Debating whether or not to get another cat through time

1234catlady

So I have two cats - Rambo and Nibbler and they are brother and sister and are 10 years old. Both are in great health and don't see them going anywhere anytime soon

They have always been around each other and never been apart so I'm wary about what to do if anything ever happens to one of them, would the surviving one be OK alone or would I be best to get another cat so as if anything happens, they wouldn't be alone? We are also out sometimes for about 8/9 hours and I don't like the idea of just one cat being alone with no company for that long. That's not the main reason for me and my partner considering getting another cat but its been a thought that has lingered, probably as they are getting older and it makes me remember that one day something will happen to them

The only time they have been around other cats is with my mum's kittens and Rambo got on fine with them but Nibbler hissed the entire time. Nibbler is the dominant cat out the two, she even bullies Rambo at times.

We have enough room, money and love to adopt another cat and I know a few looking for a home at the moment but I don't know if it would be unfair on Rambo and Nibbler since they haven't been around other cats much before and they are used to just being themselves or I should just get another cat at some point and hope they all get along.

I'm probably over thinking it all but I just don't want to rush into anything and I want my cats to be happy.

borkid

Cats are so different you'll never be sure.

We had 2 cats ( sisters) and introduced 2 kittens to them. It took 4 months of short supervised meetings before we felt happy to leave them alone unattended.

We moved house with the two kittens who were then adult about 10. A stray cat decided we were a good place to live and took up residence the cats couldn't care less and we often noted all 3 grooming each other.

At one point we've had 6 cats , 3 pairs, and no real problems. we now have 4 of the 6 left and it's the 2 brothers who fight sometimes, the 2 younger ones are so laid back it's unbelievable.

It's only our recent lot where we've had male cats and after a session with one female going to the vets and then needing to be confined for a couple of months, the males began spraying. A lot of work. It took them a year to get over it. I think the change really upset them.

One has started a spraying again but I think it's due to a strange cat coming and eating their food. I've not seen it but catflap noises when all mine are asleep etc makes me suspect it's so.

gunsandbanjos

I just introduced a new kitten/cat (not sure how old she is, shelter said older than 6 months but less than 1.5 years!) to our household as we lost our girl cat several months ago and my remaining cat seemed a bit lonely.

They are doing really well, no aggression, happily sleep on same sofa or bed and we are only at week 3.

I made sure that the cat I was planning to introduce was smaller and younger than my current cat. And I picked one with a similar personality.

You can never tell whether they'll definitely get on though.

meritaten

how old a kitten are you thinking of? not a tiny one? but obviously not fully grown? I do know of a couple of kittens looking for a new home. Older kittens that is.
PM me if you are interested and I will put you in touch with the owner.
BTW - they are used to 'older resident cats'.

TBagpuss

It varies a lot. If your cats are happy as they are, I would not get another cat now, as that could disrupt things and could mean that your curent cat becomes unhappy. If / when one of them does go, you can then make a decision.
From what you say, it sounds as though Rambo might appreciate the company if anything happened to Nibbler but tat the reverse might well not be true.

We once acquired an unexpected kitten - our resident cat never really adjusted. Fortunately our houe at the time was large enough that they were able to ignore each other, and the new kitten (despite growing up to be huge, and very definitely Top Cat in the neighbourhood) never challenged the Old Lady but would always and immediately back down when she hissed at him.

An acquaintance of mine is currently tryingto re-home her cat as she got some kittens to keep the cat company after its companion died, and it hasn't worked out at all.

If you do want to go ahead, perhaps you should speak to a local shelter abbout fostering for a while first to see how you cats adapt, before you make a final decision?