Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Getting another cat

12 replies

yorkypuds · 02/09/2023 14:07

We got a 8 year old female cat a few months ago from the RSPCA and we are totally besotted with her. I was wondering about getting another as a friend but not sure how that would work or if it would be a good idea. What do experienced cat people think? Thanks

OP posts:
YesItsMeIDontCare · 02/09/2023 14:11

Unfortunately it's one of those things that can go either way!

What's her history? Has she lived with other cats before? Is she nervous and shy at all?

Are there any chances that the RSPCA will still have a file for her that help?

Original poster
yorkypuds · 02/09/2023 14:46

She is aloof but follows the neighbours cat meowing very loudly at him. We thought he was being mean but it is definitely her following him yeowling at him. He swipes if she gets too close.
She was in shelter for a long time. She came from violent household and you see she is a bit nervy at times.

OP posts:
Beamur · 02/09/2023 14:50

A mature female cat is, in my opinion, the least likely cat to accept a newbie. If you really want to try it - get a laid back male kitten. Do not get another female. (Voice of experience 😂)

Original poster
yorkypuds · 02/09/2023 14:53

We are fairly close to a busy road, is it true that female cats don't go as far from home? That is what puts me off having a male!

OP posts:
Beamur · 02/09/2023 14:55

It does depend on the cat really. I'd be careful about any cats near a main road.

FionnulaTheCooler · 02/09/2023 14:55

I probably wouldn't get another one in your situation. I got a new kitten several years ago to keep my existing cat company as I was going back to work after a long stint as a SAHM and thought she would be lonely being alone all day. She hated the new cat on sight and they've never really learned to get along, at most the older cat tolerates the younger one but on the whole I think she would have been happier remaining the only cat. When both of these cats die I'll either get a pair of litter mate kittens or adopt a pair of adult cats that come as a pair from a shelter.

Beamur · 02/09/2023 15:00

I had a pair, the boycat died and I was left with a 5 year old female.
I got 2 female kittens (thinking they would amuse each other) and they have never bonded with the resident. They tolerate each other - my original cat would be happier without the other cats.

YesItsMeIDontCare · 02/09/2023 15:03

Based on your updates yorky I would hold off getting another for now. If she's been in a shelter for a long time and has experienced violence I think she needs time to settle and learn what it's like to be adored and protected.

In time you'll learn her true nature and whether she would genuinely appreciate another cat's company or not.

I had littermates at one time - 2 cats hating each other and fighting for 12 years is a long time and not much fun!!!

Original poster
yorkypuds · 02/09/2023 15:12

Thank you, we will stay a one cat household!
I think if I'm being entirely honest with myself I want a cat that will reciprocate the love! But for now I will accept the dynamic that I will adore her and she will smatter affection when is suits her.

OP posts:
Beamur · 02/09/2023 15:31

My original cat ignores me 90% of the time and demands attention for the other 10%. It's entirely on her terms! That's cats for you.

QueenBitch666 · 04/09/2023 13:52

I've got 5 rescue females here. Never had issues integrating a newbie

Toddlerteaplease · 04/09/2023 16:16

Depends on the cat. My old girl was Fine with a non related cat.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread