitten taught the other not to play too rough and to recognize boundaries. They are best friends . Thank you for all that you do!
Aww, your comment is so sweet, I'm so glad you got a second kitten. I know what you mean about thanking Jackson Galaxy - my cat's life is so much better because of him, there are so many things I just didn't know. I see UA-cam comments saying the stuff he says is common sense, but it wasn't, at least not where I grew up. He helped make it common sense, at least for me.
Thank you!! So glad I watched this!!! We just brought home a brand new kitten yesterday, and I was studying hard to becoming a better cat mom, since this is our first cat, and I’m so glad I saw this video this early. I was able to contact the mother’s owner, and it turns out she had a sister she was really bonded to that still needed a home, so we will be picking up her sister tomorrow! 🥰♥️🐱
aw, so sweet, i had a similar experience... well my dad did. he went to pick up jujubee, and then ended up with her and loisel, one was all shy and solitude and the other was off the walls, super social, and while they weren't sisters, they did grow up together, and went through some of the same stuff together. sadly loisel died, sometime last year either at the beginning of the year or the end of 2022, cant rememeber. we did get a kitten in october though, but jujubee and her don't get along cause jujubee is a butt.
I saw 2 kittens bonded together, but one of them was already processed and going to another home. So I put an application in for the other one, and decided we would get another kitten a bit later for her. The day I picked her up, the other kitten she was bonded with, was open for adoption again. It must have fallen through. It worked out great fir us because we applied for him and its great that we were able to keep them together. I definitely noticed how much happier they were together. I'm so happy it worked out fir them. ☺️
I have one of those “only want to be an only cat” cats. We adopted her as a senior at 7 years old. The shelter warned us that she needed to be an only cat. Two months later, a random stray decided to move in with us (literally walked in the door and made herself at home….pure Mojito cat). It took a lot of time following Jackson’s advice but they now happily coexist. My senior cat still doesn’t love the idea, even 2 years later but she allows that two cats can be in the same room without anyone dying 😅
same here! except we brought in the stray kitten ourselves. how did you did you help them get along? i keep wondering if it’s not too late for my kitties 😢
We had the same kind of thing, we found a stray kitten outside and were going to take it in except our cat immediately tried to kill it and then went around hissing, growling, and attacking us and anything that smelled like it the rest of the night. She does not like other cats, never got along with them. That's mostly why we had taken her in, she was dropped of at my husband's friend's house who had a bunch of cats but she wasn't happy there and the other cats used to bully her so we took her home with us since we had been wanting to take in a cat anyways. She freaks out even if there is another cat outside, at our old place the nieghbor had a cat that would sit on the porch (it was an apartment so we shared a porch) and if she heard it or smelled it she would freak and hiss and growl for the rest of the night. She's just an only cat kind of cat.
Pretty much the same for us. Our cat is a scardy cat and so she hates other cats, even babies 1/4 of her size have chased her around the house (when they've escaped from their room). We've used Jackson's introduction techniques on a couple more long term fosters but we've only had one success where she learned to live with the other cat. They were never friends but they coexisted.
When my boyfriend and I bought our home in 2021, we had 2 girls. That same year I changed jobs and my first week I got to play rescue ranger to a feral cat and her kittens on the property I manage. I was only able to catch one before mama moved the rest of the kittens elsewhere. I felt so bad separating this kitten from her family, so we fostered and then adopted her. 3 cats was great, but we could tell there was something missing. The newest girl just seemed like the odd one out all the time. We looked and looked but no cat we saw felt like a great fit. This past February on a 7° day with ice all around, I hear cries of a kitten coming from under a car. Our parking lot is always busy, but especially in the mornings. So I went and wrangled this kitten for an hour at the start of my day. She was in bad shape. Half frozen from being wet, with frost bite on her tail and tips of her ears. I was sure she wasn't going to make it. We agreed if she pulled through, we would keep her. A month later she had to have the tip of her tail removed from the frostbite. A small sliver of her ear tip fell off. She was sickly and malnourished, but not for long. 10 months later and she is a cuddle bug, sweetest thing you could meet. She's come a long way and she rounds out our home. Just fits in like a puzzle piece. We are now real big believers in what we call the Rule of Evens. Pairs are just better able to keep each other company and no one gets left out. Sorry for the novel, but if you read this far thank you. I can't wait to watch this. Definitely adopt the 2nd (or.. in my case... 4th) cat!
Thank you for rescuing your "ice" kitty! No apologies needed, I love reading other folks experiences with the cats who own them. 🐈⬛ I rescued a kitten 22 years ago whose mother and all but one sibling had died, my neighbor took her sister. Smidgen was in such bad shape I didn't have much hope for her. She was so tiny she fit in the palm of my hand, had ringworm so bad most of her fur was gone. I spent @ $200 on meds and vet visits to get rid of the ringworm and intestinal parasites. She recovered, and grew to be absolutely beautiful, with the sweetest personality! She was a long-haired tabby with a white face and paws and a long bushy tail. We had a one-year old long-haired black male cat who loved her, and they bonded for life. When he died at 18 yrs, she became depressed and wouldn't eat. She passed a few months after him. I think animals who are rescued from near-death never forget and appreciate those who helped them. Five years ago, my son got a terrified black stray kitten to trust him enough to catch her and bring her indoors. Her tail was freshly severed, probably by a predator who tried to eat her. We live far out in wilderness on a mountain, where there are pumas, coyotes, wolves, lynx, bobcats, and other scary things. She's never wanted to go back outside! She is always near my son, whom she adores and is fiercely possessive of. She allows me to pet her, as long as I don't pick her up. She gets butt-hurt when I hug my son! She doesn't like our other two cats, just my son and our sweet border collie who bonded with her when she was little and scared. I can't imagine life without cats!
Your story is heartening. I now have five: three eight-year-olds; one aged four months, who was found under one of our cars two months ago, and an eight-week-old we rescued from a neighbor's yard when he was a week old and being harassed by a raccoon. The kittens have bonded over copious play, which the elders enjoy watching, while having engaged their play instinct again. It's enabling our twenty-two pounder to reduce his weight. I also feed a small cadre of strays. I just need to get them all TNR'd. Sorry for commandeering your post with my long story.
Thank you for adding the financial implications, Jackson. Our senior rescue cat would love a companion, but we cannot afford to have two cats. Very sad, but it is what it is. Thank you for not making me feel guilty about that as well.
💯agree!!! Years as a caregiver to loved ones (ages 89-92 so far), which comes with no paycheck,makes it cost-prohibitive to have a 2nd fur baby (+ safety reasons... don't need someone with dementia letting a cat outside...keeping tabs on more than 1 kitty and/or elder is nearly impossible). So yeah.... thank you Jackson, for making that important & very real point. Because I do feel bad, but the cat that rescued me (a foster fail 💓) is an only son for now. A very loved one. 💕🐈⬛
Same. I have a 7 year old. I can't afford another cat. 1 is good for me plus my husband is allergic. We don't need 2 but I don't feel bad. My cat will be alright. He's a tough boy. He has me. 😊
Was in my local Humane Society office today, and there were 3 kittens in a carrier waiting for their adopter to come pick them up -- so great they were being homed together!
My boss found 3 kittens while she was hiking. Someone dumped them in the woods when they were 3-4 weeks old. I ended up bringing all 3 home and I’m so glad I did. I can’t imagine not having them all. They’re 3 months old now and all have their own distinct personalities. They’re so much fun to watch and they’re super sweet
I would have never thought about adopting two kittens but when I went to the shelter the kind lady brought two kittens out for me to look at. The 10 week old kittens were siblings and they had identical markings! One was male and the other one was a female. They are American Short Hair black and white tabby kittens. I couldn't see separating them so I brought both of them home with me. I'm so glad I did. I love them and their names are Littleboy & Littlegirl. ❤❤
I love listening to my 3 cats thundering through the house late at night. There's almost a sense of "satisfaction" I get from seeing them play together
I went to the shelter to adopt a geriatric cat and found out that he had a younger "sister" meaning they came from the same household and were surrendered to the shelter together. I couldn't leave her behind so I brought both of them home and I am so happy I did because they felt so much more relaxed in a new environment having each other and I just couldn't even think of leaving her behind.
We did not know about the 2 cat rule when we adopted our first cat 2 years ago. But after watching a million Jackson Galaxy videos we decided that our Felix will be so much happier if we get him a friend. So we adopted a girl kitten this year. We introduced them slowly, but he went through some kind of a depression - stopped purring, got an allergy, then got sick, but eventually they started getting along. Now we see that both of them are so happy together! playing all the time, even sleeping together. We left them alone for 10 days (of course with a nanny giving them food and play every day) and when we got back there was no sign of that usual stress that Felix has if we are on vacation for more than 2-3 days. It was the best decision ever. Cats need other cats
My husband and I got married a month ago, and each of us had one cat, and we have both enjoyed seeing our boys play together and want to cuddle us even more than they did before. Both cats were adopted while we were dating, so we always had the plan of eventually putting them together, but it's been crazy to see how much better it was. The kitten stopped biting us because he always had someone to play with. And he's learned that his big brother doesn't really like to be bitten either lol
Congrats to you on your marriage! You both sound incredible, planning for your pet's wellbeing! Not everyone thinks this way! God Bless you both, enjoy every minute as cat parents.. ❤
I just recently adopted 2 kittens. Different litters and different ages, but still kittens. They bonded almost immediately. One of them was a wallflower and her new brother gives her so much confidence. A month ago she was only coming out of her spaces to eat. Now the two of them prance down the stairs together with question mark tails and snuggle on the bed with us every night. Getting two makes such a difference.
I adopted 2 recuse kittens about a month ago. They are a bundle of joy and a source of frustration every day. But I am so glad I adopted them. I just received your book, however Luna isn’t sure I should be reading it.
@@annoyingirl obviously i can't speak for the op since i dont know lol, but getting cats introduced to each other and happy with one another doesn't have a set amount of time. some cats get along in a week, some take weeks, and some even take months. don't be discouraged though if it goes on for awhile though!! they're just not used to new changes yet :))
I completely regret not getting my cats litter mate as a kitten. She totally relied on me to be her playmate and I feel like she doesn't really act like a cat. I got her a friend once she turned one. They finally have both warmed up to each other and now they chase each other all over the house and try to snuggle! Definitely get two kittens or two cats
Struggling w this right now myself. I had a 4 yr old female tortoiseshell … I found myself having to rescue a 5 month old (full of energy) kitten from outside. I wanted to get it done before fall/winter arrived bc fall/winters in Ohio are BRUTAL on anything trying to live outside. Finally trusted me enough for the rescue. He is an orange 🍊 cat. 5 month old male. We are planning on having him neutered before he’s seven months. He’s been inside my home now for nearly 4 weeks. He lets everything roll off his back and is not affected by my 4 yr old females hisses or larger size. He just want to play !! I am unclear on how to bridge this gap. She just will not warm up to him. We introduced the cats exactly the way Jackson said to do. It worked in the sense that she hasn’t rejected him … she just won’t warm up to him. She stalks him and hisses. And then I started thinking, it’s almost like she doesn’t know what to do with him. And then I thought, why would she? She’s been alone with us for four years. We got her as a kitten in a shelter. She has never played with other kittens or cats. We have been her only playmates. It’s almost like she’s not allowing herself to let go because she doesn’t know how or even that she’s able to. If you’re reading this, please tell me how long it took your 2 cats to finally warm up enough to play together and snuggle. Was one cat aggressive (hissing, batting occasionally) towards the other? And, did you do anything specifically to help reach that gap and if so, what please 🙏🏼 I really want this to work out bc I want to keep the new kitten (Frank 🐈). Any advice or your personal experience would be great 👍🏼
@@Stopstaring101 My situation isn't exactly like yours, but I did have to reintroduce my 9 year old cat to my 3 year old cat (long story.) I recommend getting the Feliway diffusers; they give off pheromones that calm cats down. Also give the older cat places where she can get up off the ground to observe the kitten, that way she doesn't feel like she's in danger. I also recommend keeping her in a separate area at night to give her stress response a break. Having a safe spot/time where she knows the kitten will not bother her. If all else fails you could ask your vet for anxiety meds for your older cat.
@@meadowrae1491 Thank you for the advice meadowrae!! All of your suggestions were very good! I’m especially eager to try the diffuser as I didn’t even know those existed!! Since I posted that comment, things have actually gotten better between the cats 👏🏼 thank goodness!! They still have a ways to go but the situation has improved. I will still implement a couple of your good ideas however, as I feel they could still be helpful. Thank you again so much 🥇
I brought home one kitten this September and that very same night, I was submitting applications to adopt another one! Two kittens is absolutely the right move! I was able to bring home one of his littermates. They play together, groom each other, eat together out of the same bowls, and keep each other company while I’m not home. My kitten would cry when I left him and I had to play with him constantly. Now, they have each other and I have twice the love ❤
Getting a second cat is the best thing I’ve ever done. I adopted a 1.5 year old stray from a shelter and about 6 months later I adopted a 12 week old kitten. The introduction part was intense. My older cat wanted nothing to do with the baby. Now they’re best friends and knock everything over they possibly can together, then they cuddle and clean each other when they’re done ❤️
@GetOuttaMyFae I have somethings to ask you,Im out most of the day so my cat is left alone,and ive come to know that my cat meows like hell when im not home,and it has become a routine,i feel like another cat would help his loneliness,so im thinking of getting a kitten,i have an okay sized room for about 2 beds and a washroom,thats where my main cat lives,as there are shelves there and stuff,and a bathroom,if i get the kitten,how long would it take for them to get along,and after that can i go for college or work for about 9-10 hours and leave them alone everyday without them harming each other?or i have to look out for them forever?how long did it take you ?can you leave those two cats alone in a room now?any answer would be appreciated,thanks
@@MustafaRaheel hey! I’m pretty sure Jackson Galaxy also has a video on how to properly introduce cats. What I did is put the kitten in my bedroom for two weeks and kept my other cat out of my bedroom. I would feed them on either side of the door so that they could get used to each others scents, and during that two weeks I also let my other cat into my bedroom supervised for extremely short periods of time. If I got nervous that either cat was going to attack I would separate them, but you have to be able to read their body language. If you’re not good at that I would suggest installing a baby gate and supervise their interaction like that. I didn’t leave them alone with each other for about a month, whenever I would leave the house I would put the kitten back in my room. The kitten had its own food bowl, water bowl, and litter box and so did my older cat.
@@MustafaRaheel I would highly suggest getting your cat a kitten! My cats love each other and more times then not they sleep cuddled up to each other. They play together a bunch and I don’t have to worry about them fighting when I leave the house. Also, I would suggest investing in at least two cat trees and some toys. Cats are highly intelligent and thrive with regular mental stimulation.
