Opinions on a second cat please

[Garfield&Gypsy]

Thanks Desley, I am keeping my eyes peeled for a 2-3 year old female, but no guarentees as of yet.

I want to let Garfield settle, he is settling well but still keeps himself to himself but laps up fuss when we go to him. I managed to get him in the lounge this morning before I left for my appointment, he did his usual rub himself of every bit of my body he could reach and tummy rubbing he is definately getting more relaxed downstairs.
 
He doesn't even mind me picking him up to make him aware there's food waiting in the kitchen for him. his tail is up alot more as well, though when he's on the pillow on the landing floor and we're walking up the stairs he flattens his ears and shrinks into the pillow but he's fine once we start to stroke him.

I guess Chris is worried that we won't be able to get another if he gets too old, or too in his ways. But on the other hand we don't want him to loose out or loose confidence if the new arrival is more confident or pushy.

Decisions?!?!?

[Desley (booktigger)]

I haven't had chance to ring the people who was feeding him to see what he thought of her neighbours kitten, but will try and do that tomorrow. I did allow Zia to walk in his room once, and he did go to the vet at the same time as Rolo (but was too busy shaking in his carrier, I have to say), and they are the only two times I know of him coming into contact with another cat. I personally would give it a bit longer till he is more relaxed, as if you get a confident cat, it could work either way.

[Garfield&Gypsy]

we don't have a catflap, but my job allows me to be around all day friday, all weekend and i often end up at home during the week as well so there would be no issues like that.

i'm being careful with age, i understand where your coming from in regards to kitten like behaviour etc. Garfield doesn't really play at all, he is just really placid and laid back. (though it doesn't mean he won't - Jet still chased her spongy ball round)

[Millys Mum]

Yep deffo give him time to get his property claimed etc
Something to keep in mind also is he will be ready to go out before the 2nd cat which can sometimes cause problems with cat flap access, depends on house layout really.
If Garfield comes in the other could slip out.

I wouldnt get a cat too kitten like as it will be still be playful at 2 years when Garfield will be 5 and starting to enjoy lifes comforts. I find that with mine, Lola (5)  likes a game of chase every so often but the 3 boys who are nearly 2 and 2 & half, love to play crazy tag all day and annoy Lola when shes trying to snooze 

[Garfield&Gypsy]

Desley reckoned he's about three.
obviously we don't want to leave him be too long (i.e years before we get another cat)

maybe wait a few weeks to let his confidence build up some more first. he's doing really well and actully ate his breakfast whilst i was in the kitchen this morning.

[Millys Mum]

Id ask Des what she thinks would match him best   

How old is he?

[Garfield&Gypsy]

when I collected Garfield he was still in isolation.

However when we collected Jet she was most eager to get out of the room to attack the household cats.

Garfield wasn't the slightest bit bothered about other cat scents being around, it kind of says I don't mind other cats but I think i'm wary that I may be completely different if they're in his space so to speak.

 

[dolcetta46]

Of course you should get him Odie for a friend!! 

Just kidding, I think that would be lovely for the lovely Garfy to have a friend to play and cuddle with, if you could find the right companion.  Probably the best thing to do is discuss with Desley who also knows him well and have seen him around other cats, perhaps together you may be able to find the right kitty!!  Best of luck to both of you and keep us posted!

[Garfield&Gypsy]

My hubby piped up last night suggesting he would like to get Garfield a friend.
He is a very laid back placid male and is still settling in really well.

Is it better to get another cat sooner rather than later so he doesn't get too used to being an only cat or are we better off leaving him as the only cat for a while then look for a spayed female friend for him?

i am aware that a younger female has a better chance of being accepted and i've had a look round on cat chat where there are some young (recently spayed) females local to me, obviously his feelings come first and we would be concerned if he didn't approve of his friend so i feel we would have to look locally in case it didn't work out.

When Garfield was at Desleys he showed no sign of agression towards the other cats in the house so he should happily accept a friend i guess i'm a little concerned as i've never had two cats at the same time, and i don't want to feel left out whilst they play together.

does having two cats help them to develop their personalities or could it hinder them as Garfield still isn't the most confident cat and is still scared to come downstairs when we're awake. but still laps up fuss when we go to him on the landing.