Second cat or not?

[couchparsnip]

The kids have been asking if we can get a second cat but I'm not sure our current cat would cope. She's very anxious - having had a traumatic time before we got her. Unfortunately this makes her a bit anti-social and slightly scratchy when she's in a bad mood. She's not fond of other cats and will flee at any loud noise or sudden movement.

A second cat that is of a calmer nature would be nice but would our cat tolerate it? Would it be too stressful for her? Or would it be good for her?

Does anyone have experience of introducing a new cat to an anxious older one? Can you offer guidance - or should we just stick with the one cat?

We introduced a second cat (another rescue that was in need of an urgent home) and they always hated each other. Cats generally dislike other cats. There are exceptions, but I wouldn’t count on that.

I did have two litter mates that we had 17 and 18 years. They got on really well but I can't see my current cat liking another one.

No I really don't think this would be a good idea. Your current cat is already anxious, and this is 99.9.% likely to make it worse in my experience.

I toy with this every so often. But always come to the conclusion that it is too big a risk. My cat is very happy in her home and lives a spoilt little life. She hates other cats and has been bitten twice by a neighbours cat. Intruding another cat into her safe space would freak her out, and I would be worried she would run away.