My 12 year old boy (cat haha) lost his personality after his friends died (they were 18s and 17). He was a shell of himself. We brought in an 11 month old girl and he immediately perked up. She played rough with him so we brought in a really young kitten. The girl and the kitten are having the times of their lives and our older man LOVES having them around. Agreed that bringing more in can be a good thing.
Ruby was always getting old, slowing down. Then dad brought home baby Rosie. And dear God did her as a baby revitalize the old girl. There was play, and love, and teaching this itty bitty kitty how to cat. They loved each other. Ruby was put down two years later. But she died happy, and loved. Rest in peace baby girl.
I can’t imagine having only one cat. My older cat, Mascha, left us beginning of the year. I cannot say if the loss was harder for me or for my ginger cat Peter. For a short time Peter was a single cat and it was impossible to do anything, but play and cuddle with him. He needed so much attention! I have adopted another sweety and now I have again two happy cats and time for myself.
Exactly my story. My beloved KitKat left and both myself and ginger cat, Nugget.....mourned. I have since adopted two others and Nugget seems pretty ok but if I say Kitkat's name....Nugget looks around for him.
I grew up in a single cat home and I can say there is a HUGE difference with how they get socialized alone vs in couples/groups. I adopted my 2 girls from a shelter earlier this year. I was originally only going to get one cat until I did my research (including your content) and got 2. BEST decision! Zero regrets! They know how to play and be social. I am so lucky to have 2 beautiful and lovely kitties :)
This is an older-ish video but I just needed to say this- I don’t know what I’d do without this channel. I’m a first time owner, full time worrier (anxiety) and I dove head first into adoption to try and help me heal. A sweet silly kitten won me over, even though I went in to get an older cat. I got him, kitten work be damned, and have been nonstop marathoning this channel. Until I read everywhere, kittens need a second. Luckily! It’s only been three days, and the shelter told me the second kitten is free. Sooo… My boy adjusted so fast to the space. He sometimes runs around when he’s overwhelmed. But he’s eating, drinking, going to his box, and playing no problem. Already has full reign of the kitten proof house. I learned I was overthinking it. But THIS video pushed me over the edge, and also helped me calm down about it. Adopting a second today, praying the new one is as easy as the first. I was blessed. Thank you again Jackson, it’s been crucial to have this channel for my sanity.
@@hibaaqahmed9099 so well! The boys play (good play fighting) all the time, which is really helpful with their energy. They are sometimes cuddly, but no sleeping piles or grooming really yet. It feels like they are too shy to admit they are buddies. They adjusted very quickly, and I think Jackson’s advice really helped me with creating a good environment
@@dukeroberts5491 That’s great. I’m similar to you in the over thinking department so it feels really good when someone or something helps you come to a decision and it works out. I hope you enjoy everyday with them 😊 they’re lucky to have you as well.
We adopted two kittens during the pandemic after watching your videos and it was the best thing we did. With two cats there is so much to watch. They are always playing together and I love when they snuggle together. They really have personalities that are so different but love to be with each other. One thing I love is when one gets concerned or scared, the other checks on them.
I started with one kitten and realized his anxiety every time I left the house was so high and when I returned home he just wanted me to hold him all night, after a year I got another kitten so their a a year apart and man I will say it has been the best thing I ever did. The older kitten is very kind and a leader indeed and his confidence being a big brother has reduced the anxiety. I have accepted He wants me to hold him everyday when I come home still but that’s cool. I know they are both happy and content with each other. I love them so much Tigger and Waffles, I’d like to get a third but my daughter said two is enough!!! So when she one day does move out I’ll probably get two more lol!!!!❤😊
We had 2 cats when I trapped a homeless kitten that was about 8 weeks old. Took him in but my husband said we can't keep him we're only allowed 1 cat (it's a condo). We wound up keeping him anyway. Another cat I'd been taking care of at my local Home Depot wound up getting so friendly we couldn't keep her from coming in the store... I brought her home the husband was furious. He got over it. But one of the resident cats refused to accept her. We wound up keeping the cats in pairs in separate areas. Since August we lost 2 cats, one from each pair, leaving just the 2 cats that can't be mixed. My husband surprised me when he said let's go get two kittens so that they can go back and forth between the cats. Within days they're running around with Elvis. Kitty is acting afraid of them (they're 5mos old, neutered) but I'm still working on her. Worst case is we have 2 areas with 1 cat and 3 cats.
Hubby picked up a single kitten he found at a gas station, I can say for certain that our single adult cat has really come out of her shell and is so much more playful, and seems so much happier now that she has a little kitten buddy ❤️
I'm a retired 71 year old artist but love to still paint from home my 70 year old husband is a software engineer still works from home. We have an 8 month old cockapoo puppy named Harley and we got 2 litter mate kittens Davidson (Davy)and Mazie 6 days ago. After 2 nights of no sleep I was thinking we must have been crazy thinking we could do this at our age but the 3rd night everyone slept through the night and now we got a routine down. We are one big happy family we play, eat, sleep, and love together. The dog thinks he's a cat and the cats think they are dogs. We are loving life. I just wish everyone could experience the joy we are having with our 3 furbabies.
I’ve nearly always had 2 cats. Mostly females that I knew liked being around other cats. Two years ago, after losing a senior cat, I opted for a “younger” kitty - Sadie, who was just shy of two years. It was only as I was picking her up (under COVID restrictions) that they told me she’d been labeled “aggressive” and possibly “dangerous.” That worried me a bit, but what I found was that she is supremely confident. She’s also a total goofball! One year ago, I added a shy, one-year old male who had come from a hoarding situation. He was very fearful, for some time, but Sadie’s confidence and playfulness have been a real benefit for him. He’s bigger than she is, so she tries to dominate him but doesn’t always win. She is now 3 1/2 and he is 2, and they race around playing, snuggle each other (and me) when sleeping, and Oliver is so much more confident. I see him looking to Sadie when presented with a new situation, as if he’s gauging his safety based on her response. I’m not sure she’s ALWAYS the best role model, because she is fearless, but she has really helped him to feel safe. I call her my nutty buddy and him my sweet boy, and they are perfect together! ❤
We adopted 2 kittens during the pandemic after we lost my kids’ dad. We were concerned about them getting along with our older cat (about 5 years at the time) because he had always been an only cat and was a bit of a curmudgeon. The rescue talked us into a second cat of a sibling pair because as a more reticent black cat she didn’t have a lot of chance of being adopted, and because they thought having another kitten with kitten energy level would reduce stress on our existing cat during the transition. We did use your techniques to introduce them. We are so glad we did. Turns out our curmudgeon cat was mostly bored. They are all super happy together, and the bonus kitty is quite frequently my lap baby. We are believers… will never have an only cat again (and will probably adopt black kitties from here on out due to their adoptability stats from shelters). Thanks for all your great advice.
While planning the adoption I really wanted a black cat or a ginger cat if no black cats meshed with me. And I'm **so** glad I went with a black cat! My boy was a barncat and unneutered until he crash-landed at the SPCA here with a bunch of injuries. His big scared eyes in the adoption profile had me from the start. He was the second or third profile I looked at, I looked at maybe 5-10 more with varying levels of (dis)interest then applied to adopt him when I realized he was the one. And he's the snuggliest little gremlin in the world. Stray cats/outdoor cats appreciate the H*LL out of you! ETA: I mentioned in my application how I prioritized black cats, ginger cats, and Siamese-types in that order because I know the stigma black cats have. One of the receptionists who approved the adoption said she has a black cat and she noticed they get ignored here too. *BUT* in some areas the messaging about black cats being just as great as any other has worked, a friend of mine in Ohio said when she volunteered at a shelter black cats went out at the same rates as others.
honestly, adopting two kittens from the same litter is the single best thing i've ever done.... my whole life i've only had one cat at a time, but after my last passed of age, we adopted a brother and sister, simply because one chose me, and his sister chose my partner, and we couldn't split them... but it's absolutely the best thing we've done... infact their bond is why we adopted a 3rd 2 years later, they were so bonded, we were worried that one day, if the worst happens, the remaining one would be heartbroken, and i wanted to bring in that 3rd so that we would never lose that bond between them... never again will i have only a single cat, and i deeply regret depriving my previous cats of that bond....
I'm glad you added the part about the exception to the multi-cat preference. When we adopted our current cat from the shelter, we were told that she had been in another cat and dogs and kids. She had been abused by the kids and fought all the time with the other cat and the dogs. We had to promise when we adopted her that she would be an only cat. It took about a month for her to be confident that this was her home and she didn't have to be watching over her shoulder.
My mother volunteered a bit at the cat shelter my parents got their cat from and she was hearing all these stories about how our cat would fight with everyone and how it was so much quieter with him gone. They accepted that he did not like other cats and never introduced a second. After a few years he developed a really close bond with one of the neighbors cats (our cat is indoor-outdoor, their cat is indoor) and now he visits him daily and they even sometimes snuggle together. Miracles can always happen
@@iluvanimals4evr Yes, we just adore all of them! Mama-cat is Daisy. Her daughter is Aoife and her two sons are Archie and Billy. I can't even move right now because I have two kittens (Archie and Aoife) sleeping on my legs.
I have two kittens, 1 male and 1 female. Sibllings. The difference is that having two cats mean: - They eat the double. - They destroy the double. - They shit the double. - They wreck the house by the double. All in all, I LOVE THEM THE DOUBLE. 🙂
I'm going through it too man. Thinking of returning one to the adoption center. I left with one but went back after watching this video a week later. Regretting my decision honestly but trying to be patient.
@@jadef-pz9wu not much of regret more like it's more work than I had expected caring for 2. Like the above comment said "eat double", "wreck the house double", "shit double" lol. I was able to manage one cat, with 2 they play and knock things over, smell from litter, it's not the best thing to come home to after work. It's frustrating but I love my cats, I'm sure I can make taking care of them less work.
Absolutely, this video is a bit dangerous.....gives the impression how much easy it is, cats having fun, sleeping etc. But God out one cat's food and litter, costs more than many families food portion. We took a Maine coon they will grow bigand eat a LOT,I was super tempted to take his sister with us but so glad my husband was more rational as this one already is trying us (we have a son with Adhd, him with the cat give enough work...)
We've followed your guidelines during the last three times we had to introduce new cats into our home. Twice it worked fine. The third time we have tried and retried with no luck (the new guy was a former feral). We just have two guys who are never going to get along and now we just try to prevent damage. We appreciated the recent video about stopping a fight before it begins, thank you! Hubby and I are committed to making our little clowder as content as possible.
my senior kitty died a few weeks ago at 17 and it left me devastated. I always wished she'd had a sibling tho as I spent a lot of hours away from her. just adopted 3 kitties at 8 weeks and I'm super glad I did. watching them play is therapeutic RIP Bonesy. I love you always
THANK YOU! When I tell people how we got our two little sisters, I get such disbelief - even from some vets! We were looking for a cat friend for our 3 yr old giant, orange, rescue tom cat, and my veterinarian brother-in-law texted us asking us to take one of a litter of 6 that had been brought to them at about 2 days old. They were now 6 weeks old and they had found homes for 4 of them but the last two had just become so violent - hissing and spitting at any human that approached - that noone wanted them. He asked if we could take one, it would be hard work but she would calm down once they were separated. We went straight round and, sure enough, when our brother went to the cage to get them out, they hissed and scratched, I took the first one and tried to hold her under my chin where she would hear my pulse and she became quiet, but she was trembling and stiff and when my brother picked up her sister she started hissing again and scrambling (which is all most "scratching" really is) over my shoulder. It was immediately clear to me, that she was trying to get to her sister. I walked her over to where my husband was holding the other sister so they could touch noses and they both calmed down and groomed each other, then started grooming us. Our brother commented upon what a miracle it was to see them so calm but still - still 🙄- asked which one we were going to take! I asked when they had started being violent and he said it was just after the second of the 6 had been adopted, and was just getting worse and worse, but when I told him that these two were obviously terrified that they were losing siblings, he laughed and said "cats aren't like that". Anyway, we took both, introduced them to our giant orange boy carefully and within a few weeks they were firm friends. 3 years later, they all play together as hard as a they pillow and groom each other - and us 🥰. The girls (Ma'at and Athene) still hide from visitors, but that's fine with us - they're not performing seals, and besides, Oggie greets everyone by laying down, belly up at the feet of anyone who walks in the door, so he's happy to have visitors to himself.
We started with one cat because our apartment was really small. WHen we moved to a large enough place for a proper introduction, we got a second. We later moved to a small apartment again. When the first cat developed cancer, the second cat was already eighteen so we decided to just see how she did as an only cat since an introduction was going to be complicated. She seemed pretty content (especially since I work from home and she could hang out with me all day), so we let her live out her days as the only cat. She lasted another two years and a few months later we started looking for a young adult bonded pair. We got the cutest little pair of a mojito cat and her buddy who the rescue clearly thought might end up being a TNR until they realized she could help him adjust.
Boots was the first pet I ever had and we got her after buying our first house. After she passed, we've always gotten our cats in pairs, from the same litter if possible. They are much happier, have someone they know to play and be with, and generally make less of a mess of the house and furniture because they aren't bored. And having two cats means more snuggles for the hoomans.
My older cat taught me this lesson firsthand. He was really difficult, had a hard time knowing how to do cat stuff, and was generally anxious until we brought a second cat in. Our other cat has changed our first cat's life in every way, he's come out of his shell and is living a much happier and comfortable life. He missed out on some socialization with other cats as an adolescent and I'll never make that mistake again, lesson learned.
Thanks for clarifying that people shouldn't adopt another cat if they can't financially support another cat, sadly that happens way too often where i live, people don't want to spend on the first cat and give it proper care but still can adopt a new cute kitten, who also won't be taken care of once the excitement is settled down... I hope more people adopt more cats responsibly! :)
Also with a buddy social animals are overall healthier - so that has also an effect on the affordability of the visit at the vet 👍 People tend to overlook that fact. But yeah, rather take good (medical) care of one cat than to have two suffer 💕
I learned that cats need buddies from watching my family's cats. So when I got my own place, I adopted two brothers from the same litter. They still get along pretty great! They quibble sometimes as all brothers do, but they've never actually fought. Occasionally I'll catch them cuddling just like when they were kittens!
@@JessieJ93 Are you okay? All of your comments on this video are completely miserable. Cats can and infact do cuddle with one another. Not all. But some. What's your problem?
