- Joined
- Dec 1, 2014
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My current cat, Sasha, is a sweet, shy 8 year old. She has always been timid so I have been wary with introducing her to any form of change. However, due to various life circumstances, we have had to move around more than a few times. To date, she has lived with me at 7 different locations. However, she surprised me by easily adapting to each new place, always quickly becoming comfortable. About 2 years ago, she surprised me even more by taking to my roommate when she used to be scared of strangers. She even comes out to hang out with guests nowadays, when in the past she used to hide whenever she heard strangers.
Anyways, I have always wanted to get Sasha a cat friend to make sure that she isn't lonely. However, I have been hesitating because there is no guarantee that Sasha will like this new cat and I know that not all cats need feline companionship. Also, Sasha has been an only cat her whole life. However, she has really surprised me by her adaptability and sudden interest in new people. (Side question: does a cat's personality change as they age? Sasha used to be super timid and now she's almost adventurous.)
Long story short, my family took in a stray cat. This cat is probably younger than one year and is definitely a stray as it was very skinny before my family started feeding him. My family aren't really pet people and was looking for an out. If I don't take the cat, they will bring him to the humane society or let him go back to roaming outside. I AGONIZED about this decision, but finally decided to take the cat. I mean, I would love to have another cat but am worried about Sasha's well being.
So my main purpose in taking this cat in is not to have him and Sasha become best friends, although that would be ideal, but to be able to provide him with a happy, safe forever home. My goal is for Sasha and the new cat to tolerate each other.
So, please share your success stories with integrating a new cat into your current cat family. I am extremely worried and I have obsessed over how to facilitate the long, slow process. The new cat will be getting shots, neutered etc, before meeting Sasha. I know that they might not be best friends but I just want to read stories where it has worked out between the cats.
Anyways, I have always wanted to get Sasha a cat friend to make sure that she isn't lonely. However, I have been hesitating because there is no guarantee that Sasha will like this new cat and I know that not all cats need feline companionship. Also, Sasha has been an only cat her whole life. However, she has really surprised me by her adaptability and sudden interest in new people. (Side question: does a cat's personality change as they age? Sasha used to be super timid and now she's almost adventurous.)
Long story short, my family took in a stray cat. This cat is probably younger than one year and is definitely a stray as it was very skinny before my family started feeding him. My family aren't really pet people and was looking for an out. If I don't take the cat, they will bring him to the humane society or let him go back to roaming outside. I AGONIZED about this decision, but finally decided to take the cat. I mean, I would love to have another cat but am worried about Sasha's well being.
So my main purpose in taking this cat in is not to have him and Sasha become best friends, although that would be ideal, but to be able to provide him with a happy, safe forever home. My goal is for Sasha and the new cat to tolerate each other.
So, please share your success stories with integrating a new cat into your current cat family. I am extremely worried and I have obsessed over how to facilitate the long, slow process. The new cat will be getting shots, neutered etc, before meeting Sasha. I know that they might not be best friends but I just want to read stories where it has worked out between the cats.