Hi everyone, I’m new here but I really need some help. I rescued my Leo 3.5 years ago as a kitten. I immediately bonded with him, he has moved with me to college as my emotional support animal and I truly believe there is no other cat like him. He is my best friend. About a year ago I started toying with the idea of adding another cat to the family and after doing some research I decided I would narrow my search to a younger female cat with low-medium energy.
Last week, I found Rory on petfinder located at a shelter not far away. I messaged the shelter and asked if she was available still. The next day I called to set up an appointment to meet her (with the quarantine the shelter is closed to the public) and I was told all appointments must be adoption appointments. It was empty the shelter week and I was scared to miss out on an opportunity so I agreed to pick her up 5 days later. When I showed up that day, they brought her out and she was extremely shy and timid. I was told she came to the shelter with another male cat to act as her protector and in my head that was perfect because shed have an older brother at home. They asked if I’d like to adopt her and I was caught off guard, I had been thinking that’s what this was the whole time so I said yes.
I brought her home and put her in her safe room, I’ve followed all the steps and they seem to be doing okay as they have not fought. However, Leo has been hiding more than normal and runs away now when I try and get him, and Rory hardly lets me touch her without being extremely shy. Long story short, I feel I may have rushed into this adoption and should have waited until I could meet and socialize with more cats to make decision. I’m having a lot of anxiety that this may not be the best fit for me or Leo, there’s a pit in the bottom of my stomach every time I look at Rory as I have no bond with her at this time. Any pointers or experiences would be helpful, I am very uneasy about the situation and I miss my Leo’s personality.
Last week, I found Rory on petfinder located at a shelter not far away. I messaged the shelter and asked if she was available still. The next day I called to set up an appointment to meet her (with the quarantine the shelter is closed to the public) and I was told all appointments must be adoption appointments. It was empty the shelter week and I was scared to miss out on an opportunity so I agreed to pick her up 5 days later. When I showed up that day, they brought her out and she was extremely shy and timid. I was told she came to the shelter with another male cat to act as her protector and in my head that was perfect because shed have an older brother at home. They asked if I’d like to adopt her and I was caught off guard, I had been thinking that’s what this was the whole time so I said yes.
I brought her home and put her in her safe room, I’ve followed all the steps and they seem to be doing okay as they have not fought. However, Leo has been hiding more than normal and runs away now when I try and get him, and Rory hardly lets me touch her without being extremely shy. Long story short, I feel I may have rushed into this adoption and should have waited until I could meet and socialize with more cats to make decision. I’m having a lot of anxiety that this may not be the best fit for me or Leo, there’s a pit in the bottom of my stomach every time I look at Rory as I have no bond with her at this time. Any pointers or experiences would be helpful, I am very uneasy about the situation and I miss my Leo’s personality.