I also adopted 1 adult cat and the shelter said “she doesn’t play well with others”. I took that to fact for a while but watching more of these videos I realized she was only being a napoleon at the shelter due to her being sick and was grieving the passing of her original owner. She is happy with us humans but I can tell she gets lonely when we leave. One of these days I really want to get another cat to keep her company ❤️
It sounds corny, but my male cat grieved the death of my husband. I adopted a teenage sister from the SPCA and we had a very happy household! Who doesn't want to hear skittering and small crashes at 5:00 AM? Well, I DO! Hide 'n seek is the best game! Cats bring so much joy if you let them!
We rescued a kitten that was up in our engine compartment of our boat. Four days later on the other side of our property there was a tiny kitty my hubby came across crying in the stickers. One was about 4 to 5 weeks and the second was 2 to 3 weeks not the same litter. But now two weeks later they love and adore each other. I’ve only ever had dogs and now I find myself in love with both these little girls. My hubby said keep one but I can’t I want to keep them together. I’m gonna show him this video. Thank you.
Thanks to your videos, Jackson, when my fiance and I were ready to adopt, we were dead set on getting two kittens! We went home with two 7 month old bonded brothers and we could not be happier with the choice! They love each other so much and I know they are happy to have each other. The shelter where we adopted our boys from had warned us a few times that they were bonded and had to go home together, and we were like "yep that's our plan, we want two", and they were fairly surprised and very glad!
I followed the Jackson plan when introducing a second cat and they get along perfectly. Two hiss-free contented cats that engage in horseplay when the mood strikes.
Can only third this! My cat Milkyway is a bit of a diva and gets very hissy and growly even with her littermate, so I was deeply worried. But after about a week of separate care, site swapping and letting them sniff each other through the door, I could let Cookie out and Milky just... went with it. There were occasional growls at first but I think that's normal. Lines need to be drawn, after all. The same evening they already chased each other back and forth through the hallway, switching roles at every dead end. Two days later they slept maybe two feet apart from each other other! I now even had a moment when Milky snuggled into my arm while Cookie was napping on my hip. It makes me so happy, both for myself and them!
I bought 1 bengal (husband's allergic to cats) for my son, He was going crazy on his own so we contacted the breeder who had a cat who was returned for hating a dog, so we bought her. Made a world of difference.
This video inspired me adopt a 2nd cat. About a week and half ago I brought home a 6 month old kitten to join my 4 year old cat who has never been around other cats. I am using your intro method and so far so good - they are making great strives towards coexistence.
You and I are on the same journey...have Luna, a 4-ish year old, just adopted Esme, a 10 month old kitten. It's only day #8 and it'll be a long road to gain Esme's trust.
Can you please give me an update on how the bonding is goin?? Because I'm in the same situacion my Simba is four and grew up with my dog (who died last year) and I'm thinking about adopting another cat, but I'm afraid how will Simba react...
@Jovana Jovana Hi, Jovana...I'd be happy to share my journey. Resident cat, Luna: almost 4 at time of adoption. Adopted cat, Esme: mostly feral and almost one year old at time of adoption. First three weeks was Esme and I behind a closed door during my work day. Then we graduated to an open door plus the zippered screen door* and the pet gate* (* perfect options for me) for another roughly 3 or 4 weeks. Luna wore a harness for a restrained visit which went well. As of this past weekend, they are free range 24/7 unless I leave for a day at the office.
@@gossamerabba same here, Hana is my 4 yo and Sunny is my 4-5 months old, i waited 2 months to have an open door, theyre still adapting but they do play a lot together, shes still hissing and getting angry while theyre playing lol I almost gave up several times, but im happy that i didnt ç_ç
We rescued our Soxie girl 2 years ago. She was in foster care for 2 years, on anxiety meds and was to be in a home with no other animals or children. After a year she was off her meds and in love with my husband. A couple months ago we rescued a 5 week old kitten. Your cat introduction videos helped so much. The first 2 weeks were rough. I was convinced Soxie would never accept another cat in her home. But every day got a bit easier but I still had my concerns. Now, Soxie and her little sister, Jinx, are the best of friends. I honestly feel like Soxie didn’t know how to play before Jinx came along. I have no regrets.
When we adopted our cats. Originally we were planning on just getting this little dilute tortie, she was so playful and immediately started making biscuits in my partners arms, our mind was set. The woman explained the same thing Jackson is saying now and we “ended up” with her wallflower brother(I word it like that because that’s how the lady said it, he was the last one left) who turned out to be my soul-cat ❤ im so happy we went with two!
I have a 9 year old cat I have had since he was 9 months old. I recently ended up with a kitten thanks to the cat distribution network 😁 My older cat has come alive since the kitten arrived. He is so much happier.
About 3 weeks ago we adopted a second adult cat after having our boy Muta for 4 years. Followed your slow introduction rules, Muta was very afraid of her at first and she was very confident. In about one week our cats were absolutely obsessed with eachother! Although we give Muta a lot of love and play, I can already tell his physical and mental health have increased so much. And I get twice the cuddles.
I’m so happy it went smooth for you and your furry ones 🥰 I’m going to bring in another soon after having my black and white cat named Moo Moo haha. He’s more of the territorial type who seems to not like a lot of peoples company so I’m hoping the new cat his same age will help bring his confidence and playfulness out with people as the new cat seems to fit that category 😊
My cat was solitary for 8 years because I didn't think he'd get along with another cat. I took a kitten in 5 months ago, and I have never seen my older cat more alive. They established their boundaries and they get along and love each other so much now. ❤️
Can I ask how old your older cat was when you first took it in? I have a 7 year old cat, and knowing now how social cats are, I really wish he'd have a companion. I'm just worried that he might not be accepting, or that he won't be able to figure things out since he was only 8 weeks old when I got him and he might struggle to socialize.
@@neru6686 I got my older cat when he was only 5 weeks! The people I got him from didn't plan on having kittens and at that point were tired of having them🙄 so they were going to sell them in a parking lot so I took my little orange boy and bottle fed him till he was old enough!
My two cats love eachother and have helped eachother chill out a lot lol. My fiancé had a young playful rescue cat (Rocco) and I had a 8 mo old kitten (Gizmo) and we were hesitant to introduce them. But after a few hisses and the older one showing the little guy who’s boss, they are now best friends. And of course the roles have switched now and Gizmo is boss 😂❤ I can’t imagine one without the other.
Jackson thank you so much for the disclaimer towards the end of the video - especially the affordability part. We just got our very first kitten (myself, my husband and two kids, boy 14 girl 11). All my daughter especially has EVER wanted is a kitten. She loves animals more than anything. Our kitten, precious Theo, was born from a feral in the neighborhood of a dear friend of mine and they were able to trap all of them once they'd weaned from mom. We are still working on mama so we can get her fixed and return her to her colony. As soon as I saw Theo it was like he picked me. He just came right up to me and never once hissed or bit like his sibling (which don't get me wrong would be expected and understandable). But in that moment I knew he was supposed to be ours. I brought him home that very day and surprised my kids and we've been in total love. I have always followed Kitten Lady but found you Jackson after getting Theo. Then almost back to back you and Kitten Lady mentioned the whole 2 cats thing, which despite being a huge animal and cat lover had never heard before. We always had single kittens/cats growing up. But both Kitten Lady and you mentioned you get frustrated (I'm paraphrasing) when people and/or shelters adopt single kittens and I started feeling SO incredibly guilty and like I was depriving him. Like I wasn't giving him the best life he needed and deserved. But then I heard your disclaimer and realized that at this time all we can afford is one and that is okay. It's not that we never will get another, just not now. We want him to be able to get all the care he needs and not worry if an emergency happens. We also rent and can only afford the pet fees for one at this time while still being able to provide toys and climbing activities plus litter/food/treats and most importantly medical care. I also reminded myself that if we had not rescued this sweet baby, he would be only 12 weeks old in the freezing cold (winter came FAST here this year) or could get hit by a car like one of his mama's previous litter. We are doing the best we can and one thing I am sure of is this little baby will have the absolute best life we can give him and I pray it won't be long until we can afford a sweet friend for him ❤️ Thanks again for saying that Jackson, you really made me feel better and reminded me of everything I just said. I have loved learning from you ❤️
I got 2 kittens from the same litter and I’m so happy and grateful that I did . I believe everything you have said Jackson , cats are not solitary , they are very sociable with each other and hence with their owners . These 2 are such a joy to own and they are always playing and happy which makes me very happy also . ❤
My cat is a dog person. He grew up in the house with our 3 Labradors. Our 3 labs passed from old age within 2 years of each other. So, we decided to get him a cat friend. Nope. He insisted that he was now moving outside to live with our great Pyrenees. So, new cat was now all alone so that's the story of how we came to have 3 cats. 😊
Thank you for this! As a kitten foster, I always tell people the kitties are happier with a friend, especially a littermate. Cats are so widely misunderstood, I love videos like this that help dispel the myths.
Sometimes I get the, "well in the wild..." response, and I'm like, there is no, "'in the wild,'" first of all... I love how you explain that they HUNT alone, that doesn't mean they have no social structure. There's a reason colony cats are a thing.
We, out of ignorance, had an older cat and brought in a rescue 7yrs younger. Because we would lose the senior the 7 year gap has stayed until our last pairing with a 5 year gap. Through slow introduction, we found that both cats became great buddies in short order. I’d even say that in every situation, the younger cat brought more life-energy to the senior. Love your expert perspective always.
My adult son just adopted two teens cats who met a few times when the foster moms got together. One cat was a feral kitten, and the other was born as a foster. The foster one was adopted and then brought back with no explanation. These two are great companions for each other, and the foster kitty is teaching the feral to be more social and trusting...she is mothering toward him even though they are about the same age. They are both very sweet kitties, and we are glad my son brought both home together from the adoption event! They are both good for my son, too!!
Just adopted a bonded pair after my 14 year old cat had liver failure. My first time with two and it is great watching them play, sleep and eat together!
My two cats are so deeply in love and were introduced using Jackson's advice [which is my shelter's advice as well, where I now work haha]. I tell the story of my boys all the time to show people how much happier Percy, the first cat, is with a little brother. He was such an under-stimulated guy because of our work schedules and all he wanted to do was play and hunt us. Now he has a friend to go tackle whenever he feels like it. He was initially the intimidated one too, when we brought home baby #2! Now he grooms Caduceus every time they pass each other haha
@@Kitahand Haha thank you! We joke that we need a third to name Ashton but we can only have 2 rn and I feel like introducing a third might make them have a meltdown anyway
I'm unsure what exactly went on in my cat's previous life before I adopted her, but she REALLY doesn't enjoy the company of other cats. She does, however, love people to the point where I'll let her wander down the hall of my apartment building and let her say hi to the neighbors - and they absolutely adore her! lol
I was forced to separate a set of 4 brothers ftom the same litter that grew up together when i moved out of my parent's house this week. I could only afford to feed 2 of them so I took my favorite and his brother he gets along with the most.
My husband and I recently got a kitten for us and our 7 year old cat (his best friend, a dog, died last year and he’s been grieving for a while). We followed the introduction you suggested and it only took 6 days for our older cat to accept the new kitten. What amazes me is that not even one month later, they are already grooming each other and sleeping together. Our older cat will call for the kitten every so often (to see where he’s at ? I’m not sure). I am so happy to see the mutual benefits.
I'm so sorry for your loss, and so happy things are working out with the new kitten! I'm LITERALLY in the same situation. 7 year old cat whose BFF was my pittie, who passed away last May. I just brought home a kitten 2 days ago, and it's starting out okay. Glad to hear you are having success! ❤
I just took in a second stray 3 weeks ago, your videos have been critical to the success of this adventure. So far it’s going well! I thought my first cat would HATE having a second cat in the house but from day one she’s been nothing but curious and really wants to play her new friend.
I recently adopted River, an 8 month old. My 2 year old Stormy, by following your guidance of rational, slowly introducing them, are now best buddies. I was unsure about it before pulling the trigger but now I’m so happy I did. Stormy has increased energy and River adores him. Keep doing what you do Jackson.
I also used Jackson's introduction plan and it went fine. By the time the kitten was out of base camp everyone was familiar with one another so no trauma, fighting or hiding once we were all together.
My cat's a solo girl. I adopted her because she could not live with other cats. Her previous owners had multiple cats and it did not go well. Before that she lived with a couple who had to give her up because they had a baby and miss kitty could not deal with that. Now she's with me and only me, and that's exactly how she likes it ^_^
My cat was the same, she used to get really stressed about other cats and would hiss at them and chase them if they got near. The shelter had to separate her from the other cats and said she'd need to be the only cat. She was my best friend, she was very much a companion animal. I think all cats are different, some like other cats, some like dogs, some prefer humans.
Same here. I have a cat whose name was Nemesis from the shelter years ago. We adopted her into a house with several cats. We're down to just two now. I think she would murder her sister if she thought she could get away with it. The other cat is so old now she's no threat. It doesn't matter. I wish they would snuggle before the older cat leaves us....
Yes, it's not as simple as this video says. I have a 13 year old and you have to be careful about bringing another cat in. A kitten would be the worst - a torture device for a senior cat basically. Not all cats do well with other cats.
Yeah it doesn’t work out with every cat. My girlfriend and I adopted a cat from the shelter, and told us that if we got another cat we’d have to give her time and be careful. Prior, she came from a household with a ton of other animals, and she was separated from the other cats in the shelter as well. We eventually brought a kitty home and it wasn’t perfect at first, but after giving it time they became best friends!
I recently adopted two kittens who happened to be the only two in the litter. I had been considering getting two at some point anyway, and it seemed perfect to adopt a whole litter (a rather small one) instead of breaking it up. I feel so much better leaving them at home when I have to go to work, knowing they at least have each other for company!
I grew up with having one cat and it was in my mindset that they liked being on their own. I inherited my son's two cats, and it has been eye opening seeing how they get along. (or not). I like to feed them at the same time, so if one cat arrived but not the other, I say, Where is Coco, and Didi would go off and find him. This was especially useful when one had been ill, but had gone out and I couldn't find him. The other would go off and soon reappear with him. They check each others mouths to see what they have eaten as they have to have the same. Of one gets a little treat, the other will appear not long after for their share. On full moon nights, they will go off together, purposefully to the woods. They have spats, they like to sleep on their own but will argue for the best places.
Can confirm the introduction technique work much better than just "put them together then wait and see". When I was young and we got another cat, a kitten, the other cat hated it and constantly stalked and attacked her. As an adult, I've introduced cats twice through introduction over 3-5 days and it's always worked. The cats are much more open and curious, and you avoid months of unhappiness by just going through a few days of inconvenience.
