To cut a very long story short I have fallen into the trap of anthropomorphising my cat.

Inca grew up with another cat - her "sister" - though not from the same litter, who sadly passed away quite some time ago.. Ina was always the timid one of the pair, though has really come out of her shell since she became the only cat and is very much a lap animal. She is 5.

She only has one eye - and no teeth - so she would be at a disadvantage with another animal

However I have been gently sounded out about taking on a youngster, who is very timid and was stray but was brought into a rescue centre with a paw caught in a snare which has, unfortunately lead to the removal of her front leg.

She is also a very timid cat and will require a bit of coaxing for her to come out of her shell. I am told that she does get on OK with other cats.

I was approached by a friend as it is known that I have a fully enclosed back garden created for Inca's protection as her eyesight (one eye notwithstanding) is not great. I contacted the rescue centre after looking at the rescues details given to me by my friend

New cat, it is felt, also needs a protective environment.

So apart from the heart strings being tugged, part concern for Inca, do cats get lonely? Or am I deluding myself that Inca would like a companion - I'd hate her to have her nose put out of joint - though I confess this time has been the only time I have only had one cat in the house.

Equally, once you've seen the pictures ..................

I don't think cats get lonely in the way a social animal like dogs or ourselves do. But it sounds like this other cat could provide some stimulation for Inca and I doubt either could physically bully the other
I'm sure the shelter can give good advice on integrating them, otherwise there will be others out there who've brought together adult cats.

Thanks for the input Shrike. I have brought together adult cats before, including a spitfire stray into an established pairing of more docile cats.

It just takes time and patience and normally I wouldn't have a concern. Except Inca has had a substantial amount of time as an only cat, and prefers nothing more than siting on my lap "helping" to read a book or some such. She has developed a strong bond and trust (more so than other cats I've shared my time with) - though this could, of course, be because of the vision problem and relies on me more.

I suppose I'm more concerned that the bond will weaken or it be upsetting for her.

A new cat appeals but perhaps I'm getting cold feet.

We had four cats of varying bravery, two since birth, and we lost our most brave one a few months ago now. Since then, we've noticed the most nervous of our cats really, really coming out of her shell and she's a proper little mischief now. It's as if the now-missing alpha cat was keeping the scaredy-cat in her shell, somehow (they were mother and daughter).

So, I wouldn't automatically assume that because your potential new cat is timid and retiring she'll stay that way when you take her home. There are external variables, and your home might allow her to come into her own, personality-wise.

Just a word of caution, is all. But show me a pic of them both, and I'll just agree with you whatever you say.

That was my downfall!

Oh, I'm totally not surprised! Even the thought of a pic makes me want to adopt her.

I suppose there is no harm in trying, it sounds like you want to give a good home to a cat that needs it. Would the rescue centre agree to help you if your other cat would not accept it ?

To cut a long story short - she is home. A very timid cat. She has spent the week in the second bedroom, but has started to show a bit of character, doesn't run and hide when I walk in the room, plays like a mad thing with a ball on a string - and breakthough of breakthroughs has actually started approaching me for fuss.

Next hurdle - introducing her to my other cat. Any tips?

Nice to hear she's settling in so far
I have read that swapping things that have the others scent on is a first step - blanket, towel or whatever they sleep on.

It will be nice if they get on, I wouldn't know what to suggest other than to take it slow.

Ah how lovely . I love a great rescue. I hope both become friends and both also happy to be your friend.

I am 6 week in with my two rescue cats and feel you need the patience of a saint! I have jokingly told them both that if they not up on my knee by the end of the month they are going back But I do jest. They are not the same cats that arrived here all those weeks ago, . They follow me round the house and play with toys which I believe neither had a kitten hood. . The little one allows me to touch him and jumps on my bed in the morning to tell me it's time for breakfast but his older mate is having none of it . However both are very happy cats and love the stairs and can chase each other up and down all day long! The centre said it could take up to3 months and I should be picking them up but the big cat is having none of it and gets too stressed out so will leave well alone

Good luck