Just wanted to share a picture of one of my 4 cats, Max. I live all of my pets, but Max is really special because he can always tell when I am about to have a pain flare-up or a mood swing. Plus, when I'm feeling sick or depressed, he never leaves my side. Pets are some of the best medicine out there!

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Max is beautiful. Pets have a wonderful way of knowing just what we need.
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Max is a very handsome boy
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I have 5 cats ranging in age from 16-2 years old. 4 years ago I lost my heart cat Zoee. She was my first pet on my own and I had her since she was a kitten. I had always wanted a cat growing up, but my mom was very allergic. I also have a dog, a turtle and a chinchilla. They are what keeps me going every day and give me purpose. I still think about my beautiful, sweet Zoee all the time.

There is little in life as difficult as losing a pet. They are the best friends a person can have. My oldest cat is 13 now, fortunately very healthy, but I often worry about the day I will have to say goodbye...

BTW, here is a picture of my 13-year-old cat. His name is Stoli.

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Also Morgan, my only non-rescue cat. He is a purebread Ragdoll.

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It sounds like some of you would be good people to ask about introducing a second cat into one's home.

Confession time: I am a dog person. I love dogs and trained them as a hobby. Sadly, now that I'm disabled, I'm not really capable of providing a dog with the care and exercise it needs and deserves.

When our last dog passed, my child was desperate for a new pet. Hubby wouldn't budge on the dog thing, so we compromised and adopted a cat. A big compromise for me, because I'm allergic - but the things you do for your kid.
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Ironically, the cat, a young female, has bonded to me. She plays with the the other family members, but I am the only one whom she follows and cuddles. (All the better to kill me with her dander?
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My child loves the cat, but finds the relationship not 100% satisfying. She wants a pet that she can dote on, like she did our dog.

Visiting the shelter the other day, she lost her heart to a very cuddly, butt ugly (lol) five year old male love lump. He climbed in her lap and sat there, purring, until we had to leave. The staff said that he's the most affectionate cat they've seen. My child was thrilled and wants desperately to bring him home, but is having trouble convincing her dad. (Me, I'll just go with the flow and start freebasing my antihistamines.)

One of hubby's objections (aka excuses) is his fear that the cats won't get along. So what should I do to introduce the new cat into the house successfully? And, based on your experiences, what are the odds of peaceful cohabitation between an 18 month old, active, confident female (she was a stray, but never in a shelter) who, while overall friendly and well-behaved, still has what I term "feral moments" and the cat described above?

Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

Thanks!

One of the first things you will want to do is establish a safe place for the female kitty. This is like her special place. The newcomer will go in another room.You can introduce them to each other, one on each side of the door, while giving the two of them some treats. This will show them that being around each other is a good thing. Make sure you give the lions share of attention to the established cat. I assume the male you would be bringing in is good with other cats? That's important to know. If after a few tries with the closed door there is not hissing and there is friendly interest in each other, then you can start opening the door a little at a time while doing the food thing. Also, read this article ---
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. Let me know how it goes!

Not sure I get what that means, exactly.

I have no idea why cats seem to have this affinity for whoever is most allergic/least cat-lover. I have the same problem (allergic) and guess who's lap they head for first...
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She likely gets her dog-affinity from you. My concern is that the most affectionate dog-like cat in the world still isn't a dog, and can't be made to behave/think like one. Some kids can understand this; others can't. Likewise, the most docile dog-like cat in the world still can't/won't tolerate the (kind of) doting that dogs will. Not trying to be negative—just pragmatic. There may not be a cat that can satisfy that need/relationship.

While dogs are pack-oriented & social, cats—as a rule—are solitary & territorial by nature. While there are exceptions, in all likelihood, they will choose their turf in the house (in 2-story houses, it's not uncommon for each to choose a floor) and seldom/rarely get chummy.

OTOH, there are a very few cats who just don't/won't adapt, despite doing everything correctly (this may be your husband's reservation) and this can be problematical.


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My personal experiences have been bringing in multiple cats—as kittens—at the same time, so I'll defer to others on this kind of introduction.

Doc

Thanks so much for the advice and the link.

Yes, the male is social. At the shelter, he is staying in a common room with other cats, rather than in a cage.

When our female was rescued by a friend, she was, as young Queen's will do, traveling in the company of another female. Sadly, we couldn't entice her shy companion indoors before the very brutal winter set in. Poor baby.
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