I agree it's time well spent ... but I can't agree with the _inconvenience_ part. That is subjective, of course, but personally I find watching that process very interesting. Observing how they progress from suspicion to gradually getting to know and accept each other to finally loving each other is very entertaining to me. It has also helped me to understand them better, so everybody learned something.
When I adopted in 2020, I first only wanted 1 kitty, but the lady I adopted from insisted I adopt his brother too. I thought about it for a night, and decided to adopt the other kitty the next day. Best decision I’ve ever made😊
For two years we've had Tina (that was around 3yo by then), then we moved to a different country and wanted to get her some company. We adopted Luna as a 6m kitten and oh boy, I never thought this adjustment would be so hard... it took them 9 months! Those were the hardest months of my marriage because we were still adjusting to a new country / culture, while the cats were displaying hardcore signs of stress because of each other. We persisted way more than I think it was healthy for us because we already loved Luna and couldn't let her go... The process was following Jackson's suggestion and consulting a very known cat behaviour specialist. One day, something clicked and Tina didn't looked at Luna as a threat anymore when they shared the same room. They don't groom each other, but they play a ton and whenever Tina needs some space, Luna respects it. Seeing those two playing around brought me some happy tears! I'm so proud to be their guardian
I'm one of those who needs to thank you. I started watching your channel months before I could adopt my first car (obviously my first intention was to adopt one) and you convinced me that 2 was better than one. My boyfriend was a bit harder to convince, he only had single cats before and thought they were fine. Now we have to little sisters in our family and my boyfriend feels so bad for his former cats. My girls are always together, playing, grooming, snuggling or exploring
My 2yo cat had an over grooming anxiety problem for over a year. We brought home a confident 6m old and the first 2 months were tough, but his over grooming has reduced significantly and he’s more confident than ever. They play and sleep together and it’s really cute. I really recommend 2 cats for those not so confident ones ❤
I took home two pure black kittens , three months old . They are litter mates and have never been apart and enjoy each other. I love watching them play and every day is something new
My two older cats are brothers who’ve spent their entire lives together. When my oldest cat who only tolerated them passed in January, they seemed to miss him. They always loved him even though the feeling wasn’t mutual, forcing their love on him after he got too old to argue. When I brought home a kitten in July, I followed Jackson’s guidelines but also took it at their pace and met them where they were. In not even three days, they were getting along together and happy to be friends. My boys have loved having a kitten in their lives and handling the kitten’s energy became a million times easier after she was introduced to the others. Everyone who visits says they’re impressed with how well the three get along, so I have to be doing something right lol
Goodness, Jackson! I can't even put into words how much I love who you are as a person; your kind and genuinely caring soul not only for the magnificent cats but for all magical living beings! Yeah, I can recognize and feel those who love UNCONDITIONALLY! So, thanks a million for existing and for giving back to the world in such a mesmerizing way! 💙💙💙🤗🤗🤗🙏🙏🙏🌈🌈🌈🏵🏵🏵
I scooped a kitten up off the side of the road. She's my darling. A few months later a cat showed up in the parking lot at work and I ended up taking him home, too! They've been great for each other :) It was a little rocky at first, but they're both very sweet babies. They love each other now! They cuddle and groom and play a lot. It warms my heart more than I can describe to see them just... not have a care in the world now. I love them.
We have two buddies, both were living on the street. It took some time to convince myself to take in the second one, having a toddler and the first one is a bit... well, himself. It has been five months since. Best decision ever. First one is about 4yo, second one is about one. Thanks for the guidelines, advice and all the knowledge you share with us
I followed your method to introduce my cats to each other. It worked perfectly. They never fighting, they playing but always friendly! I had my first cat for 3 months and I felt so guilty for having just one cat. So after 3 months I brought a second cat home. Best decision in my life honestly.
I went to the shelter recently with full intentions of adopting 2 kittens. I ended up walking out with three. No regrets 😻
We did the same thing years ago. My wife had found two torty girls and we went to look at them. And there was a male tabby, the only other kitten from that litter. And he looked so puzzled why he wasn't getting attention. So I said 'but what about that one?', and we left with 3 cats. Never regretted it but I would have regretted not getting him. Charlie, Belle, and Emma. They were wonderful cats.
Last October we decided to get 2 more kitten's, came home with them 2 weeks later went back for their sister as she was the last one nobody wanted.
They have been so good and they have fitted in with our 3 other old cats they love my eldest who is 18 and half and she loves them.
@@xlerb2286Oh my goodness, it's heartbreaking to think of the tabby being all on his own as the last kitten of the litter. I'm so happy you took all 3 of them.
Oh dear...are you single?
😂😂😂! Brilliant!
We lost our cat Milo last year, he was last of 3 of cats, that grew up together. Milo was 17, Coco was 16 and Max was 16. I said no more cats, but the house was so quite without them, so I decided to adopt a kitten. We rescued Toby but he was so nervous that he hid from us all the time, he was from a litter of 4, Toby was the friendliest. So we went back for 1 of his siblings and got Ted the same day. This is the best thing we’ve done. Our 2 boys love life and doing things together. I will always recommend having more than 1 cat, they are better off with a friend.
I did the same, I got noodle from a rescue, and sat at home for about 6 days thinking about her two brothers and how she must miss them, so I called the rescue and went back the next day, fortunately for one of the kittens they were adopted out already, but the little guy that was left had a messed up eye and partially blind in the same eye, also he was black and apparently ppl in Ireland don't want black kittens as much as other colours, I called him Thor (homage to Marvel's Thor in Ragnarok), When I brought him home they spent around 30 mins eyeing each other up and then they just curled up around each other and went to sleep, they did this up until they were 18ish months old, they are 4 now and sometimes they sleep like that when it's cold outside. It was the best decision to go back her brother(s).
I adopted a female kitten (Jessy) in May. I went for a second kitten from the foster after watching one of the JG's videos two months later. My girl needed company so bad. I live alone so she was pestering me non stop.
Guess how I called her brother?
Milo! ❤️
🥰 Its awesome that you went back for the other kittens. 👍
@@Alexandra_Hill I love your story, enjoy!!!
I had a Orange cat named Milo
I used to volunteer at a cat shelter and they had implemented a rule that bonded kittens must go together. Totally agree with adopting two if you can afford it!
I like seeing that in shelters. It definitely gives them credibility to me, an unethical one wouldn't care. And after seeing how much my boy loves playdates with the kitten a friend of mine has, you can definitely see how important that kind of social contact is for them. My boy *glows* with happiness for an hour or more after they go home!
The rescue I adopted my cat from had a general rule that kittens had to be adopted in pairs unless there was going to be someone at home most of the time in their new home, or another cat that would be happy to make friends with it. If a kitten was a singleton or rescued and had no sibling, they would try to match it with a "buddy" before adopting them both out. I had fostered my cat before adopting her, and because she had had distemper (they can stay contagious to other kittens for a long time after recovery) and had lost all her siblings to the same disease, I was given an exemption from the 2-kitten rule, which was a good thing as my landlord probably wouldn't have agreed to me adopting more than one cat. I was working at the time but still home a lot and she never showed any signs of needing a companion or being bored or lonely.
Also with a buddy social animals are overall healthier - so you can more easily afford to visit the vet 😊👍
I’m in between on this. There was a beyond amazing shelter where I used to live and then there was the Human Society. The only cat I didn’t pick up off the street and actually adopted from a shelter was from the latter. Best cat I ever had after my first passed quickly from FIV. It was sad to see how much they were trying to get rid of them. I was not going there to adopt at all that day but I absolutely fell in love at first sight. They were giving cats away for $5 with a free vet visit, a decent size bag of food, a crate, and I forget what else. I was flabbergasted. At the first shelter I mentioned it was $85 and thorough background checks. That place was a no kill shelter, I would spend hours and hours there in the “cat room” just chilling and socializing with all the cats. 90% of the city gave 10% of their income to that shelter. Brotherwolf in Asheville, NC. They helped me steal a cat from this family who was threatening to call the police on me. They weren’t feeding him or anything though. That’s the cat that died from FIV. So glad I could give him a happy last few months.
That's awful for the kitten which would more likely get a home later than others, if they get one.
I was going to adopt my one orange boy, but when I kept hearing you talk about how important it is to adopt two, I decided his brother is coming along, as well! My boyfriend wasn't happy at the surprise of an additional kitten at first, but after watching them play, and knowing how much we're both away from home, he realized what a good choice I made. I love my beautiful orange boys with my whole heart! They're 13 weeks old today! 🥰😻😸💖💕
You made a great choice with two ginger male litter mates .
best thing so for them. theyve got a friend. i got a ginger boy and one of his brothers who was a black one. the black one is now my favourite
😭 it was the same thing for me! My boyfriend said, “We agreed on one!” And I said “But they’re SISTERS. We can’t separate them!!!” Guess who won hehe. Now he tells me every now and then “You were so right and I was so wrong.”
I did the same! I have my orange boy Whiskey and his dark spotted boy brother Tango!
We adopted my girl 5 years ago, gosh it’s gone fast, I didn’t know about adopting 2 at the time. The woman we got her from only had 2 left & she wanted the sibling (along with the 4other cats she said she had 🙄). Now that I know, I wonder if we could have persuaded her to let us have the sibling too. 🤷🏻♀️ I’m a stay at home mom who gives my girl lots of love & attention so she’s not totally alone 😻❤️😻
Growing up we had three cats (we still have 2). They were never close. They didnt cuddle or show each other affection. They all had their own spaces in the house that the other cats respected. When one of them, Blossom, started declining in her old age and losing weight, our very food motivated boy, Snowball, would give up his food for her and always waited until she had her fill before he ate (she got special food he liked and previously we would have to put him in another room or he would try to steal her food). If he was eating his food and she showed interest in it, he would stop eating and give it to her. We always thought that they didnt care for each other. He really proved us wrong. They may not be afffectionate with each other, but he cared enough to give her his dinner and treats when she needed it more than him. Now, Snowball is 18 and our other girl, Rose, is 19. Rose is declining now and losing weight as well. A few months ago he would have happily pushed her asside and stolen her food given the oportunity. Now he eats his and then patiently waits for her to finish before going after the leftovers even when he likes her food better than his own.
Aww thats so sweet🥺
I hope they’re all going to be okay :(
Wow ...too sweet!!
Ugly crying rn :’(
That's pretty cool, but there are some cats that just don't like other cats in general.
My girlfriend and I wanted to adopt a cat last year. We called a shelter and they told us that being our first time having a cat it was better to adopt two cats (in this case a mother and her kitten) instead of one kitten. We looked at each other in disbelief but then agreed because it wasn’t about what we “wanted”, it was about giving a family to a creature in need of one.
One year later, we regret nothing: they are our girls and we can’t imagine our lives without them. It was the right call!
Thank you for doing what was best for the cats instead of what you wanted at the time. Kudos to both of you for being flexible.
I’ve heard mothers don’t bond long term with kittens
@@aWomanFreed Sometimes... Like birds forcing their babies outta the nest. But I had 1 Momma who never quite got over when her 1 yr old baby boy ran away ... She cried over him (or for him to return) a painful wailing for like 6 months before finally accepting he wasn't returning.
@@BlairMountainNetwork oh wow, this was painful to hear… poor little one. I hope she can have a new friend
We took care of one mother and one kitten that were outdoorcats.
August 1 2020 I became a first time fur mom. I had an appointment to meet my orange girl Sunny and while walking over to see her I saw my grey boy Stormy. He was so scared he was shaking. I obviously couldn’t leave him there so I took both. They were 3 months and 4 months old and a handful. I can’t imagine not having both of them. I love them to the moon!
I also have a ginger and a grey. I’m fortunate to have them both and they get along so well
When I adopted my older kitty, the shelter would only let her go to a home with no other animals. She had always been an only pet. But she’s a sweet thing and has no problem when my Grandpuppy comes to visit. Has anyone out there had any success introducing another cat in this situation?
@@crochetmima1443 - maybe she would do better with a mature dog of the same breed or size of the puppy? I would check her reaction to another cat before adopting. Maybe foster with intent to find a companion YOUR cat CHOOSES.
Blessings on you and your furr family too!! They make life so wonderful and entertaining!! ♥
So glad great decision.
i have 2 cats. best thing i’ve ever done. i got them when they were kittens, from the same litter (they’re twins, brother and sister). they’re so attached to each other and me. they love, protect, and play with each other all the time. they’re also SO EASY to train when there’s 2 cats, because they feel so comfortable and safe having another cat they love there. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!! also, you aren’t splitting up siblings and families as much, so if you have some compassion please adopt siblings and families together as kittens. and KEEP it that way forever
Getting a third cat changed the dynamic in my house completely. my two cats were always tense with each other, and fought constantly- but once we introduced a third they started sleeping and playing together all the time. the 3 of them sleep in a big pile and do everything together- best decision I ever made!
Similar for my household - I'd adopted a pair of sisters from the local shelter at ~3 years old, and while the girl who demanded that I adopt them has been laidback, loving and cuddly from the moment I met her, her sister was always extremely shy and would have little to do with me or any other human, despite my efforts. She would only spend time with her sister.
In time and with medication we reached a point where she would lay on my bed near me and allow gentle touches if I were also laying down and keeping still. She refused play if I were on the other end of the toy. I eventually accepted that the shy cat needed her sister and her sister needed me, and that would be how the household worked.
Three years after I brought the girls home, my coworker had found a stray kitten and couldn't keep him b/c landlords, but the shelters in our area were closed to admissions. I agreed to foster him temporarily and to post his profile with the shelter for adoption to someone else but I knew within a couple of weeks that wasn't going to happen.
My shy girl had taken over the care of the kitten, bathing him, teaching him to be a cat, playing endlessly, etc. In the process she learned to play with me while I played with the kitten (and her, and her sister), and since she took that first step her confidence has exploded!
Her body language is so much happier. She explores the house, attacks toys spontaneously and with vigor, lays on furniture she would have hidden under before, and she's also become super chatty with me, which is an adorable surprise. She will actually seek me out sometimes to ask for pets and playtime!
Her relationship with her sister even improved which surprised me since I'd thought they got on well before. I think she became less smothering to her sister and easier to handle, since her sister is pretty low energy and she is actually an active cat when not immobilized by anxiety (her vet is helping her anxiety with meds too). She and the kitten continue to adore each other and play together lots.
That kitten's a couple of years old now, all grown up, very bold and friendly to everyone - Mr. Mojito himself. He and his aunties enjoy many a cuddle pile.
