Getting a second cat...

[lillythepink]

Hi All We have a small female cat who is now 17 months old. She is quite fiesty with us (biting and scratching when she plays) and fairly territorial about the house. She is quite scared of other cats since we moved house, but in our last house she used to play with a neighbourhood cat. We are thinking of getting a second cat as a friend needs to rehome theirs - what sort of temprement would be the best and will our current cat ever forgive us? Thanks

[bensmum]

Cats can and do learn to live with each other quite well. You need to be prepared for a few fights but they should get on. they might never be close "friends" but then again they may surprise you. You would need to introduce the new cat gradually and not leave them alone in the same room for a while if you are going to be out during the day.
Just make sure that your cat gets lots of reassuring cuddles.
I have introduced new cats into my home and perhaps I have been fortunate but I have never had any problems.

[showcatbenga]

The trouble with cats is they are just like us when it comes to 'friends'. Some (few) are very sociable - getting on with all. Some (most ) hate other feline competition. Also while you may be friends with many people you may not want to live with any on a permanent or even a temporary basis! You can never tell if you are going to get along with someone until you get to know them.
Feral (wild) cat populations follow a pattern which reflects how our cats would 'prefer' to live. The female lives in a static home territory which includes enough resources for her to raise her kittens. She may live with some of her female relatives, mother, sisters or daughters. This is because it gives her genes the best chance of surviving. The females may raise their litters communally, suckling all the kittens in the nest. The tom holds a much larger territory which encompasses several female's. He visits these periodically to breed.
Think very long & hard about why YOU want another cat. Your cat will be very happy just as she is - an only cat - because this is what she is used to. You say she is already territorial around the house - this is because she doesn't feel secure in the new place yet. Is another displaced cat really in her best interests? Use fishing rod style toys to play with her to avoid scratches/bites - they are accidental after all? Or maybe you have psyco kitty like me - she bit my finger this week - thought it was a sausage (for the dog)! Not all there in the brain dept!