Conference misery::feline_v1

    Hi Marilyn.  I can try to help with litterbox question.  Bear in
    mind that the end result will depend on the cats involved though.
    
    I have two jumbo sized litter boxes for 5 cats -- all neutered males.
    They have no problems sharing, as long as I keep the boxes scrupulously
    clean, use lots of baking soda, and change them once a week.  I
    have noticed when I get home from work that one box will contain
    all urine and the second all defecation.  I scoop out both wet and
    dry matter -- scooping out the wet helps the litter to last longer
    and keeps odor to a minimum.
    
    I do know folks with 4 or 5 cats who have just as many, if not more,
    litter boxes because the cats refuse to share or are fastidious
    in their habits.  So, if you do add another cat, best to increase the
    box count to be safe, and re-evaluate the situation later on.
    
    --Roberta
    

    I have 5 (4 boys and 1 girl, and a_soon_to_be_added_2nd_girl) adult
    cats.  All indoors also with two jumbo covered litterboxes (with never
    a miss).  I do the same with the boxes as Roberta does.  With #6 coming
    I do plan to add another box though (less standing in line that way).
    ;-)
    
    Re. your concern in adding to your feline friends, don't be.  Just be
    sure you give them all the time they need to get accustomed each other. 
    There will be the usual hissing, growling and staring at the newcomer
    but usually that's all it amounts to.  Don't expect them to eat or
    sleep side by side the first week or so.  They will surprise you some
    day when you'll catch them curled up together napping.  :-)
    
    Pat, D.P., Holly, Thai, Buffy, Midnight (&Cookie)
    

    Hi,
    
    I have been fighting with the same question.  We have a 15lb 12
    year old male (Jerry) and a 6lb 4 year old female (Nano). We are 
    opting for a kitten.
    
    We decided this because when we brought these two cats together
    (she was 1 - we combined households) he ignored her for quite awhile
    - until she gained a few lbs.  She was a tiny kitten.  Because he
    ignored her while she was small it gave them each time to get used
    to one another.  
    
    We did have a third (Pico) cat for awhile, who came to use as a kitten.
    And again, Jerry left her alone and Nano, by then
    2, is so small that although she was intimidated in the beggining,
    seemed to like having the small freind, and they slept together
    all the time.  We have since lost Pico.                
                                          
    We had two litter boxes with three cats.  Our cats are outdoors
    when we are and in when we are at work. During the summer we only
    need one box, and rarely have to change it because they love my
    garden.
    
    Good luck making your decision!
    
    Pam, Keith, Jerry and Nano (and Pico)
    

    We have 4 neutered males, and two litterboxes.  I have, though,
    gone down to the basement & three were trying to use the same box! 
    We had the two three yr old males, and I then brought home the
    two 5 wk old "little boys" last may.  After a week of supervised
    "visits", both adult males became "mommy cats" to the kittens.
    I feel that kittens are more readily accepted than adults.         
    
    
    L-

    Thanks for the feedback - I have pretty much made up my mind.  I sometimes
    need positive reinforcement and I find so much support in this notesfile 
    that I don't feel so 'alone'.  I want to do the right thing for me (and 
    for my 'kids') and hearing from fellow cat owners - helps tremendously...
    you have no idea.
    
    I do know that Spring time is the best for adopting kittens.  On the plus 
    side of kittens I feel that they adapt so easily - and grow up in the
    environment that I choose - which is babying them and treating them 
    like little human beings.  They are people oriented, friendly,
    mellow and loving.  They are never yelled at or handled roughly and 
    are loved a great deal.  Then I feel that perhaps I should adopt an
    older cat - that has been abandonded or (god forbid) have it's days
    numbered because nobody wants him/her.
    
    I guess, right now, that is my biggest dilemma...whether Tiff and Otis
    would adapt to a kitten or an adult right now.  Because, I also know
    that once a kitten/cat comes into my home/heart I could NEVER give it
    up.
    
    Marilyn