I'm at 7 :) snuggle party all day
I think it works with a younger kitten
Same here
Almost the same with mine. I started with one and then got her a kitten so she wouldn't be lonely. She didn't hate him, but tolerated him at most. She'd always hiss and yowl and run away to hide when he tried to play with her. So then we got a kitten for our second cat and it's been amazing. They play with each other and bother each other all the time. 1st cat now has company but isn't harrassed so she's less anxious, 2nd cat has a willing playmate to eat up his energy and no longer bothers 1st cat, and 3rd baby kitten has the older cats to play with, so he's not destructive out of boredom/understimulation. Win-Win-Win!
I adopted a whole family, the momma cat and her five kittens. Watching their development and interactions has been a wonderful experience.
Sweet home Alabama
I checked your youtube video.
you should make more videos of your cat family
@@Pax.UA-cam You are very kind, thank you. I just wanted to see how it feels to upload something...
awesome. Just dont be one of those who make cute videos on youtube than ask for money at the end of the video cause they cant afford to feed 5 cats ( then don't keep 5 cats)...I believe these type videos are ruing actual charity towards animals
@@MrMarcodarko I totally agree with you. I won't upload more videos because my day is busy with other activities. I have actually nine cats and it is a huge responsibility and problems occur. Right now I have the male black cat separated because suddenly he and his mom started fighting. Animals have their own rules and we have to be aware that cuteness is not something natural in them.
I adopted a senior that had been in a kennel at the shelter for 6 months. My resident cats wanted nothing to do with him, yet he was desperate for friendship. I got him his very own kitten. Wow, what a great grandpa he turned out to be! He just loved and doted on his kitten and in the process, the other cats took interest. When the kitten got to an age where he was more than my senior could handle, my other cats took over and they all became friends. I lost that senior a couple of months ago and all of my cats and my dog mourned his loss.
I was at a shelter many years ago, just going in and sitting with the kittens. A couple with their child happened to also be in proximity. They were looking at adopting a SINGLE kitten and we got to chatting. I remember mentioning out that two kittens is always better than 1 as they can keep each other company when the humans are out. I headed off shortly thereafter to go sit with the adult cats for a bit. A little while later when I went to leave, I saw the same couple adopting TWO kittens! One of the best moments of my life!
I learned about this from my last cat. She was an only child all her life. She had a brother that was adopted by someone at the shelter and she looked so sad and lonely in that little cage. She was just a little kitten all by herself so I decided to take her home with me and she was my little sweetheart for 18yrs. She just recently passed away from old age. She had arthritis and a health problem that shortened her life. I miss her to this day. A strange thing happened after she passed. I had a dream about her. In my dream, she was at my front door with 2 other cats. They were siblings, brother and sister. I can't explain how I knew what she was saying. I just understood her that she was sending me these 2 little sibling cats to make me happy again. It was then that I also understood that she missed her brother her whole life. And this was why she sent me these 2 precious little cats that are brother and sister. It was only 2 days after that dream that a guy showed up at my daughter's work. He wanted someone to take 2 young cats because he was moving and couldn't take them with him. My daughter, who I live with, took them right away and I was surprised and happy because they were the same cats that I saw in my dream that were with my beloved cat that had just passed. I was never aware that she missed her brother all that time that I had her. I learned learned this from her. Never just adopt one. My 2 new cats are so cute and funny. I love them. 🐈🐈💕❤️❤️❤️
Bless you ! I really appreciate your story and believe it totally.
@@judyjudy4900 Bless you, too. It was real. It was a real dream and my cat that had just recently passed was standing outside my front door with these 2 little cats that are siblings that I now have. They are beautiful cats and I love them. Although there will never be another Tamu(her name), I will always love and miss her. Thank you for your reply.
Amazing tale! I am in awe of it. Wonderful. ...And I know what you mean when you say "there will never be another Tamu"... they are not "replaceable", even though more may come! ❤️❤️
What a wonderful message Tamu sent you!!!... Bless her furry soul now at peace. 🙏🏽 I believe the if the 4-leggeds could communicate with us, they would have SO MUCH to say!!! ~ 😻💞🐈🐈⬛
@@BlairMountainNetwork Thank you for your reply. Yes. I do believe that our 4 legged furry little friends would have a lot to tell us about and to teach us about. Much thanks to my little Tamu! 🐈💕
When we brought a kitten home that we adopted from a shelter our older cat came to "life". She started playing more seemed like she felt better. It was tricky at first but now they groom each other and now sleep togehter. I am so glad we adopted Mitzy.
This is similar to what happen to us. Our oldest cat was very close with our boy who unexpectedly passed about a year ago. Immediately after he got really depressed and was out of it. Once we brought home a 1 year old he perked right up and is running and playing more than ever!
We experienced the opposite. Our older cat (5 yrs old) didn’t like her space being shared with the new kitten who was stressed by the hyper kitty. We kept the kitten in the bathroom to sleep. At times we had to separate them during feeding. The kitten would jump to play onto the new cat and put older cat was not having it. We tried EVERYWHERE for advice. We found none that was helpful to our situation. We had to give up our kitty or mine I should say and I’m broken hearted. Sure she’s in a good home but…
My cat's name is also Mitzy!
Omg my cats name is also Mitzi we are so many lol
I have had this exact same experience! Our anxious 2 year old who had too much energy for me to play out seemed like she needed a friend. We got a kitten 3 weeks ago and slowly introduced. So far, even though they are still at the chasing phase of play, she is calmer than she was as a single cat. The key here is really taking things slow and making sure the first cat doesn't feel replaced!
We adopted a young kitten after our elderly cat died. I was very firm about only wanting one pet. She had a happy, extroverted dog personality- not afraid of anything or anyone and seemed fine on her own. I watched a couple of your kitten videos and you brought up how kittens shouldn't be alone and was convinced to get a second kitten who is two weeks younger . I am so happy I listened to you! The bond between them is so sweet and older one taught the younger how to play hunt and to not be as afraid of people. The shy younger kitten taught the other not to play too rough and to recognize boundaries. They are best friends . Thank you for all that you do!
Fantastic!! 🤗👍
I’m really impressed with your comment, if you don’t mind friendship were are you from 😚?
Aww, your comment is so sweet, I'm so glad you got a second kitten. I know what you mean about thanking Jackson Galaxy - my cat's life is so much better because of him, there are so many things I just didn't know. I see UA-cam comments saying the stuff he says is common sense, but it wasn't, at least not where I grew up. He helped make it common sense, at least for me.
Thank you!! So glad I watched this!!! We just brought home a brand new kitten yesterday, and I was studying hard to becoming a better cat mom, since this is our first cat, and I’m so glad I saw this video this early.
I was able to contact the mother’s owner, and it turns out she had a sister she was really bonded to that still needed a home, so we will be picking up her sister tomorrow! 🥰♥️🐱
Congrats!!😸❤️
Glad you are doing this!
YOU GO Gal. how is is going?
Yay!
aw, so sweet, i had a similar experience... well my dad did. he went to pick up jujubee, and then ended up with her and loisel, one was all shy and solitude and the other was off the walls, super social, and while they weren't sisters, they did grow up together, and went through some of the same stuff together. sadly loisel died, sometime last year either at the beginning of the year or the end of 2022, cant rememeber. we did get a kitten in october though, but jujubee and her don't get along cause jujubee is a butt.
I saw 2 kittens bonded together, but one of them was already processed and going to another home. So I put an application in for the other one, and decided we would get another kitten a bit later for her. The day I picked her up, the other kitten she was bonded with, was open for adoption again. It must have fallen through. It worked out great fir us because we applied for him and its great that we were able to keep them together. I definitely noticed how much happier they were together. I'm so happy it worked out fir them. ☺️
I have one of those “only want to be an only cat” cats. We adopted her as a senior at 7 years old. The shelter warned us that she needed to be an only cat. Two months later, a random stray decided to move in with us (literally walked in the door and made herself at home….pure Mojito cat). It took a lot of time following Jackson’s advice but they now happily coexist. My senior cat still doesn’t love the idea, even 2 years later but she allows that two cats can be in the same room without anyone dying 😅
My situation is 90% similar. Which Jason's advise helped for them to socialize? Any other videos?
same here! except we brought in the stray kitten ourselves. how did you did you help them get along? i keep wondering if it’s not too late for my kitties 😢
As long as they can co-exist that's all that matters! Haha
We had the same kind of thing, we found a stray kitten outside and were going to take it in except our cat immediately tried to kill it and then went around hissing, growling, and attacking us and anything that smelled like it the rest of the night. She does not like other cats, never got along with them. That's mostly why we had taken her in, she was dropped of at my husband's friend's house who had a bunch of cats but she wasn't happy there and the other cats used to bully her so we took her home with us since we had been wanting to take in a cat anyways.
She freaks out even if there is another cat outside, at our old place the nieghbor had a cat that would sit on the porch (it was an apartment so we shared a porch) and if she heard it or smelled it she would freak and hiss and growl for the rest of the night.
She's just an only cat kind of cat.
Pretty much the same for us. Our cat is a scardy cat and so she hates other cats, even babies 1/4 of her size have chased her around the house (when they've escaped from their room).
We've used Jackson's introduction techniques on a couple more long term fosters but we've only had one success where she learned to live with the other cat. They were never friends but they coexisted.
When my boyfriend and I bought our home in 2021, we had 2 girls. That same year I changed jobs and my first week I got to play rescue ranger to a feral cat and her kittens on the property I manage. I was only able to catch one before mama moved the rest of the kittens elsewhere. I felt so bad separating this kitten from her family, so we fostered and then adopted her. 3 cats was great, but we could tell there was something missing. The newest girl just seemed like the odd one out all the time. We looked and looked but no cat we saw felt like a great fit. This past February on a 7° day with ice all around, I hear cries of a kitten coming from under a car. Our parking lot is always busy, but especially in the mornings. So I went and wrangled this kitten for an hour at the start of my day. She was in bad shape. Half frozen from being wet, with frost bite on her tail and tips of her ears. I was sure she wasn't going to make it. We agreed if she pulled through, we would keep her. A month later she had to have the tip of her tail removed from the frostbite. A small sliver of her ear tip fell off. She was sickly and malnourished, but not for long. 10 months later and she is a cuddle bug, sweetest thing you could meet. She's come a long way and she rounds out our home. Just fits in like a puzzle piece. We are now real big believers in what we call the Rule of Evens. Pairs are just better able to keep each other company and no one gets left out.
Sorry for the novel, but if you read this far thank you. I can't wait to watch this. Definitely adopt the 2nd (or.. in my case... 4th) cat!
Awesome story. 😺You're making me wonder if I (well, my cats) would like a fourth playmate!
Thank you for rescuing your "ice" kitty! No apologies needed, I love reading other folks experiences with the cats who own them. 🐈⬛
I rescued a kitten 22 years ago whose mother and all but one sibling had died, my neighbor took her sister. Smidgen was in such bad shape I didn't have much hope for her. She was so tiny she fit in the palm of my hand, had ringworm so bad most of her fur was gone. I spent @ $200 on meds and vet visits to get rid of the ringworm and intestinal parasites. She recovered, and grew to be absolutely beautiful, with the sweetest personality! She was a long-haired tabby with a white face and paws and a long bushy tail. We had a one-year old long-haired black male cat who loved her, and they bonded for life. When he died at 18 yrs, she became depressed and wouldn't eat. She passed a few months after him.
I think animals who are rescued from near-death never forget and appreciate those who helped them. Five years ago, my son got a terrified black stray kitten to trust him enough to catch her and bring her indoors. Her tail was freshly severed, probably by a predator who tried to eat her. We live far out in wilderness on a mountain, where there are pumas, coyotes, wolves, lynx, bobcats, and other scary things. She's never wanted to go back outside!
She is always near my son, whom she adores and is fiercely possessive of. She allows me to pet her, as long as I don't pick her up. She gets butt-hurt when I hug my son! She doesn't like our other two cats, just my son and our sweet border collie who bonded with her when she was little and scared.
I can't imagine life without cats!
Thank you for sharing and you both have beautiful souls taking in these kittens. ❤❤
Your story is heartening. I now have five: three eight-year-olds; one aged four months, who was found under one of our cars two months ago, and an eight-week-old we rescued from a neighbor's yard when he was a week old and being harassed by a raccoon. The kittens have bonded over copious play, which the elders enjoy watching, while having engaged their play instinct again. It's enabling our twenty-two pounder to reduce his weight. I also feed a small cadre of strays. I just need to get them all TNR'd. Sorry for commandeering your post with my long story.
Thank you very much for your incredible story!
Actually you have really made me think about the forth... 🤔
Thank you for adding the financial implications, Jackson. Our senior rescue cat would love a companion, but we cannot afford to have two cats. Very sad, but it is what it is. Thank you for not making me feel guilty about that as well.
💯agree!!! Years as a caregiver to loved ones (ages 89-92 so far), which comes with no paycheck,makes it cost-prohibitive to have a 2nd fur baby (+ safety reasons... don't need someone with dementia letting a cat outside...keeping tabs on more than 1 kitty and/or elder is nearly impossible). So yeah.... thank you Jackson, for making that important & very real point. Because I do feel bad, but the cat that rescued me (a foster fail 💓) is an only son for now. A very loved one. 💕🐈⬛
Same. I have a 7 year old. I can't afford another cat. 1 is good for me plus my husband is allergic. We don't need 2 but I don't feel bad. My cat will be alright. He's a tough boy. He has me. 😊
Me too
Was in my local Humane Society office today, and there were 3 kittens in a carrier waiting for their adopter to come pick them up -- so great they were being homed together!
Yay!! It’s a Christmas miracle
My boss found 3 kittens while she was hiking. Someone dumped them in the woods when they were 3-4 weeks old. I ended up bringing all 3 home and I’m so glad I did. I can’t imagine not having them all. They’re 3 months old now and all have their own distinct personalities. They’re so much fun to watch and they’re super sweet
I would of done the same! lol ;)
I know you've spent a lot of time thinking about this, but WHO ABANDONS A LITTER OF KITTENS IN THE WOODS? What kind of monster...
@@haileybalmer9722 A selfish monster.
I would have never thought about adopting two kittens but when I went to the shelter the kind lady brought two kittens out for me to look at. The 10 week old kittens were siblings and they had identical markings! One was male and the other one was a female. They are American Short Hair black and white tabby kittens. I couldn't see separating them so I brought both of them home with me. I'm so glad I did. I love them and their names are Littleboy & Littlegirl.
❤❤
I love listening to my 3 cats thundering through the house late at night. There's almost a sense of "satisfaction" I get from seeing them play together
I went to the shelter to adopt a geriatric cat and found out that he had a younger "sister" meaning they came from the same household and were surrendered to the shelter together. I couldn't leave her behind so I brought both of them home and I am so happy I did because they felt so much more relaxed in a new environment having each other and I just couldn't even think of leaving her behind.
