Good or bad idea?

Shoshannah

Presence/absence of the OH aside, you need to think very carefully before introducing another cat into a household that already has two cats. Cats are not pack animals, they tend to live alone or in small family groups (lions aside). As a vet I see a number of physical and emotional health problems in cats that live in multi-cat households.

Multi-cat households CAN work, but it involves a lot of effort and sometimes an element of luck. The decision to get a third cat should definitely not be rushed in the space of a weekend before the OH gets back, IMHO.

GemJar_2

Hellooo thanks for the replies, Fire Fox, it was only a couple of days on tuna/grilled chicken, he does it from time to time and I honestly think its because he's 'bored' of his usual food. He seems to happily be back on wet food now with a 'hint' of tuna. Probably a case of 'i want what you're having!'

The cat tree doesn't wobble at all its very very sturdy I think think he prefers the door! He doesn't scratch anything else, no furniture or anything- very lucky like that!

I've been given the go-ahead to get a third and final cat, although I've decided that as my boyfriend is much much better at handling them and introducing them than I am, that I will wait until he is home before we get him. I know introducing them is very very difficult!

Final question I have is, what do I do if they really don't take to each other?

3v3

GemJar wrote: »

...

Final question I have is, what do I do if they really don't take to each other?

They will - eventually There's a plug-in called "Feliway" which you may find useful. It emits a pheromone which can help stressed cats and intercat aggression.

viktory

The OP sounds about 12!

Fire_Fox

GemJar wrote: »

I've been given the go-ahead to get a third and final cat, although I've decided that as my boyfriend is much much better at handling them and introducing them than I am, that I will wait until he is home before we get him. I know introducing them is very very difficult!

Final question I have is, what do I do if they really don't take to each other?

Why is your boyfriend better at introductions? There is no secret skill to using Feliway, scent swapping and controlled exposure, there is plenty of advice online. Reputable rescues insist you return any animal if your circumstances change, and that does include failed introductions. A good homechecker can recommend the right cat for your needs.

I don't agree with 3v3 that they will get on eventually, some cats just really hate all other cats. There are others that live in feral colonies or indoor only who have a close relationship. I would look for a young cat that has been in a foster home (not cattery) for a few months, that means they will have been assessed reacting to other cats, dogs and perhaps children. Please don't be tempted to try Gumtree or Freecycle or the like, I have heard so many tales of people being conned into taking cats with terrible behavioural issues or pregnant yet 'already spayed' and so on! :eek:

Mrs_Z

There are no guarantees that they will get on. We had 3, all acquired in different stages and they have never got on. They divided the house in to smaller territories.

Equally, my friend as just taken on another cat and it's the same story, they tolerate each other after a while, but have not become best of mates.

Both cases above refer to cat of 1,5 years of age being introduced to the household. Whether a kitten would make a difference I don't know but I agree that some cats just don't like other cats but prefer humans.

A colleague of mine did introduce a very young cat and eventually, after about 6-7 weeks they started to get on and are now best mates. This was a male kitten to female adult whereas in the other examples all have been female cats.

GemJar_2

viktory wrote: »

The OP sounds about 12!

Thanks, I love a good, pointless insult! That said, I suppose its something you do when you're 12... you poo head!

GemJar_2

I've decided I'll leave it, mentalist cat is enough of a handful on his own and I don't think he'd agree with shared love 3 ways . Also, just been informed I have to move out of my current house as the landlords selling it and I think I really need to concentrate on making sure these are okay with the big move I think the little one would be okay with it and he doesn't go out too much anyway but the big one hates moving and hides under the table for a few days, bless him. Worried because we're literally moving down the road and I don't want him to get confused and go back to the old house!

Fire_Fox

GemJar wrote: »

I've decided I'll leave it, mentalist cat is enough of a handful on his own and I don't think he'd agree with shared love 3 ways . Also, just been informed I have to move out of my current house as the landlords selling it and I think I really need to concentrate on making sure these are okay with the big move I think the little one would be okay with it and he doesn't go out too much anyway but the big one hates moving and hides under the table for a few days, bless him. Worried because we're literally moving down the road and I don't want him to get confused and go back to the old house!

Go back to basics - confine your older cat to one room in the new house with a large cardboard box containing his own bedding. Also use a Feliway diffuser or two both during the packing stage and after the move, keep him indoors for as long as it takes then tempt with favourite smelly cat foods until he realises he's home sweet home.

I hope the move works well for you and your partner, and you don't get left with all the chores!

GemJar_2

Fire_Fox wrote: »

Go back to basics - confine your older cat to one room in the new house with a large cardboard box containing his own bedding. Also use a Feliway diffuser or two both during the packing stage and after the move, keep him indoors for as long as it takes then tempt with favourite smelly cat foods until he realises he's home sweet home.

I hope the move works well for you and your partner, and you don't get left with all the chores!

I've heard these Feliway diffusers are good, will have to invest in a couple. One thing I'm really happy about is that new house has a HUGE back garden, I think they'll like that!