How does your cat react to a new pet?

[KarensChoppyBob]

My dcats are old,15 and 16. I don't want to disrupt their lives too much as they are very happy and content. They know they are loved etc. As they're getting older they sleep more and just want their home comforts.

I've been alerted to an abandoned group of kittens locally and would love to help (mine are rescues so it's probably a habit).

I just wondered if it would upset my elderly cats too much, at the same time I'd love to give a home to a rescue.

Any advice welcome 😸.

Not very helpful I'm afraid - but I've found that introducing new kittens to existing cats sometimes goes well and sometimes doesn't.
I've had cats (always males) who immediately took to 'mothering' the kittens, and others who have taken months to accept the new arrivals. I'm not convinced that you can predict how it will go. Whatever you do, a slow introduction process is best.

Purely anecdotal, but in my experience I've found that the 'top cat' has accepted the kittens best.

If you were to go ahead I'd definitely get two of the kittens, so they can operate together and not pester the older cats too much.

Thanks both.

Not both ! Thanks Grumpy.

My old lady cat left home for 12 weeks in a massive strop when we got a kitten. She's back home now but has changed from a relaxed loving cat into a raging ball of anger.

That's my fear FatCat, my dilemma.

Do you think she'll forgive you eventually?

I think I'm leaning to not doing it now. There will always be abandoned cats needing homes.

You know your cats best. We’ve always had a steady stream of animals through our home. As a result, they are all a bit ‘meh’ about new arrivals. Our older cats have perked up with the new arrivals - they now play and sleep together.
As you say, there will always be a cat needing a warm and loving home. They also seem to know where those homes are!

Our older cats have perked up with the new arrivals - they now play and sleep together.

Aw that's lovely.

Do you think she'll forgive you eventually?

It's been 4 years. She likes to hold a grudge.