We did not know about the 2 cat rule when we adopted our first cat 2 years ago. But after watching a million Jackson Galaxy videos we decided that our Felix will be so much happier if we get him a friend. So we adopted a girl kitten this year. We introduced them slowly, but he went through some kind of a depression - stopped purring, got an allergy, then got sick, but eventually they started getting along. Now we see that both of them are so happy together! playing all the time, even sleeping together. We left them alone for 10 days (of course with a nanny giving them food and play every day) and when we got back there was no sign of that usual stress that Felix has if we are on vacation for more than 2-3 days. It was the best decision ever. Cats need other cats
Can you help me with advice?
My cat get so angry is he saw another cat
How can i make him feel comfortable?
My husband and I got married a month ago, and each of us had one cat, and we have both enjoyed seeing our boys play together and want to cuddle us even more than they did before. Both cats were adopted while we were dating, so we always had the plan of eventually putting them together, but it's been crazy to see how much better it was. The kitten stopped biting us because he always had someone to play with. And he's learned that his big brother doesn't really like to be bitten either lol
Yes the learn biting boundaries from other cats.
Wonderful - a real family now!! 🥰😸
Congrats to you on your marriage! You both sound incredible, planning for your pet's wellbeing! Not everyone thinks this way! God Bless you both, enjoy every minute as cat parents.. ❤
I just recently adopted 2 kittens. Different litters and different ages, but still kittens. They bonded almost immediately. One of them was a wallflower and her new brother gives her so much confidence. A month ago she was only coming out of her spaces to eat. Now the two of them prance down the stairs together with question mark tails and snuggle on the bed with us every night. Getting two makes such a difference.
I adopted 2 recuse kittens about a month ago. They are a bundle of joy and a source of frustration every day. But I am so glad I adopted them. I just received your book, however Luna isn’t sure I should be reading it.
I adopted a second cat because of this video. And thanks to your other videos, the introduction process went great!
❤
Cats are just introverts, and need their space.
How long did it take for them to get along?
@@annoyingirl obviously i can't speak for the op since i dont know lol, but getting cats introduced to each other and happy with one another doesn't have a set amount of time. some cats get along in a week, some take weeks, and some even take months. don't be discouraged though if it goes on for awhile though!! they're just not used to new changes yet :))
I completely regret not getting my cats litter mate as a kitten. She totally relied on me to be her playmate and I feel like she doesn't really act like a cat. I got her a friend once she turned one. They finally have both warmed up to each other and now they chase each other all over the house and try to snuggle! Definitely get two kittens or two cats
I have two female kittens (they are not litter mates) 6 months between them and they get on great ;)
How long did it take for them to warm up to one another? My cat just turned on me and I’m thinking of getting another!
Struggling w this right now myself.
I had a 4 yr old female tortoiseshell …
I found myself having to rescue a 5 month old (full of energy) kitten from outside.
I wanted to get it done before fall/winter arrived bc fall/winters in Ohio are BRUTAL on anything trying to live outside.
Finally trusted me enough for the rescue.
He is an orange 🍊 cat.
5 month old male.
We are planning on having him neutered before he’s seven months.
He’s been inside my home now for nearly 4 weeks.
He lets everything roll off his back and is not affected by my 4 yr old females hisses or larger size. He just want to play !!
I am unclear on how to bridge this gap. She just will not warm up to him.
We introduced the cats exactly the way Jackson said to do.
It worked in the sense that she hasn’t rejected him … she just won’t warm up to him.
She stalks him and hisses.
And then I started thinking, it’s almost like she doesn’t know what to do with him. And then I thought, why would she?
She’s been alone with us for four years. We got her as a kitten in a shelter. She has never played with other kittens or cats. We have been her only playmates. It’s almost like she’s not allowing herself to let go because she doesn’t know how or even that she’s able to.
If you’re reading this, please tell me how long it took your 2 cats to finally warm up enough to play together and snuggle.
Was one cat aggressive (hissing, batting occasionally) towards the other?
And, did you do anything specifically to help reach that gap and if so, what please 🙏🏼
I really want this to work out bc I want to keep the new kitten (Frank 🐈).
Any advice or your personal experience would be great 👍🏼
@@Stopstaring101 My situation isn't exactly like yours, but I did have to reintroduce my 9 year old cat to my 3 year old cat (long story.) I recommend getting the Feliway diffusers; they give off pheromones that calm cats down. Also give the older cat places where she can get up off the ground to observe the kitten, that way she doesn't feel like she's in danger. I also recommend keeping her in a separate area at night to give her stress response a break. Having a safe spot/time where she knows the kitten will not bother her. If all else fails you could ask your vet for anxiety meds for your older cat.
@@meadowrae1491
Thank you for the advice meadowrae!!
All of your suggestions were very good! I’m especially eager to try the diffuser as I didn’t even know those existed!! Since I posted that comment, things have actually gotten better between the cats 👏🏼 thank goodness!! They still have a ways to go but the situation has improved.
I will still implement a couple of your good ideas however, as I feel they could still be helpful.
Thank you again so much 🥇
I brought home one kitten this September and that very same night, I was submitting applications to adopt another one! Two kittens is absolutely the right move! I was able to bring home one of his littermates. They play together, groom each other, eat together out of the same bowls, and keep each other company while I’m not home. My kitten would cry when I left him and I had to play with him constantly. Now, they have each other and I have twice the love ❤
Getting a second cat is the best thing I’ve ever done. I adopted a 1.5 year old stray from a shelter and about 6 months later I adopted a 12 week old kitten.
The introduction part was intense. My older cat wanted nothing to do with the baby.
Now they’re best friends and knock everything over they possibly can together, then they cuddle and clean each other when they’re done ❤️
@GetOuttaMyFae
I have somethings to ask you,Im out most of the day so my cat is left alone,and ive come to know that my cat meows like hell when im not home,and it has become a routine,i feel like another cat would help his loneliness,so im thinking of getting a kitten,i have an okay sized room for about 2 beds and a washroom,thats where my main cat lives,as there are shelves there and stuff,and a bathroom,if i get the kitten,how long would it take for them to get along,and after that can i go for college or work for about 9-10 hours and leave them alone everyday without them harming each other?or i have to look out for them forever?how long did it take you ?can you leave those two cats alone in a room now?any answer would be appreciated,thanks
@@MustafaRaheel hey! I’m pretty sure Jackson Galaxy also has a video on how to properly introduce cats. What I did is put the kitten in my bedroom for two weeks and kept my other cat out of my bedroom. I would feed them on either side of the door so that they could get used to each others scents, and during that two weeks I also let my other cat into my bedroom supervised for extremely short periods of time. If I got nervous that either cat was going to attack I would separate them, but you have to be able to read their body language. If you’re not good at that I would suggest installing a baby gate and supervise their interaction like that.
I didn’t leave them alone with each other for about a month, whenever I would leave the house I would put the kitten back in my room.
The kitten had its own food bowl, water bowl, and litter box and so did my older cat.
@@MustafaRaheel I would highly suggest getting your cat a kitten!
My cats love each other and more times then not they sleep cuddled up to each other. They play together a bunch and I don’t have to worry about them fighting when I leave the house.
Also, I would suggest investing in at least two cat trees and some toys. Cats are highly intelligent and thrive with regular mental stimulation.
My 12 year old boy (cat haha) lost his personality after his friends died (they were 18s and 17). He was a shell of himself. We brought in an 11 month old girl and he immediately perked up. She played rough with him so we brought in a really young kitten. The girl and the kitten are having the times of their lives and our older man LOVES having them around. Agreed that bringing more in can be a good thing.
Ruby was always getting old, slowing down. Then dad brought home baby Rosie. And dear God did her as a baby revitalize the old girl. There was play, and love, and teaching this itty bitty kitty how to cat. They loved each other. Ruby was put down two years later. But she died happy, and loved. Rest in peace baby girl.
I can’t imagine having only one cat. My older cat, Mascha, left us beginning of the year. I cannot say if the loss was harder for me or for my ginger cat Peter. For a short time Peter was a single cat and it was impossible to do anything, but play and cuddle with him. He needed so much attention! I have adopted another sweety and now I have again two happy cats and time for myself.
I can
Exactly my story. My beloved KitKat left and both myself and ginger cat, Nugget.....mourned. I have since adopted two others and Nugget seems pretty ok but if I say Kitkat's name....Nugget looks around for him.
I grew up in a single cat home and I can say there is a HUGE difference with how they get socialized alone vs in couples/groups. I adopted my 2 girls from a shelter earlier this year. I was originally only going to get one cat until I did my research (including your content) and got 2. BEST decision! Zero regrets! They know how to play and be social. I am so lucky to have 2 beautiful and lovely kitties :)
This is an older-ish video but I just needed to say this-
I don’t know what I’d do without this channel. I’m a first time owner, full time worrier (anxiety) and I dove head first into adoption to try and help me heal.
A sweet silly kitten won me over, even though I went in to get an older cat. I got him, kitten work be damned, and have been nonstop marathoning this channel.
Until I read everywhere, kittens need a second. Luckily! It’s only been three days, and the shelter told me the second kitten is free. Sooo…
My boy adjusted so fast to the space. He sometimes runs around when he’s overwhelmed. But he’s eating, drinking, going to his box, and playing no problem. Already has full reign of the kitten proof house.
I learned I was overthinking it. But THIS video pushed me over the edge, and also helped me calm down about it.
Adopting a second today, praying the new one is as easy as the first. I was blessed.
Thank you again Jackson, it’s been crucial to have this channel for my sanity.
How’s it going so far? ❤
@@hibaaqahmed9099 so well! The boys play (good play fighting) all the time, which is really helpful with their energy. They are sometimes cuddly, but no sleeping piles or grooming really yet. It feels like they are too shy to admit they are buddies. They adjusted very quickly, and I think Jackson’s advice really helped me with creating a good environment
@@dukeroberts5491 That’s great. I’m similar to you in the over thinking department so it feels really good when someone or something helps you come to a decision and it works out. I hope you enjoy everyday with them 😊 they’re lucky to have you as well.
We adopted two kittens during the pandemic after watching your videos and it was the best thing we did. With two cats there is so much to watch. They are always playing together and I love when they snuggle together. They really have personalities that are so different but love to be with each other. One thing I love is when one gets concerned or scared, the other checks on them.
I started with one kitten and realized his anxiety every time I left the house was so high and when I returned home he just wanted me to hold him all night, after a year I got another kitten so their a a year apart and man I will say it has been the best thing I ever did. The older kitten is very kind and a leader indeed and his confidence being a big brother has reduced the anxiety. I have accepted He wants me to hold him everyday when I come home still but that’s cool. I know they are both happy and content with each other. I love them so much Tigger and Waffles, I’d like to get a third but my daughter said two is enough!!! So when she one day does move out I’ll probably get two more lol!!!!❤😊
Beautiful story
We had 2 cats when I trapped a homeless kitten that was about 8 weeks old. Took him in but my husband said we can't keep him we're only allowed 1 cat (it's a condo). We wound up keeping him anyway. Another cat I'd been taking care of at my local Home Depot wound up getting so friendly we couldn't keep her from coming in the store... I brought her home the husband was furious. He got over it. But one of the resident cats refused to accept her. We wound up keeping the cats in pairs in separate areas. Since August we lost 2 cats, one from each pair, leaving just the 2 cats that can't be mixed. My husband surprised me when he said let's go get two kittens so that they can go back and forth between the cats. Within days they're running around with Elvis. Kitty is acting afraid of them (they're 5mos old, neutered) but I'm still working on her. Worst case is we have 2 areas with 1 cat and 3 cats.
@@lynnmartz8739 Lynn, my motto is it's easier to get forgiven than it is to get permission 😉
Hubby picked up a single kitten he found at a gas station, I can say for certain that our single adult cat has really come out of her shell and is so much more playful, and seems so much happier now that she has a little kitten buddy ❤️
I'm a retired 71 year old artist but love to still paint from home my 70 year old husband is a software engineer still works from home. We have an 8 month old cockapoo puppy named Harley and we got 2 litter mate kittens Davidson (Davy)and Mazie 6 days ago. After 2 nights of no sleep I was thinking we must have been crazy thinking we could do this at our age but the 3rd night everyone slept through the night and now we got a routine down. We are one big happy family we play, eat, sleep, and love together. The dog thinks he's a cat and the cats think they are dogs. We are loving life. I just wish everyone could experience the joy we are having with our 3 furbabies.
The problem is not with YOUR age, it is with your KITTENS' age! Six days old is far too young to be adopted!! They still need their mother.
@@mcmlxii4419she said 6 days ago
She said 6 days ago they adopted, not 6 day old
Your home is bliss with so much love. Always heartwarming to read about those who has a purposeful, happy life ❤️🐾❤️🐾😻🐦🐕🦺🥰
I'm just starting my career as a software engineer but I want to be your husband when I'm 70 😂😂 I want to be surrounded by animals well into old age ❤
I’ve nearly always had 2 cats. Mostly females that I knew liked being around other cats. Two years ago, after losing a senior cat, I opted for a “younger” kitty - Sadie, who was just shy of two years. It was only as I was picking her up (under COVID restrictions) that they told me she’d been labeled “aggressive” and possibly “dangerous.” That worried me a bit, but what I found was that she is supremely confident. She’s also a total goofball! One year ago, I added a shy, one-year old male who had come from a hoarding situation. He was very fearful, for some time, but Sadie’s confidence and playfulness have been a real benefit for him. He’s bigger than she is, so she tries to dominate him but doesn’t always win. She is now 3 1/2 and he is 2, and they race around playing, snuggle each other (and me) when sleeping, and Oliver is so much more confident. I see him looking to Sadie when presented with a new situation, as if he’s gauging his safety based on her response. I’m not sure she’s ALWAYS the best role model, because she is fearless, but she has really helped him to feel safe. I call her my nutty buddy and him my sweet boy, and they are perfect together! ❤
Love your happy story Tem! 😸🤗
I’m really impressed with your comment, if you don’t mind friendship were are you from 😚?
We adopted 2 kittens during the pandemic after we lost my kids’ dad. We were concerned about them getting along with our older cat (about 5 years at the time) because he had always been an only cat and was a bit of a curmudgeon. The rescue talked us into a second cat of a sibling pair because as a more reticent black cat she didn’t have a lot of chance of being adopted, and because they thought having another kitten with kitten energy level would reduce stress on our existing cat during the transition. We did use your techniques to introduce them. We are so glad we did. Turns out our curmudgeon cat was mostly bored. They are all super happy together, and the bonus kitty is quite frequently my lap baby. We are believers… will never have an only cat again (and will probably adopt black kitties from here on out due to their adoptability stats from shelters). Thanks for all your great advice.
I’m really impressed with your comment, if you don’t mind friendship were are you from 😚?
Our Bella was a black cat and so is Japser. The black cats do grt a bad rep because of superstition
While planning the adoption I really wanted a black cat or a ginger cat if no black cats meshed with me. And I'm **so** glad I went with a black cat! My boy was a barncat and unneutered until he crash-landed at the SPCA here with a bunch of injuries. His big scared eyes in the adoption profile had me from the start. He was the second or third profile I looked at, I looked at maybe 5-10 more with varying levels of (dis)interest then applied to adopt him when I realized he was the one. And he's the snuggliest little gremlin in the world. Stray cats/outdoor cats appreciate the H*LL out of you!
ETA: I mentioned in my application how I prioritized black cats, ginger cats, and Siamese-types in that order because I know the stigma black cats have. One of the receptionists who approved the adoption said she has a black cat and she noticed they get ignored here too. *BUT* in some areas the messaging about black cats being just as great as any other has worked, a friend of mine in Ohio said when she volunteered at a shelter black cats went out at the same rates as others.
I have had two black cats and they have been the most loving and so have the black cats my friends have had.
honestly, adopting two kittens from the same litter is the single best thing i've ever done.... my whole life i've only had one cat at a time, but after my last passed of age, we adopted a brother and sister, simply because one chose me, and his sister chose my partner, and we couldn't split them... but it's absolutely the best thing we've done... infact their bond is why we adopted a 3rd 2 years later, they were so bonded, we were worried that one day, if the worst happens, the remaining one would be heartbroken, and i wanted to bring in that 3rd so that we would never lose that bond between them...
never again will i have only a single cat, and i deeply regret depriving my previous cats of that bond....
@Jacksongalaxy1onnicegramman i hate bots
@@Its_Chipster Yes, 2 from same litter is the way to go.
Planned to adopt one cat, informed myself with your videos and deciding to adopt 2
I did the same!
Good for you!
Excellent choice. You won’t regret it.
I'm glad you added the part about the exception to the multi-cat preference. When we adopted our current cat from the shelter, we were told that she had been in another cat and dogs and kids. She had been abused by the kids and fought all the time with the other cat and the dogs. We had to promise when we adopted her that she would be an only cat. It took about a month for her to be confident that this was her home and she didn't have to be watching over her shoulder.
My mother volunteered a bit at the cat shelter my parents got their cat from and she was hearing all these stories about how our cat would fight with everyone and how it was so much quieter with him gone. They accepted that he did not like other cats and never introduced a second. After a few years he developed a really close bond with one of the neighbors cats (our cat is indoor-outdoor, their cat is indoor) and now he visits him daily and they even sometimes snuggle together. Miracles can always happen
Our rescued kitty was pregnant! She gifted us with 5 kittens August 10th. We found good homes for 2 kittens. We now have mama-cat and 3 kittens.
You are so lucky! What a beautiful experience!
@@iluvanimals4evr Yes, we just adore all of them! Mama-cat is Daisy. Her daughter is Aoife and her two sons are Archie and Billy. I can't even move right now because I have two kittens (Archie and Aoife) sleeping on my legs.
😍❤️
I have two kittens, 1 male and 1 female. Sibllings. The difference is that having two cats mean:
- They eat the double.
- They destroy the double.
- They shit the double.
- They wreck the house by the double.
All in all, I LOVE THEM THE DOUBLE. 🙂
I'm going through it too man. Thinking of returning one to the adoption center. I left with one but went back after watching this video a week later. Regretting my decision honestly but trying to be patient.
@@kevinzamora3038Why are you regretting it?
@@jadef-pz9wu not much of regret more like it's more work than I had expected caring for 2. Like the above comment said "eat double", "wreck the house double", "shit double" lol. I was able to manage one cat, with 2 they play and knock things over, smell from litter, it's not the best thing to come home to after work. It's frustrating but I love my cats, I'm sure I can make taking care of them less work.
@@kevinzamora3038buy a cat litter robot. It costs like $4-500USD but makes life easier.
Absolutely, this video is a bit dangerous.....gives the impression how much easy it is, cats having fun, sleeping etc. But God out one cat's food and litter, costs more than many families food portion. We took a Maine coon they will grow bigand eat a LOT,I was super tempted to take his sister with us but so glad my husband was more rational as this one already is trying us (we have a son with Adhd, him with the cat give enough work...)
We've followed your guidelines during the last three times we had to introduce new cats into our home. Twice it worked fine. The third time we have tried and retried with no luck (the new guy was a former feral). We just have two guys who are never going to get along and now we just try to prevent damage. We appreciated the recent video about stopping a fight before it begins, thank you! Hubby and I are committed to making our little clowder as content as possible.
A month ago we adopted a mommy cat (3yrs) and her boy (8weeks). I'm glad that we have them both. ❤️
Got a kitten and four days later went back for his sister because of you. So happy I did!
my senior kitty died a few weeks ago at 17 and it left me devastated. I always wished she'd had a sibling tho as I spent a lot of hours away from her. just adopted 3 kitties at 8 weeks and I'm super glad I did. watching them play is therapeutic RIP Bonesy. I love you always
THANK YOU! When I tell people how we got our two little sisters, I get such disbelief - even from some vets! We were looking for a cat friend for our 3 yr old giant, orange, rescue tom cat, and my veterinarian brother-in-law texted us asking us to take one of a litter of 6 that had been brought to them at about 2 days old. They were now 6 weeks old and they had found homes for 4 of them but the last two had just become so violent - hissing and spitting at any human that approached - that noone wanted them. He asked if we could take one, it would be hard work but she would calm down once they were separated.
We went straight round and, sure enough, when our brother went to the cage to get them out, they hissed and scratched, I took the first one and tried to hold her under my chin where she would hear my pulse and she became quiet, but she was trembling and stiff and when my brother picked up her sister she started hissing again and scrambling (which is all most "scratching" really is) over my shoulder. It was immediately clear to me, that she was trying to get to her sister. I walked her over to where my husband was holding the other sister so they could touch noses and they both calmed down and groomed each other, then started grooming us. Our brother commented upon what a miracle it was to see them so calm but still - still 🙄- asked which one we were going to take!
I asked when they had started being violent and he said it was just after the second of the 6 had been adopted, and was just getting worse and worse, but when I told him that these two were obviously terrified that they were losing siblings, he laughed and said "cats aren't like that".
Anyway, we took both, introduced them to our giant orange boy carefully and within a few weeks they were firm friends. 3 years later, they all play together as hard as a they pillow and groom each other - and us 🥰. The girls (Ma'at and Athene) still hide from visitors, but that's fine with us - they're not performing seals, and besides, Oggie greets everyone by laying down, belly up at the feet of anyone who walks in the door, so he's happy to have visitors to himself.
That made me crying a bit
Intelligent owners! Lucky cats.
God bless you! Some people just don't have a soul, yet they call themselves smart.
that legit made my heart shatter (it healed at the end lol) how could your brother be that cruel! that truly breaks my heart
We started with one cat because our apartment was really small. WHen we moved to a large enough place for a proper introduction, we got a second. We later moved to a small apartment again. When the first cat developed cancer, the second cat was already eighteen so we decided to just see how she did as an only cat since an introduction was going to be complicated. She seemed pretty content (especially since I work from home and she could hang out with me all day), so we let her live out her days as the only cat. She lasted another two years and a few months later we started looking for a young adult bonded pair. We got the cutest little pair of a mojito cat and her buddy who the rescue clearly thought might end up being a TNR until they realized she could help him adjust.
Boots was the first pet I ever had and we got her after buying our first house. After she passed, we've always gotten our cats in pairs, from the same litter if possible. They are much happier, have someone they know to play and be with, and generally make less of a mess of the house and furniture because they aren't bored. And having two cats means more snuggles for the hoomans.
My older cat taught me this lesson firsthand. He was really difficult, had a hard time knowing how to do cat stuff, and was generally anxious until we brought a second cat in. Our other cat has changed our first cat's life in every way, he's come out of his shell and is living a much happier and comfortable life. He missed out on some socialization with other cats as an adolescent and I'll never make that mistake again, lesson learned.
Thanks for clarifying that people shouldn't adopt another cat if they can't financially support another cat, sadly that happens way too often where i live, people don't want to spend on the first cat and give it proper care but still can adopt a new cute kitten, who also won't be taken care of once the excitement is settled down... I hope more people adopt more cats responsibly! :)
Agree. People complain oh I can’t feed my 10 cats. Then why did you get them? We aren’t out here having so many human kids right. It’s neglect IMO
Also with a buddy social animals are overall healthier - so that has also an effect on the affordability of the visit at the vet 👍
People tend to overlook that fact.
But yeah, rather take good (medical) care of one cat than to have two suffer 💕
I learned that cats need buddies from watching my family's cats. So when I got my own place, I adopted two brothers from the same litter. They still get along pretty great! They quibble sometimes as all brothers do, but they've never actually fought. Occasionally I'll catch them cuddling just like when they were kittens!
No they dont
@@JessieJ93 Are you okay? All of your comments on this video are completely miserable. Cats can and infact do cuddle with one another. Not all. But some. What's your problem?
I also adopted 1 adult cat and the shelter said “she doesn’t play well with others”. I took that to fact for a while but watching more of these videos I realized she was only being a napoleon at the shelter due to her being sick and was grieving the passing of her original owner. She is happy with us humans but I can tell she gets lonely when we leave. One of these days I really want to get another cat to keep her company ❤️
Oh you should!!
I really hope you have a wonderful time with your next kitty or adult cat 🥰🥰 endless love and affection!!
Looking forward to a positive update
My sister has a special need older cat and we have got a kitten. It took a while but it’s a beautiful relationship
It sounds corny, but my male cat grieved the death of my husband. I adopted a teenage sister from the SPCA and we had a very happy household! Who doesn't want to hear skittering and small crashes at 5:00 AM? Well, I DO! Hide 'n seek is the best game! Cats bring so much joy if you let them!
We rescued a kitten that was up in our engine compartment of our boat. Four days later on the other side of our property there was a tiny kitty my hubby came across crying in the stickers. One was about 4 to 5 weeks and the second was 2 to 3 weeks not the same litter. But now two weeks later they love and adore each other. I’ve only ever had dogs and now I find myself in love with both these little girls. My hubby said keep one but I can’t I want to keep them together. I’m gonna show him this video. Thank you.
Thanks to your videos, Jackson, when my fiance and I were ready to adopt, we were dead set on getting two kittens! We went home with two 7 month old bonded brothers and we could not be happier with the choice! They love each other so much and I know they are happy to have each other.
The shelter where we adopted our boys from had warned us a few times that they were bonded and had to go home together, and we were like "yep that's our plan, we want two", and they were fairly surprised and very glad!
🤗🥰
God Bless people like you!! I too have 2 rescues, they bring so much joy to my life!! Happy Thanksgiving to you.. 🥂 Cheers
I followed the Jackson plan when introducing a second cat and they get along perfectly. Two hiss-free contented cats that engage in horseplay when the mood strikes.
Same here! Added the second one this past April and they're doing great! Couldn't have done it without Jackson 🤩
Can only third this! My cat Milkyway is a bit of a diva and gets very hissy and growly even with her littermate, so I was deeply worried.
But after about a week of separate care, site swapping and letting them sniff each other through the door, I could let Cookie out and Milky just... went with it. There were occasional growls at first but I think that's normal. Lines need to be drawn, after all. The same evening they already chased each other back and forth through the hallway, switching roles at every dead end. Two days later they slept maybe two feet apart from each other other!
I now even had a moment when Milky snuggled into my arm while Cookie was napping on my hip. It makes me so happy, both for myself and them!
I bought 1 bengal (husband's allergic to cats) for my son, He was going crazy on his own so we contacted the breeder who had a cat who was returned for hating a dog, so we bought her. Made a world of difference.
My two cats are sisters, we adopted them at the same time! Fully agree with you. What’s better than a cat? Why, two cats of course!
This video inspired me adopt a 2nd cat. About a week and half ago I brought home a 6 month old kitten to join my 4 year old cat who has never been around other cats. I am using your intro method and so far so good - they are making great strives towards coexistence.
You and I are on the same journey...have Luna, a 4-ish year old, just adopted Esme, a 10 month old kitten. It's only day #8 and it'll be a long road to gain Esme's trust.
Same here! 4 year old cat and 3 month old kitten adopted last week.
Can you please give me an update on how the bonding is goin?? Because I'm in the same situacion my Simba is four and grew up with my dog (who died last year) and I'm thinking about adopting another cat, but I'm afraid how will Simba react...
@Jovana Jovana Hi, Jovana...I'd be happy to share my journey.
Resident cat, Luna: almost 4 at time of adoption.
Adopted cat, Esme: mostly feral and almost one year old at time of adoption.
First three weeks was Esme and I behind a closed door during my work day.
Then we graduated to an open door plus the zippered screen door* and the pet gate* (* perfect options for me) for another roughly 3 or 4 weeks.
Luna wore a harness for a restrained visit which went well.
As of this past weekend, they are free range 24/7 unless I leave for a day at the office.
@@gossamerabba same here, Hana is my 4 yo and Sunny is my 4-5 months old, i waited 2 months to have an open door, theyre still adapting but they do play a lot together, shes still hissing and getting angry while theyre playing lol
I almost gave up several times, but im happy that i didnt ç_ç
We rescued our Soxie girl 2 years ago. She was in foster care for 2 years, on anxiety meds and was to be in a home with no other animals or children. After a year she was off her meds and in love with my husband. A couple months ago we rescued a 5 week old kitten. Your cat introduction videos helped so much. The first 2 weeks were rough. I was convinced Soxie would never accept another cat in her home. But every day got a bit easier but I still had my concerns. Now, Soxie and her little sister, Jinx, are the best of friends. I honestly feel like Soxie didn’t know how to play before Jinx came along. I have no regrets.
Thats so great
When we adopted our cats. Originally we were planning on just getting this little dilute tortie, she was so playful and immediately started making biscuits in my partners arms, our mind was set. The woman explained the same thing Jackson is saying now and we “ended up” with her wallflower brother(I word it like that because that’s how the lady said it, he was the last one left) who turned out to be my soul-cat ❤ im so happy we went with two!
