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.

[divegirl]

I agree with APC, giving them separate rooms gives them their own territory. Just watch them, there will be a lot of hissing and noise possibly and I usually keep a squirty water bottle on hand in case it gets a little physical.
Oh and lots of Dreamies [other cat treats are available but the parrots will only eat Dreamies lol] xxx

[pixie374]

Yes, I agree with apc... in a way, the more tubby settles, the more he will see it as his "own territory". I would, rightly or wrongly, let them work it out on their own time. For any other cat you introduce in future, you will have the same concerns Otherwise, you may get to the point where you want a second cat and you have to get a small kitten only, because he thinks it is his house only.

[rowanwitch]

Don't worry about fighting, I have known littermates try to knock seven bells out of each other, and unrelated cats become inseparable. If they are both nervous then be prepared for a long haul.

[Apc2604]

Our Feral cat, Rambo, is in love with our dog. Poppy Dog is not impressed but tolerates him.

[pastafreak]

I've been giving some thought to the separate/ together issue. I can see that at this time, tubby doesn't really 'own' his own space yet. He's not been here long enough, and he's certainly not explored too much either. So if I brought in a new cat now, there wouldn't be an established hierarchy yet.
I'm worried I'm over thinking this in way I wouldn't have a few years ago ;)
I should just let them get on with it.
That's IF I get this other cat.

[divegirl]

The night before I bring a new housemate into my home I am always racked with anxiety and guilt...
Then they arrive... we sort out their issues and move on :)
I know it's not always that easy but given time most animals can learn to tolerate each other... and sometimes form the most the most amazing bonds xxx

[Buenchico]

In principle I'd advise against getting a second cat, especially while Tubby is still settling in, as (despite what the rescue centre might say) cats who aren't from the same litter rarely get along really well with each other (although some do end up forming very close bonds).

However, if you're confident that you can keep the two cats apart while they both get settled in, I'd say that you should go for it! You clearly understand cats far better than many humans do, so the second cat will gain a loving home, just as Tubby already has!

(I've loved reading that you're letting Tubby settle in at his own pace and that you're avoiding direct eye contact with him, which he might see as a threat. Another thing to try though is yawning at him! If you yawn slowly at a cat, while raising your head upwards, it will often be read as an "I'm no threat" message).

[Apc2604]

It's really funny that animals in the same household accept each other, be they dogs, cats or others. Just like human families - they may not like each other but they put up with each other and defend each other to.

[pixie374]

I agree, pasta, but I understand :-). When I got the fourth dog in June, my only worry was whether the dogs would all accept each other. There was no reason to think they wouldnt... but they are individuals and there are no guarantees...
I have also thrown a new pony into a field of other horses this week and shut my eyes while they hared around and made sure of the hierarchy.... all settled quickly...
Sometimes, you just have to let them sort it out themselves and be on hand to make sure no-one gets hurt.... but I don't think you will be any less worried this time next year... If you like the cat and want another... tubby at this point, will probably just see it as part of the deal.

[calmck]

I cannot count the number of cats I have had over the years. Most were/are strays. Those that were siblings usually ignored each other whilst non litter mates liked to make friends. I have only isolated unvaccinated kittens or cats from the others but as soon as the vet said ok re feluk and eye or nasal discharge they have been together with the run of the house. They quickly found their own level despite some verbal altercations blood has never been drawn. Go for it. It might draw Tubby out of himself

[jakep]

I am with the Go For It section.
We used to foster for Cats Protection, puppy walk for Guide Dogs and had, still have, dogs and cats of our own.
There have been some hissy fits but no harm done, they will sort themselves out.
Biggest problem here was getting the two hens. All dogs and cats were scared of them. They really did rule the roost.

[divegirl]

hahahaha have to agree about the hens!
They soon put the cats and dog in their place, though they all get along now. My 'ladies' are amazing but not to be messed with ;)
I have a [rescue] African Grey parrot and when she first saw the hens she ran to the top of the aviary saying 'help... help...' xx

[ladybirder]

Well that's all clear for you now Pasta LOL. xx

[pastafreak]

Well, I knew I'd get advice. I just have to see what the rescue has to say. Stay tuned ;)

[AuntPollyGrey]

Divegirl. I did not know you had hens. What do you do with the eggs considering you have told us on more than one occasion you are vegan? If they are old girls who no longer lay then I admire you for giving them a home.

[AuntPollyGrey]

Pasta I would not get another cat until Tubby has settled. He needs to know he is 'top cat' in the house. Otherwise, he may get bullied by another less timid cat.

[pastafreak]

APG...I'll see what the rescue advises, and get more info about this second cat. As I understand it, she's quite timid. We shall see.
I know I don't want to do anything that would jeopardise Tubby's progress...slow as it is.

[Patsy33]

If you get the second one, might be a bit of a challenge. If you're sure you're up to it, then fine. I admire you for that. Might do Tubby the world of good, having a companion, hopefully! :-)

[Hopkirk]

We adopted a very timid cat from a rescue centre this summer.
She has eventually settled in and is very relaxed in her new home.
I suspect the outcome would have been very different if we had brought another cat in just as she was beginning to feel safe in her new place.
Think carefully before you make the decision.

[wolf63]

It seems that the answer to your question is that cats are unpredictable. Good luck with whichever decision you make.