Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I really need some advice. This is kind of a long story, but I'll do my best to sum it up. My boyfriend got a cat, BooBear, almost a year ago from a friend at work who couldn't keep her anymore for allergy reasons. He absolutely loves Boo. He currently lives in an apartment, but is going to have to move in with his brother in March for financial reasons, and his brother will not let him bring Boo because he's allergic. So now, my boyfriend doesn't know what to do with his kitty. He doesn't want to give her away, but he doesn't have a choice. We both have been looking for a home for Boo for months, but haven't had any success. If he can't find her a new home, he is going to have to give her to the Humane Society,

Now for my side. I love Boo, and she and I get along very well. I would be more than happy to take her, but I currently have one cat, Tabby, and she's been an only cat her whole life (almost 9 years). I'm worried about what kind of stress this would put on both of them. Another worry is that Tabby is not declawed, but Boo is, and I'm afraid Tabby might rip Boo to shreds, though my boyfriend says that Boo bullies Sammi, the cat downstairs, and Sammi still has her claws. Boo is quite a bit younger than Tabby (I think she's 3), but I don't know if that would make a big difference. Now, I've brought various small pets home over the last year and Tabby is amazingly very good with them, but mice, a snake, and hermit crabs are very different from another cat.

I don't know whether or not I should take Boo in. She is such a sweetheart, and I feel very badly for her, because this will be her fourth home in her short life, and that's got to be rough on a little kitty. If I take her, I have every intention of providing a loving home for her and keeping her for life as long as she and Tabby don't literally try to kill each other. If I don't take her, she's going to the Humane Society, and since she's not a kitten, I fear she may not get adopted out. If anyone has any opinions about what I should do, I would be greatful. Also, if I do take her, I REALLY need some advice on how should I go about introducing the two. I have till March to figure this out.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Take her if you don't you will always feel guilty about her having to go to the humane society. Read the other posts in this forum so you make in the introductions the right way.
Good luck.
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker

I think you should take her. Introducing her to your current cat might be tricky, but I've had to do this numerous times and after a few days everything will be just fine. Plus, after the cats get used to each other, they might just both benefit from the companionship! Seriously, I think this could turn out to be a 'win-win' scenario!

Thanks to the two of you who have posted, and if anyone else has any advice or opinions, I'd love to hear them.

I do have a quick question. I've been reading on this site that it is important for the cats to get used to each others' scents. I'm wondering, since this is my boyfriend's cat, and we're at each others' houses all the time, do you think the cats might be somewhat familiar with each others' scents already? Could this make an easier intro? Also, he suggested bringing Boo to my house for a couple of visits while she's still living at his apartment to introduce the two cats. I'm afraid this might be too stressful for both, especially Boo, since she'd be the one doing the traveling. What do you think?

Again, thanks for your help.

I think the if he brings her he should leave her. Yes they may be some what used to each other scents. But I still would isolate Boo for a while. Then introduce them slowly.

Good Luck and let us know how it goes.
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker