First of all, you need to understand that most cats don’t actually need feline companions.

Dogs are pack animals and need to be with companions of their own species, or to accept their human family as their pack. Cats are not pack animals: they are natural soloists. However, do not let this stop you offering a home to a second feline orphan. You just need to introduce the two animals carefully.

When you bring home Secundo, put the carrying cage or box down on the floor and let Primo come over and have a look at the newcomer. After the initial introduction, make sure that the doors and windows of the room are shut then let Secundo out of the carrier. He may try to explore the new territory immediately or, more likely, hide under a piece of furniture and inspect the area and the resident cat from relatively safety.

Do not expect instant friendship. With luck, they will become friends, if not, settle for toleration. Do not aggravate the situation by paying more attention to the newcomer than to the resident cat. Offer Primo his food first then feed Secundo, putting his bowl some distance away from Primo’s. Offer any treats or attention in the same order. This reassures Primo that he has not lost his place in your life. He may still be vexed with you and show it for weeks, but he will come around.