Introducing adult cat to adult cat

[Catlover]

Well, I read in another thread that maine coon owners cab rarely stop at one maine coon.......and yes, I am now considering getting a friend for Sylvie. I have my eye on a young adult maine coon and my question is if anyone has experience of introducing one adult cat to another. Are maine coons really happier with a friend if they are going to be indoors?

[Catlover]

Well there does seem to be a lot of photos in this forum of maine coons having fun together! I'll have to give it some serious thought....

[Antonia]

Are maine coons really happier with a friend if they are going to be indoors?

Absolutely. I'd say about 99.9% of them are.
But be prepared for a short period of indignant behavior towards the newcomer by the resident Coonie. Then be prepared for two furries getting along like a house on fire.
And keep us posted of course.

[FreyjaRoMaine]

I'd agree with Antonia and Candes, and would add that you may also need to be prepared for some bad temper in your direction, too, just for a short period. Think Rachel had similar treatment from Gracie for a week or so. Candes had a great trick for me though, and that's sorted Freyja completely. A very stressful 3 weeks all in, but SO worth it in the long run, and you'd never know now that there was every any disharmony in the first place.

[Catlover]

Hi candes, I do worry that the dynamic might change if we get Another cat. I know my mother in law has a cat which is totally different since the other cat in the household has died- she's become a lot friendlier and less aloof. Just a little bit worried sylvie might do the converse with another cat around. But then it's encouraging that this hasn't been the case for many people who own Maine coons.

[FreyjaRoMaine]

Hi candes, I do worry that the dynamic might change if we get Another cat. I know my mother in law has a cat which is totally different since the other cat in the household has died- she's become a lot friendlier and less aloof. Just a little bit worried sylvie might do the converse with another cat around. But then it's encouraging that this hasn't been the case for many people who own Maine coons.

That's a good point that Candes has made - we haven't seen less affection from Freyja since she decided Wicca could stay (!) but she does 'play' with us both less than she used to; she'd rather play hide and seek with a tiny black kitty than can hide under the dining room table than with noisy humans who can't hide for toffee; and she'd rather chase Wicca around the house than us because Wicca gives her a challenge and we're too easy to catch. But affection wise, she's probably better than she used to be.

[Catlover]

Thanks guys. I think we're 99% certain that we're going to go for it and make ourselves a 2 cat household. Have contacted the breeder and she seems to have four young cats available- hopefully I can go have a look soon!

[jckkerrison]

she'd rather play hide and seek with a tiny black kitty than can hide under the dining room table than with noisy humans who can't hide for toffee; and she'd rather chase Wicca around the house than us because Wicca gives her a challenge and we're too easy to catch. But affection wise, she's probably better than she used to be.

Pleased you now know your place in the cat household & accept that play is much better with one of your own type,we do come in useful though when they need to have the fluffies retrieved from under the furniture so we are not complete dumbos.
Interesting about the affection bit,I find mine are happier playing alone/together but do come for a lot of kisses & cuddles...

Good luck catlover ...

[Rachel-C]

That's a good point that Candes has made - we haven't seen less affection from Freyja since she decided Wicca could stay (!) but she does 'play' with us both less than she used to; she'd rather play hide and seek with a tiny black kitty than can hide under the dining room table than with noisy humans who can't hide for toffee; and she'd rather chase Wicca around the house than us because Wicca gives her a challenge and we're too easy to catch. But affection wise, she's probably better than she used to be.

This sooo rings true for me too Karen! We introduced little Monty to the family when Gracie was almost 5 months old and had ruled the roost with us for 2 months. We had about a week's worth of hissy pants behaviour from Gracie towards the new 13 week old bundle of mischief but this very quickly settled into them being inseperable - the sight of them grooming each other now still makes me go all gooey inside!

As Karen said before, I was more upset that Gracie seemed to punish us for a good fortnight or so, was very aloof and not at all kitten like - and I wondered what the hell I'd done and if she'd ever forgive me. She'd never been one for full on affection unless it was completely on her terms - when she wants a cuddle she will be completely loving but try and snuggle her when she wasn't in the mood and the whining would make you believe there should be an Esther Rantzen "Kittenline" that she could call for abuse!!!!

This did pass though after a few weeks and now I have to say she is probably better than before. Monty is such a purr monster and she does seem to have learned by example that cuddles and mummy time are really quite a good thing! It's great fun to watch them playing together and whilst we do still get involved and down and dirty with them a lot of the time, it's actually quite a relief to be able to get on with things like time on the laptop without them climbing all over it demanding attention because they have each other to keep themselves occupied!

Ooooeerrrrrr this has turned into quite a ramble now - sorry! Just to say good luck with your lovely new furbaby, I expect to see lots and lots of pics. I really hope it goes well, and I'm sure that it will - but be prepared for some resentment - you may be very lucky but if not, rest assured, it will more than likely pass!

Take care, Rachel x

[Rachel-C]

Oh I'm in love - Dudley is simply stunning!!!! So thrilled to hear that they seem to be getting along - that was very quick - how lucky are you with your two gorgeous kitties xx