I have a 13 YO female cat. I adopted her 5+ years ago, and she is a solo, indoor cat because she is deaf. I am in my late thirties and live alone in a 1 bed apartment with a balcony.
A family member has a 12+ YO female cat who they are no longer able to look after as they would like to. This cat has been with them for a decade and used to have a sister who sadly died about 18 months ago. I know this cat; she is very affectionate and chirpy. Due to circumstances, she currently spends a lot of time in a cattery where she is apparently very social, but this is not a long-term option.
The family member has asked if I would consider adopting their cat. I am considering it, but my concerns are as follows:
- I don't know if my resident cat is social. So far she has been a solo, indoor cat and when with other cats at the catsitter's, she seems indifferent to them.
- my resident cat is physically larger than the adoptee, if they don't get on, will she become a bully?
- it is a small flat, I do have the possibility to separate them in the living room/bedroom, but that seems stressful and unfair on the resident who is used to "owning" the place.
- it is a small flat and the adoptee is used to having a large house and garden - although she is also apparently quite happy in a cattery and I do have a balcony.
- the move would be from the UK to the EU, so I am not sure what the Plan B is if they really do not get on.
Alternatively, if I look at the positives:
- both cats are senior, female and spayed. Surely they are beyond fighting? I can also use Feliway plug ins and anything else calming.
- both cats have shown themselves to be "adaptable". Mine was adopted from a house with kids, duringthe pandemic, got used to me, my ex DP & DC, and has since been through a house move without incident. The adoptee seems to go from house to cattery with no apparent affects on behaviour, she is not shy with guests, etc..
- both are too old to jump off/over the balcony, and obviously I would keep a very close eye on the adoptee so she gets used to it.
- I do have enough space for an extra litter box/tree/feeding station. They also seem to have different habits, mine sleeps on the bed with me, the adoptee has her own bed under the bed at home.
I am open to opinions & tips because I am on the fence. I'd very much like to adopt the second cat because she's sweet and deserves a good home. I very much hope that we woudl all just adjust, however, if someone wiser than me knows that's I'm heading for disaster, I'd really like to know about it now!
PS. My resident cat is the white one, the potential adoptee is the black one.