Introducing male cats

rock&fluff'smom

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Ok, I went to PetSmart yesterday and say this BEAUTIFUL male tabby that looked just like Rocky's twin..His name was Cirus, and was as big as Rocky, and his personal history that was on his card was exactly like Rocky also..well, they are all different and unique, but it said that he was 2-3 years old, very gentle around kids, gets along well with other cats, and is a lap kitty...well, ok..here is what worried me...I was seriously thinking about bringing him home, but isn't when cats are around 2 years old they are pretty much set in their ways?
I am not sure how Rocky would feel about that with me bringing home another male..ohh and also,,he was nutered too...
I asked the lady at Pet Smart if I could go around back to his cage and pet him and I spent almost an hour in there with him..I fell in love with him,,,,he seemed to have possibly been abused, because when I put my hand out for him to smell( I always do this with any new cat or just any animal) he closed his eyes and dodged my hand like he thought I was going to hit him or something..it so much broke my heart! I really really want him and I can't stop thinking about him...I guess I am just afraid of introducing Rocky and him...I really don't think Fluff would have as much of a problem but I am not sure....What should I do???
 
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ghostuser

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I volunteer at a shelter, and I've gone through this same thing myself.

Cats can adapt to new situations at any age. Since you said that the lady told you that he's good around cats, it means he probably won't have too tough a time adjusting to a roomate. Cats that have lived with cats from an early age have an easier time adjusting. Kittens also have an easier time adjusting to another cat (in fact, they usually love it). When the old and new cat have these types of backgrounds, I feel very comfortable okay-ing an adoption.

It's also a good idea to take into account what personality Rocky has. If he's dominering, aggressive, or easy to become jealous of Fluff, it might not be a good idea to introduce a rival into your home. As for the personality of the new Tabby, you won't know until you get him home. I had a bad experiance when I tried adopting Harry. Him and Merlin could not get along, no matter what I tried. After a month and a half Harry was exibiting extreme signs of stress, and I had to call the shelter and return him. Once he was back at the shelter he started acting normal again, and Merlin finally came out of hiding for the first time since Harry walked in the door. Things like this can happen, and you need to think about what you would do if it did.

After the Harry incident I took home a 14 year old cat who had been an only cat for 12 years. It's taken 5 months, but he tolerates the 9 month old kitten and my 2 year old, both of whom are males. It just took a lot of time and patience.

Just make sure to read up on the proper way to indroduce cats. It makes all the difference in the world.
 

hissy

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You would have better luck finding a cat the exact opposite of yours at home, less territorial problems come as a result of that
 
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