I've noticed that most people with 2 cats usually acquired them both at around the same time, ie, whilst still kittens...or introduced a bengal kitten to an older moggie/other breed.

Now, having had Zebedee since October (he'll be a year old in a few days), I know that unlike most other breeds, Bengals are opposed to change. He has a set routine (we no longer need an alarm clock to wake us up in time for work ) and we always know when he'll be home for each meal or his cuddles and naps. As you've probably guessed, Zeb's an outdoor cat, we have a secure garden with plenty of land at the back & a cat flap fitted, but although he gets plenty of exercise and entertainment outdoors preventing him from getting lonely at home when we're out, we do not have many neighbouring cats.

Up until a few months ago Zeb had a girlfriend who would quite happily follow him into our house and they would fall asleep curled up together in his basket. Often, though, they would snarl, hiss and fight as though they hated each other & I would have to separate them and send them both out. Once out in the garden they were usually best friends again - this left me confused because I was never entirely sure how much they actually liked/hated each other & whether it was an issue of territory?

Anyway, the cat's owners moved away a few months ago and for days after, Zebedee would stand outside their window meowing and moping for his g/f. It was heartbreaking because for even longer after that, he was forever moping in the garden and eventually started spending more time indoors than out. He's a lot better now and seems to have forgotten about her but occasionally i catch him sitting around in the garden, bored of chasing his own tail or playing with me & looking quite desolate. My breeder suggested he would probably prefer the company of another cat, even a rescue cat would be easy to introduce.

After much cajoling, the OH has agreed to let me get a second cat & i've reserved an Abyssinian kitten. BUT I'm now suddenly getting anxious and wondering if Zebedee will take kindly to the addition. How does an older (well 12month old) bengal take to a new kitten? Will he be jealous & opposed to change? As much as I am excited at the prospect of kitten no2 I would never want to upset Zeb or make him feel replaced. Will there be any issues of 'territory'? Also, he has been neutered, and the Aby i'm getting is female who will also be spayed at 6 months.

Sorry to have droned on; I'm just grateful for any advice because I really would prefer to do the right thing first time round rather than creating an upheaval only to then cause upset to the cats. It wouldn't be fair on the kitten or Zebedee. xxxx

Confused & Concerned

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Zakiyya C: Mum to Zebedee - Silver Spotted Bengal & Coco Mademoiselle - Usual Abyssinian

i think you will probably be fine. it sounds like zebedee is a pretty social cat himself and as long as you take the introductions slow and easy i think they will probably be good friends with a little time.

I found it really helped to give ollie (existing cat) extra "priviledges" so she is always fed first, groomed first, and first to get a treat. this has helped ensure she knows she is still "top cat" (tee hee) and we still love her.

she is generally doing very well in coping with the fuzzy little interloper