Scaredy Cat Blues

Question
I have a 4-yr-old scaredy cat named Jellyfish. She's mildly affectionate to me but shies away from the other two humans, two dogs and cat in the household. (The dogs are labs and never chase her, in fact one of the dogs pals around with the other cat. So I can't figure out why she's a scaredy cat.) I'm thinking of adopting a third cat since we have plenty of space here. And, I love cats. Please tell me which would cause Jellyfish less stress: male or female, cat or kitten? Thanks.  

Answer
Hello Max and Jellyfish!

Sounds like you've got a shy, nervous girl, which is not all that uncommon.  It's not necessarily that she's flat-out scared, more like she's shy and just not ready to be in the middle of much hubbub and excitement and company.  Most female kitties have at least a little bit of a tendency in that direction (though I haven't quite figured out why except that female cats REALLY value their privacy and time alone).

I think the type of cat that would cause her the least stress would be a neutered male that's about three years of age.  That way, he's not a hyper kitten anymore, and is settling down quite a bit more than even a two-year-old kitty.  Of course, you'll want to spend some time with whichever kitty you plan on bringing home to be sure he's social and calm and will fit in with the bunch, but that's a given.  :o)

Hugs to you and yours!  Let me know how it goes!

Rosie*