Adding new cat?

[njg55]

I couldn't find a good place to post this, so I'll just try it here. I lost a 13-year-old cat recently but her sister/littermate is still with me. I'm not ready to adopt yet, but I hope to add two new cats, ideally a bonded pair (related or not) in a few months. I found myself in this situation about 10 years ago, and although I followed the recommended steps for introducing new cats, my resident girl had a very violent reaction to the newcomers, and we had to go to extreme measures to keep them separate but able to sense/see each other and slowly adjust. It was months before it was safe for them to be together, and they were never friendly, just warily co-existing. I would hate for that to happen again. In this case, the current cat is older than the one I had last time, and probably more mellow. She and her sister spent more than a year in a cage-free, no-kill shelter (they were adopted at the age of 11), so they were always around other cats even if they didn't necessarily become close to any of them as they came and went. Hopefully this might make her more likely to adapt to newcomers. My theory is that if I get a bonded pair, they will at least have each other for company even if the other cat doesn't want to become their buddy. I wouldn't get kittens—too much youthful energy for a senior cat to deal with. Since I can't ask my cat what she'd think about new roommates, I'll ask others on the forum!

 

[Kris107]

When adding 2 cats that can make introductions that much more complicated. 3 personalities to contend with. Even the resident cat could cause friction between the bonded pair. Cats don't necessarily need a companion if their environment is enriched. Do what you think is best though - your decision!

 

[Alldara]

Each cat introduction is different even when dealing with the same resident cat!

If you plan for a long introduction, then you can be pleasently surprised if it goes shorter.

Plan to look for cats that have similar "hobbies" to your current cat. Does she like to look outside? Play footsies under the door? Was she cuddly or more likes to synconized sleep? Having some of these personality traits line up makes for easier bonding.

Next, youll want to find cats who are unreactive to other cats. If you can get two from a shelter or from the local pet store that hosts shelter animals, theyre often used to playing near other cats etc. Ghost was really unreactive to other cats this way and didnt react to hissing etc.

Then for intros i just really suggest to already have your gates or screens ready, and be prepared to spend all your free time nestled at the gate to encourage positive and neutral interactions. Have some meals ready to reheat for yourself in the freezer, etc.

 

[rubysmama]

I lost a 13-year-old cat recently but her sister/littermate is still with me. I'm not ready to adopt yet, but I hope to add two new cats, ideally a bonded pair (related or not) in a few months. I

Are you looking to adopt again, to find a companion for your 13 year old cat. Or because you want more cats in your family.

My theory is that if I get a bonded pair, they will at least have each other for company even if the other cat doesn't want to become their buddy. I wouldn't get kittens—too much youthful energy for a senior cat to deal with.

A bonded pair works for them, but if your senior cat doesn't take to them, is your house set up in a way that they could be kept separated indefinitely. Generally 13 is pretty old to be introducing new cats to.

Since I can't ask my cat what she'd think about new roommates, I'll ask others on the forum!

You can't exactly ask your cat what she'd think about new roommates, but you can pay attention to how she's acting, and see if there's any signs of stress or missing her littermate.

Cats can mourn, per this TCS article. Do Cats Mourn? Supporting Your Pet through Loss - TheCatSite

Here's another TCS article you might find helpful: Your Second Cat - How To Choose The Best Friend For Kitty - TheCatSite

 

[IzzysfureverMom]

Every cat is different,but all I can say is my feelings and experience with Izzy. If we had gotten another cat after Valentino passed it would have been for me definitely not her. Now at 15 I would not consider another cat at this time. She is happy and content in her senior years being the focus of all our attention.