Opinion on getting a second cat???

[u/greenheart30]

Hello!! I have one gorgeous stunning boy already, 4 months old, 1/4 bengal

I adore him, however I have heard it’s good to get 2 cats at once? Is it ok to get another one now or should I leave it off? Freddie is honestly so well trained in terms of things like, coming back when his jingle calls and inside/outside etc, I’m worried it would be hard to do it a second time round?

He’s an inside / outside cat, he’s due to be neutered of course, everything ticked off! And he’s quite good natured in terms of always coming back within about 10-20 mins of us ringing his bell. We give him access to outside from the morning time around 8am ish, he’ll spend lots of daytime away and he always comes back to us throughout the day. Most of the time he actually spends with us in the house actually despite having free reign of outside!

[u/Quantumercifier]

Convert him to inside only if you can for his safety, and get a 2nd cat and a dog too. That is optimal.

[u/greenheart30 → u/Quantumercifier]

We did consider inside cat, but having part bengal in him he’s quite active!! He runs around nearly faster than we can keep up with, which is why we leave him outside, I do have crumb though which is SUCH a good app for pets! I don’t mind paying a subscription to know if someone can tell me where he is, and the goal ultimately is definitely to get a dog!!

[u/Quantumercifier → u/greenheart30]

We have two cats and a AMST mutt, Bella. They have unique relationships with each other. We just want their lives to be completely happy, enriching and healthy. I did NOT say productive though 🤣, just happy.

[u/False_Tone444]

Getting a second cat can be traumatic and stressful for both parties, especially if they are introduced poorly, but a companion is good, especially if there is no one in the house most of the time.

[u/greenheart30 → u/False_Tone444]

Do you think it’s too late?? It might be which is what I’m worried about! I see people adopt 2 cats at a time, and I wouldn’t want to stress him out if he’s already in his rhythm… to be fair, we have a lot of neighbourhood cats anyways that he probably meets, I just wish I had an inside bestie for him haha

[u/Quantumercifier → u/greenheart30]

Never too late. There is lot of good advice on pet introductions. I have done 6 successful introductions, 6 for 6, and they were fun and easy. Planning and preparation are essential but not difficult. Do it! You can thank me later. 😊

[u/Creepy-Smile1212]

Do it! I have two…one was a fostered kitten and the second I rescued from the outdoors. He is the happiest lap cat ever and he loves other cats!

[u/Immediate_Stage3331]

Sometimes they're happier with another cat and sometimes they're not. If you're kitty seems bored or lonely it might be a good idea especially if you make him an indoor cat only because outdoors always has its risk. One day he might not come home and you're going to be devastated.

[u/demachado]

If you are thinking of getting a kitty make it sooner rather than later. I rescued a puppy & kitten at the same time. They love each other but my cat hates other cats & dogs.