Hi There!
I have two ragdolls, brother and sister, 4 years old. My boy, Brady, is the social butterfly. He is great with kids and even other animals. My girl, Bella, is a fradycat. Very very shy, but is very affectionate with me. My husband, who was not a cat person until we got these cats, has asked that we get 2 more. I am very tempted, but also very worried. Will the introduction of two more kittens push Bella farther away? Will Brady have more male dominance?
I really don't know what to do. I can't believe hubby wants 2 more and I would love to have them, but I am afraid of what it will do to the relationship I have with my current cats and what it will do to them and their personalities.
Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks,
Tracy
The personalities of the potential new kittens plus the current kittens will determine how they get along. Also, a major factor is how the introductions are done. A slow pace with positive interactions will usually lead to success. How much space do you have? Kittens and cats need to feel they have a safe space to go to if they need it.
Lots of factors to consider but I have quite a few cats and all get along.
Well you've come to the wrong place to ask that as we all love raggies and always say yes! However, I can understand your fear. I have two where one is outgoing and the other is very, "sensitive", we call her. Because of that I know that I can't bring anymore cats in because Samantha who has only begun to come out of her shell in the past year or so would revert I fear.
If you think two more cats will add to the joy of the household, you should do it. Of course, it can change the dynamics and can be difficult for a resident to accept. However, in general, cats develop well to other cats. A shy cat may become more shy. However, it is probably more likely that a shy cat will adjust fine and the issue may be getting over the dominance adjustment of a more outgoing cat. One cannot be sure. You have a better feel for how your cats respond to things than anyone else.
ABSOLUTELY!!!!!
I've found that it depends a lot on an individuals capacity and time to lavish attention. Some people are actually able to divide their time and love equally with many cats in a household. Nelson and I have found out our limit is slightly stretched with five because Widget monopolizes his time. That leaves me four to assure each is my favorite. We have to make time every day for personal preferences of each. When we had four, everyone got time without us having to count to be sure everyone got special love. We like to say cats are independent, but Raggies are not. If one feels lonely while another gets attention, I see tail quivers, owl ears, and narrowed eyes until that one gets his time.
When we had two unplanned fosters at the same time, we knew we had to get them adopted immediately, or risk their socialization. But then, that's us. We both work full time and have two dogs to attend to, as well.
Bottom line, have as many as you can carve out the time for.
janilee
I agree with what the other lovely ppl have said
WOW! Sounds like you have a wonderful husband. I know that if I had a larger house I would be getting more cats. If you can give them the attention that they need, by all means, get a couple of new fur babies.