Should we get another cat?

[Calmgirl]

Our cat Thor has been with us since a kitten. He came into a home that already had a cat. Sadly, Nox had to be pts last year due to kidney failure (she was only 4 ). It's been a few months and Thor seems to have adjusted well. Although they lived together they more tolerated each other when he became older than a kitten. Think he would have liked to be friends but she wasn't as keen. We live in a 3 storey house with a garden so they both made their own territories etc.
We would all like to adopt another cat to love but I'm not sure whether Thor will love or hate the idea. Any advice from others who have been in a similar situation? I don't want him to be lonely but also don't want to force a friend on him .

We've recently added two kittens to our 14 yr old boy after his sister passed. Kept the kittens in one room for a few days until they got to meet. Old boy wasn't impressed at first but after a couple months they're fine now and even sleep on the bed together occasionally. I think it can work if you have enough space for them to have their own little territory and carefully manage the introduction rather than letting them work it out on their own. Jackson Galaxy on YouTube is great for advice.

It can work. Depends on the individuals.
I find male cats more relaxed (neutered) than girls. I have 3 girls who get on ok. They're not besties and one of my younger cats is a bit of a troublemaker..

@HecatesDinosaurs that sounds sensible. We are looking to add one extra but the one concerned might be part of a bonded pair, in which case we would like to adopt both because it seems cruel to separate them. Space is not too much of an issue, we have 3 floors and front and back gardens so they could establish their own territory. Will see what the adoption centre think.

@Beamur sounds hopeful, I think like you said it depends on the cats involved and their characters. Thanks.

[quote Calmgirl]@fairylightsandwaxmelts ah, that sounds positive. I suppose it really does depend on the cats character to start with.[/quote]
It definitely is easier if you have more sociable cats, but I do think you can adapt the environment so they have as much space as possible.

So, we always make sure our cats have plenty of space to escape - lots of high up places (shelves, windowsills, tops of cupboards), a cat tree with lots of beds and holes in, space under the bed etc.

They have litter trays spread out so they can always go with privacy, separate water bowls and food bowls (even though they often choose to share) and when we're out, they have run of the whole house so they can choose to be in separate rooms etc. if they wish.

They've never, ever fought. We've had the odd episode of hissing when introducing new cats or when one has been to the vet, but that's the extent of it :)

@fairylightsandwaxmelts
Thanks for all the advice. We do have a fair few areas for different cats to escape to already but will definitely add your suggestions also. Just waiting to hear a response to our adoption application.

Not that we have lots of different cats at the moment, just the one. I didn't word it very well!

We introduced our kitten to our faily new rescue thinking he was lonely. He is a cat who is afraid of everything, but he welcomed her with open paws and they have been the best of friends ever since. They sleep together, chase each other around the house and he calls for hr when she is off on her wanders.

I have a 2 year old spayed female and we took a chance and got a new kitten about 3 months ago, also female. After 3 days of hissing and growling (older cat) they are now inseperable - both groom eachother, sleep together and play all day. Everything I read said cats don't need company and two females won't get along but our experience has been the opposite!

🐈🐈

@pinkhousesarebest aww. That sounds very hopeful and so cute! "With open paws"....

@Justkeepon another lovely story and thanks for the cute pics. Here is our kitty

[quote Calmgirl]@fairylightsandwaxmelts
Thanks for all the advice. We do have a fair few areas for different cats to escape to already but will definitely add your suggestions also. Just waiting to hear a response to our adoption application.[/quote]
Aw, I hope you're successful!

Our three bring so much to our lives. They're all really different but so loving and friendly. My mum was thrilled yesterday because our nervous rescue actually came and asked her for a fuss - we've only had him five years!

@fairylightsandwaxmelts
Oh that's so sweet!

[quote Calmgirl]@fairylightsandwaxmelts
Oh that's so sweet![/quote]
This is he

So gorgeous! @fairylightsandwaxmelts