3rd cat

[giggly]

We have two bonded cats aged 6 & 3 who we got from a rescue 18 months ago. They are absolutely no problem at all apart from the fact that the older one wants very little physical contact and the younger slightly more but not in a lap cat way.
Now I’m an experienced cat owner and accept their wee personalities and I guess that they weren’t used to being handled and perhaps spent a lot of time on their own as they were rehomed as the owner worked away from home a lot.
I have two dd who are great with them but one dd has ASD and really benefits from close contact which our previous sadly dead cats allowed.
I’m thinking of getting another cat/ kitten that can be her “therapy “ pet as much as cats allow but also reluctant in case we end up with another one with the same temperament.

I guess I’m asking is it possible at this late stage to “ encourage “ my two to love us a bit more given that is taken over a year for my older cat to sit on the couch at the same time as me

It's always a risk, isn't it. I've got 3 cats and none of them are lapcats. They're all friendly, but prefer to be in their own space, not on my lap. You could ask the rescue centre to keep you in mind as soon as a child friendly lapcat comes in. I'm not sure if you can change a cat into becoming a lap cat. I haven't been able to. Maybe put some treats on your lap

Turn the heating off. Instant lap cats.

I have 4 cats, 3 girls and a boy. My boy is the most affectionate but none of them are lap cats, it's all i ever wished for really 😭 they just come over to me on their terms!

You can have Cheddar. A week and you'd be giving her back!

I had one who died recently who was a quiet little thing who would sit next to you but not on you until about 18 months before we lost her. So she was about 16 the first time she happily got up onto my lap & went to sleep. It was a wonderful moment & made me quite tearful.

I've got 2 older cats (14 & 15) the 14 year old boy is a lap cat but I wouldn't introduce a kitten or older cat at this stage. Yours are a lot younger so would probably adapt well. Could you ask at a rescue for any lap cats looking for a home?

We have 12 cats, 4 generations of one family, 2 brothers and 4 completely unrelated cats (6 girls, 6 boys, moggies and purebreeds). We have not had any issues integrating new members (following the separation rule to begin with) providing you give them time and space and don't just throw them together on day 1.

With that being said I cannot rave enough about our Maine Coon!!! He is so laid back, so easy going, he is not nervous nor gives off any vibe at all that made any of cats see him as a threat, and after 24 hours of bringing him home he decided he was ready to mix with 10 others (he is number 11). We also have a daughter with neurological 'problems' and he is so aware of her needs, so calming, so peaceful, he has become her 'therapy' cat. He is not really a lap cat for anyone else, but he waits at her door every morning to go wake her up, but only after climbing in bed with her and having their cuddle, on a bad day he won't leave her side. He is incredibly patient with her lets carry him around, brush him, snuggles with her.

If you are looking for a therapy cat in as much as one can be one, please! read up on Maine Coons, our Nova is a stereotypical Maine coon in every way and our daughter has benefited so much by having him (he wasn't intended as a therapy cat but it just happened). Pic because, well, he is also incredibly beautiful.

Sorry been at work all day. That’s really interesting about the Maine coons as I had one about 25 years ago and it “ spooned”
Me every night a right wee softie. I think your all right I should put the feelers out to the rescue centres I’ve used before.. thank you