I've Been Offered Another Cat

[pastafreak]

Before I got Tubby, the owner of the local pet shop asked if I'd be interested in a cat. Her son had 5 or 6, and an older girl was not getting the attention she wanted. She said I was the only person she'd offer the cat to. As I'd already applied with the rescue, I said "maybe". I did eventually want 2. I asked the rescue when Tubby was offered if he'd get on with another cat, and was told he probably wouldn't be bothered.
I didn't hear anymore about the other cat, and when I went into the pet shop a few days ago was told that feliway seemed to be helping the other cat. It seems the son is now back to wanting to rehome her.
I'm not sure what to do. I'll be emailing the rescue with an update on Tubby, and will ask their advice. He's still hiding...right under the sofa, under my bum ;) Last night he snuck out to use the litter tray...He's very quiet. We exchanged glances as he headed back to hiding. He just paused, I looked away so he wouldn't feel threatened.

[Canary42]

Go for it - troubles shared is troubles halved

[pastafreak]

I am wondering if another cat might draw Tubby out a bit. I don't want him to feel threatened in any way.

[Apc2604]

We have had lots of cats over the years and 5 at one time - all rehomed and some feral. In our experience they need time to settle, but the best thing is leave them to it and they find their own pecking order. At the moment we have two rescues and one feral. The feral has turned out to be the most loving, one is a spitfire and the other is a lazy fatty. Spitfire and feral have occasional noisy conversations, but not a drop of blood ever spilt. The dog is also in the mixture. If I was you I would take the other cat.

[calmck]

I would go for the other cat if the rescue say he will be ok. He could be a cat that needs a feline friend. I would also use feliway and a separate litter box and sleeping bed/box and feeding dishes

[Apc2604]

Yes, definitely separate litter trays! In our experience cats find their own sleeping places and change them on a regular basis. Go for it Pasta.

[Hopkirk]

Cats usually prefer to be solitary.

They either fight other cats or just about tolerate them. Seldom do non related cats become close friends.

[Hopkirk]

It sounds as if your new cat, Tubby, is taking a while to settle in. He will get used to his new home, but introducing another cat before he has relaxed into his territory could knock him back. I wouldn't advise adopting another one.

[Apc2604]

Not our experience Hopkirk. Perhaps not close friends, but they accept each other and amuse each other, and hunt together.

[Rosetta]

As Tubby is slow to settle, another cat might be more dominant and possibly be a bit of a bully

[lankeela]

I would suggest offering to take the cat on trial with the option to return if things go pear shaped. I would imagine though that they will soon learn to live with each other even if they don't become good friends. Many people have cats that just seem to ignore each other.

[divegirl]

Do it!

Just make sure to have two litter trays and a couple of feeding stations.
I have three cats that have all arrived at different times and under different circumstances and they light up my life... along with the parrots, chickens and of course the hound :)

[divegirl]

''
Cats usually prefer to be solitary.

They either fight other cats or just about tolerate them. Seldom do non related cats become close friends. ''

Sorry but that's just not true.

[pastafreak]

// As Tubby is slow to settle, another cat might be more dominant and possibly be a bit of a bully //

As I understand it, she's a somewhat timid cat and would also hide...about 9 years old and tiny.
I'd keep her upstairs and separate obviously.

[Hopkirk]

Well that's your opinion Divegirl.

It's true that cats bought up together can be close.

However cats are territorial. If another cat is brought in, and the first cat isn't used to sharing then it could be traumatic. As Lankeela says, they often end up ignoring each other if forced to share territory.

[pixie374]

I would go for it. In my experience, cats either get on well and groom each other or tolerate/ ignore each other, if they are introduced at an older age.

[ladybirder]

Ignoring each other is fine. It's fighting you don't want.
Pasta your plan sounds sensible.

[anneasquith]

Yes, they can settle in at their own pace. I’m sorry I’m late Pasta,happy thanksgiving.

[pastafreak]

Aww...thanks Anne. I forget it myself now. But yesterday was lil pasta's birthday, so I had to remember.

[jennyjoan]

If I had have been younger I would have taken on another dog - so go for it - new cat would be able to guide Tubby.

[Apc2604]

I would not put them in separate rooms. I would put them together and stay with them for a while to keep an eye on them. As long as they have separate places to hide themselves they will be OK. We have cats for almost 50 years and never put new additions in separate rooms. All it does is lengthen the time it takes to get them used to each other and they will know there is another cat about. We have never experienced a cat fight in the house or our garden. Two of our cats don't like each other much, but they have never had a fight, except very verbally. And quite honestly they sit on the settee together when it suits them.