I have a 9 year old cat I have had since he was 9 months old. I recently ended up with a kitten thanks to the cat distribution network 😁 My older cat has come alive since the kitten arrived. He is so much happier.
im so happy i got a second cat & they get along
Yep same here my cat he’s loving spending time with the new little one she’s only 1 month and love playing with each other in the house
About 3 weeks ago we adopted a second adult cat after having our boy Muta for 4 years. Followed your slow introduction rules, Muta was very afraid of her at first and she was very confident. In about one week our cats were absolutely obsessed with eachother! Although we give Muta a lot of love and play, I can already tell his physical and mental health have increased so much. And I get twice the cuddles.
I love that your cat is named Muta ❤️ are they a little chonky, by any chance? Lol
@@SweetMomoAndMochi hehe, he is a large cat with dense fluffy fur that makes him have a chonky look lol
I’m so happy it went smooth for you and your furry ones 🥰 I’m going to bring in another soon after having my black and white cat named Moo Moo haha. He’s more of the territorial type who seems to not like a lot of peoples company so I’m hoping the new cat his same age will help bring his confidence and playfulness out with people as the new cat seems to fit that category 😊
@@sweetjaydream aw awesome! I hope it goes well :)
My cat was solitary for 8 years because I didn't think he'd get along with another cat. I took a kitten in 5 months ago, and I have never seen my older cat more alive. They established their boundaries and they get along and love each other so much now. ❤️
Can I ask how old your older cat was when you first took it in? I have a 7 year old cat, and knowing now how social cats are, I really wish he'd have a companion. I'm just worried that he might not be accepting, or that he won't be able to figure things out since he was only 8 weeks old when I got him and he might struggle to socialize.
@@neru6686 I got my older cat when he was only 5 weeks! The people I got him from didn't plan on having kittens and at that point were tired of having them🙄 so they were going to sell them in a parking lot so I took my little orange boy and bottle fed him till he was old enough!
@@taleeaheadley4177 Oh no.. I'm sorry to hear. But how great that the two are getting along :) Thanks for replying!
Great video. I agree, and the best reason 2 is better than one is seeing the cats happy together makes the owner so happy!
My two cats love eachother and have helped eachother chill out a lot lol. My fiancé had a young playful rescue cat (Rocco) and I had a 8 mo old kitten (Gizmo) and we were hesitant to introduce them. But after a few hisses and the older one showing the little guy who’s boss, they are now best friends. And of course the roles have switched now and Gizmo is boss 😂❤ I can’t imagine one without the other.
Jackson thank you so much for the disclaimer towards the end of the video - especially the affordability part. We just got our very first kitten (myself, my husband and two kids, boy 14 girl 11). All my daughter especially has EVER wanted is a kitten. She loves animals more than anything. Our kitten, precious Theo, was born from a feral in the neighborhood of a dear friend of mine and they were able to trap all of them once they'd weaned from mom. We are still working on mama so we can get her fixed and return her to her colony.
As soon as I saw Theo it was like he picked me. He just came right up to me and never once hissed or bit like his sibling (which don't get me wrong would be expected and understandable). But in that moment I knew he was supposed to be ours. I brought him home that very day and surprised my kids and we've been in total love. I have always followed Kitten Lady but found you Jackson after getting Theo. Then almost back to back you and Kitten Lady mentioned the whole 2 cats thing, which despite being a huge animal and cat lover had never heard before. We always had single kittens/cats growing up. But both Kitten Lady and you mentioned you get frustrated (I'm paraphrasing) when people and/or shelters adopt single kittens and I started feeling SO incredibly guilty and like I was depriving him. Like I wasn't giving him the best life he needed and deserved. But then I heard your disclaimer and realized that at this time all we can afford is one and that is okay. It's not that we never will get another, just not now. We want him to be able to get all the care he needs and not worry if an emergency happens. We also rent and can only afford the pet fees for one at this time while still being able to provide toys and climbing activities plus litter/food/treats and most importantly medical care. I also reminded myself that if we had not rescued this sweet baby, he would be only 12 weeks old in the freezing cold (winter came FAST here this year) or could get hit by a car like one of his mama's previous litter. We are doing the best we can and one thing I am sure of is this little baby will have the absolute best life we can give him and I pray it won't be long until we can afford a sweet friend for him ❤️
Thanks again for saying that Jackson, you really made me feel better and reminded me of everything I just said. I have loved learning from you ❤️
I got 2 kittens from the same litter and I’m so happy and grateful that I did . I believe everything you have said Jackson , cats are not solitary , they are very sociable with each other and hence with their owners . These 2 are such a joy to own and they are always playing and happy which makes me very happy also . ❤
My cat is a dog person. He grew up in the house with our 3 Labradors. Our 3 labs passed from old age within 2 years of each other. So, we decided to get him a cat friend. Nope. He insisted that he was now moving outside to live with our great Pyrenees. So, new cat was now all alone so that's the story of how we came to have 3 cats. 😊
Thank you for this! As a kitten foster, I always tell people the kitties are happier with a friend, especially a littermate. Cats are so widely misunderstood, I love videos like this that help dispel the myths.
Sometimes I get the, "well in the wild..." response, and I'm like, there is no, "'in the wild,'" first of all... I love how you explain that they HUNT alone, that doesn't mean they have no social structure. There's a reason colony cats are a thing.
We, out of ignorance, had an older cat and brought in a rescue 7yrs younger. Because we would lose the senior the 7 year gap has stayed until our last pairing with a 5 year gap. Through slow introduction, we found that both cats became great buddies in short order. I’d even say that in every situation, the younger cat brought more life-energy to the senior. Love your expert perspective always.
My adult son just adopted two teens cats who met a few times when the foster moms got together. One cat was a feral kitten, and the other was born as a foster. The foster one was adopted and then brought back with no explanation. These two are great companions for each other, and the foster kitty is teaching the feral to be more social and trusting...she is mothering toward him even though they are about the same age. They are both very sweet kitties, and we are glad my son brought both home together from the adoption event! They are both good for my son, too!!
Just adopted a bonded pair after my 14 year old cat had liver failure. My first time with two and it is great watching them play, sleep and eat together!
My two cats are so deeply in love and were introduced using Jackson's advice [which is my shelter's advice as well, where I now work haha]. I tell the story of my boys all the time to show people how much happier Percy, the first cat, is with a little brother. He was such an under-stimulated guy because of our work schedules and all he wanted to do was play and hunt us. Now he has a friend to go tackle whenever he feels like it. He was initially the intimidated one too, when we brought home baby #2! Now he grooms Caduceus every time they pass each other haha
Gotta love a pair of Critical Role cats
@@Kitahand Haha thank you! We joke that we need a third to name Ashton but we can only have 2 rn and I feel like introducing a third might make them have a meltdown anyway
I'm unsure what exactly went on in my cat's previous life before I adopted her, but she REALLY doesn't enjoy the company of other cats. She does, however, love people to the point where I'll let her wander down the hall of my apartment building and let her say hi to the neighbors - and they absolutely adore her! lol
I was forced to separate a set of 4 brothers ftom the same litter that grew up together when i moved out of my parent's house this week. I could only afford to feed 2 of them so I took my favorite and his brother he gets along with the most.
My husband and I recently got a kitten for us and our 7 year old cat (his best friend, a dog, died last year and he’s been grieving for a while). We followed the introduction you suggested and it only took 6 days for our older cat to accept the new kitten. What amazes me is that not even one month later, they are already grooming each other and sleeping together. Our older cat will call for the kitten every so often (to see where he’s at ? I’m not sure). I am so happy to see the mutual benefits.
I'm so sorry for your loss, and so happy things are working out with the new kitten! I'm LITERALLY in the same situation. 7 year old cat whose BFF was my pittie, who passed away last May.
I just brought home a kitten 2 days ago, and it's starting out okay. Glad to hear you are having success! ❤
I just took in a second stray 3 weeks ago, your videos have been critical to the success of this adventure. So far it’s going well! I thought my first cat would HATE having a second cat in the house but from day one she’s been nothing but curious and really wants to play her new friend.
I’m really impressed with your comment, if you don’t mind friendship were are you from 😚?
I recently adopted River, an 8 month old. My 2 year old Stormy, by following your guidance of rational, slowly introducing them, are now best buddies. I was unsure about it before pulling the trigger but now I’m so happy I did. Stormy has increased energy and River adores him. Keep doing what you do Jackson.
I also used Jackson's introduction plan and it went fine. By the time the kitten was out of base camp everyone was familiar with one another so no trauma, fighting or hiding once we were all together.
My cat's a solo girl. I adopted her because she could not live with other cats. Her previous owners had multiple cats and it did not go well. Before that she lived with a couple who had to give her up because they had a baby and miss kitty could not deal with that. Now she's with me and only me, and that's exactly how she likes it ^_^
My cat was the same, she used to get really stressed about other cats and would hiss at them and chase them if they got near. The shelter had to separate her from the other cats and said she'd need to be the only cat. She was my best friend, she was very much a companion animal. I think all cats are different, some like other cats, some like dogs, some prefer humans.
Same here. I have a cat whose name was Nemesis from the shelter years ago. We adopted her into a house with several cats. We're down to just two now. I think she would murder her sister if she thought she could get away with it. The other cat is so old now she's no threat. It doesn't matter. I wish they would snuggle before the older cat leaves us....
Yes, it's not as simple as this video says. I have a 13 year old and you have to be careful about bringing another cat in. A kitten would be the worst - a torture device for a senior cat basically. Not all cats do well with other cats.
Yeah it doesn’t work out with every cat. My girlfriend and I adopted a cat from the shelter, and told us that if we got another cat we’d have to give her time and be careful. Prior, she came from a household with a ton of other animals, and she was separated from the other cats in the shelter as well. We eventually brought a kitty home and it wasn’t perfect at first, but after giving it time they became best friends!
Sound like the story of my adopted kitty.
I recently adopted two kittens who happened to be the only two in the litter. I had been considering getting two at some point anyway, and it seemed perfect to adopt a whole litter (a rather small one) instead of breaking it up. I feel so much better leaving them at home when I have to go to work, knowing they at least have each other for company!
I grew up with having one cat and it was in my mindset that they liked being on their own. I inherited my son's two cats, and it has been eye opening seeing how they get along. (or not). I like to feed them at the same time, so if one cat arrived but not the other, I say, Where is Coco, and Didi would go off and find him. This was especially useful when one had been ill, but had gone out and I couldn't find him. The other would go off and soon reappear with him. They check each others mouths to see what they have eaten as they have to have the same. Of one gets a little treat, the other will appear not long after for their share. On full moon nights, they will go off together, purposefully to the woods. They have spats, they like to sleep on their own but will argue for the best places.
Can confirm the introduction technique work much better than just "put them together then wait and see". When I was young and we got another cat, a kitten, the other cat hated it and constantly stalked and attacked her. As an adult, I've introduced cats twice through introduction over 3-5 days and it's always worked. The cats are much more open and curious, and you avoid months of unhappiness by just going through a few days of inconvenience.
I agree it's time well spent ... but I can't agree with the _inconvenience_ part. That is subjective, of course, but personally I find watching that process very interesting. Observing how they progress from suspicion to gradually getting to know and accept each other to finally loving each other is very entertaining to me. It has also helped me to understand them better, so everybody learned something.
When I adopted in 2020, I first only wanted 1 kitty, but the lady I adopted from insisted I adopt his brother too. I thought about it for a night, and decided to adopt the other kitty the next day. Best decision I’ve ever made😊
For two years we've had Tina (that was around 3yo by then), then we moved to a different country and wanted to get her some company. We adopted Luna as a 6m kitten and oh boy, I never thought this adjustment would be so hard... it took them 9 months! Those were the hardest months of my marriage because we were still adjusting to a new country / culture, while the cats were displaying hardcore signs of stress because of each other. We persisted way more than I think it was healthy for us because we already loved Luna and couldn't let her go... The process was following Jackson's suggestion and consulting a very known cat behaviour specialist.
One day, something clicked and Tina didn't looked at Luna as a threat anymore when they shared the same room.
They don't groom each other, but they play a ton and whenever Tina needs some space, Luna respects it. Seeing those two playing around brought me some happy tears! I'm so proud to be their guardian
I'm one of those who needs to thank you. I started watching your channel months before I could adopt my first car (obviously my first intention was to adopt one) and you convinced me that 2 was better than one. My boyfriend was a bit harder to convince, he only had single cats before and thought they were fine. Now we have to little sisters in our family and my boyfriend feels so bad for his former cats. My girls are always together, playing, grooming, snuggling or exploring
My 2yo cat had an over grooming anxiety problem for over a year. We brought home a confident 6m old and the first 2 months were tough, but his over grooming has reduced significantly and he’s more confident than ever. They play and sleep together and it’s really cute. I really recommend 2 cats for those not so confident ones ❤
I took home two pure black kittens , three months old . They are litter mates and have never been apart and enjoy each other. I love watching them play and every day is something new
My two older cats are brothers who’ve spent their entire lives together. When my oldest cat who only tolerated them passed in January, they seemed to miss him. They always loved him even though the feeling wasn’t mutual, forcing their love on him after he got too old to argue.
When I brought home a kitten in July, I followed Jackson’s guidelines but also took it at their pace and met them where they were. In not even three days, they were getting along together and happy to be friends. My boys have loved having a kitten in their lives and handling the kitten’s energy became a million times easier after she was introduced to the others. Everyone who visits says they’re impressed with how well the three get along, so I have to be doing something right lol
I’m really impressed with your comment, if you don’t mind friendship were are you from 😚?
Goodness, Jackson! I can't even put into words how much I love who you are as a person; your kind and genuinely caring soul not only for the magnificent cats but for all magical living beings! Yeah, I can recognize and feel those who love UNCONDITIONALLY! So, thanks a million for existing and for giving back to the world in such a mesmerizing way! 💙💙💙🤗🤗🤗🙏🙏🙏🌈🌈🌈🏵🏵🏵
I scooped a kitten up off the side of the road. She's my darling. A few months later a cat showed up in the parking lot at work and I ended up taking him home, too! They've been great for each other :) It was a little rocky at first, but they're both very sweet babies. They love each other now! They cuddle and groom and play a lot. It warms my heart more than I can describe to see them just... not have a care in the world now. I love them.
We have two buddies, both were living on the street. It took some time to convince myself to take in the second one, having a toddler and the first one is a bit... well, himself. It has been five months since. Best decision ever. First one is about 4yo, second one is about one. Thanks for the guidelines, advice and all the knowledge you share with us
I followed your method to introduce my cats to each other. It worked perfectly. They never fighting, they playing but always friendly! I had my first cat for 3 months and I felt so guilty for having just one cat. So after 3 months I brought a second cat home. Best decision in my life honestly.