Getting a second cat - advice please

[annavc]

I've had my cat about six months (he came from a rescue centre) and he's settled in really well, is very happy and content and has become extremely attached to me. I do wonder though whether he gets lonely when I'm out at work and that has made me think about getting another cat. What I don't know is how well he'd take to another one. As I said he is very attached to me so I'd worry that he would get jealous and may start to act up. I've no idea of his history so I don't know if he's ever had much contact with other cats or not.

I'm just looking for general advice really - do you think he would benefit from having a feline friend? Do you think it's better to leave him as top cat in the house? Is there any way I can find out in advance how he might react if another one was brought in?

Thanks.

[Bohne]

Unless you are prepared to give the second cat back if it doen't work out, you have no trial and error.

How old is the cat?

In my experience, it works fairly well, if the new cat is a kitten.
However after one of our cats died last year, I got another playmate (nine weeks old) for the one left over (11 years old).
They have been together for six months now and only recently they managed to sit together without fighting.

The little one adores the big one, but she's not too keen on him.

I'd say, if your cat seems happy, don't bother with a second cat.

[annavc]

Thanks Bohne. He's about 3 years old I think although don't know for sure.

[alfiebrady]

Sounds like he's a very happy cat. I wouldn't think there's any need to get a second cat on his behalf. If you wonder if he's lonely, maybe you're just missing him!

There really isn't any way of telling how cats will get on - just like humans really. Years ago, we had a big, soppy, old tom who was very used to being the only cat, and then we took on a very daft young kitten. Didn't think it'd work out, but by a few weeks, they were top-and-tailing in a box, and she'd be grooming his head. Aaah..

If you fancy a second cat

[Litchick]

I always wonder the same thing about my kitty -- whether she is lonely during the day but I remember reading that cats are solitary animals by nature and probably sleep a lot during the day. As long as you play with him and give him attention when you're around I really doubt there's any need for a second cat. But if you WANT a second cat, that is another story.