Should I get a third cat?

[MarisPiper92]

Please help me decide (or tell me if I'm going mad). I have two bonded female cats, both visually impaired (and therefore indoor-only). I adopted them three years ago from a rescue where they were living with several dozen other cats, but they have not met any other cats since living with me.

The same rescue has another female cat in a very crowded shelter who is also visually impaired. They've had her for a while and say she's had no applications. I would love to get her. My concern is that my flat is not especially large (c.50m2) and if they don't get on, they wouldn't have many places to hide from each other. I'm prepared for a v. slow introduction, and would plan on following Jackson Galaxy's advice on introductions to the letter. But is it a stupid idea? I can't tell anymore.

Hi

There's a couple of recent threads about this - sorry I don't know how to link!

I think it’s a lovely idea. You will be an ideal person to take her on given your experiences with two.

Thanks both. @Chuckiegg I know, but the ones I've seen were mostly about kittens and I know adult cats can be more difficult. @Alphabet1spaghetti2 I feel I'm becoming very experienced with visually impaired cats! If I had a massive house I'd probably end up with dozens of them.

Why don't you speak to the rescue and see what they think, they know all the cats and might be able to give you some good advice on how it could work (or alternatively if they don't think it's a good idea).

Don't do it- three cats moves you into crazy cat lady territory!

I'm only messing, as a two cat owner I can totally understand wanting more feline friends, however I'd proceed with caution. You need to put the needs and comfort of your current cats over prospective adoptees. Cats are fiercely territorial, this could greatly upset your two cats.

Thanks @Spirini , this is what I'm worried about. The rescue seem ok with it, and have said they can have several guides they can send; but maybe they always say that? I wish there was some way of predicting whether they'd accept a new one!

There isn’t! But I’ve had cats and dogs plus various other animals for decades. My take on it is that so long as they have space to call their own, warmth, food, water and lots of love, they just get along with one another. (Unlike humans). But you already know (from your op) that you want to allow them longer to settle and I think they probably will given time plus all the above. Cats aren’t stupid, they know when they are on to a good thing!!
As for space - try a 6foot wide by 58foot long space and five cats - 3 kittens and 2 older ones as house cats, plus 2 outdoor cats. All came along at different times and we just got on with it. All sleep (and slept) together now.
at least you will know you tried to give her an ideal, loving home. (Yes I am an enabler when it comes to cats - not sorry!)

Just a thought , but given your experience with partially sighted cats and the fact number three has not had interest elsewhere , would they let you foster her first for a few weeks to see how they all get on ?

I brought a third cat into my house. The Jackson Galaxy introduction was helpful, but I needed to keep Cat Three separated from the others for a couple of months and there was a fair bit of hissing and swiping and distress from the first two.
We’re 8 months in and they’ve just got to a point where they will eat together in the same space. It’s worth it to me because Cat Three is SO happy.

This is a really good idea

Thank you all. I think offering to foster might be a good start, thank you for suggesting it. Just realised I haven't paid the cat tax, so here she is.