On Monday, August 22, 2016 at 2:01:05 PM UTC-4, pomacanthus wrote:
My cat Leo (rescue possibly american shorthair not sure) is pretty aloof
and Im thinking of adding a kitten. I like the American Shorthair or the
California Spangled so far? I would like to find something with cool
markings, that quiet, and semi affectionate.

We added a Maine Coon mix to our menagerie about 3 years ago when we lost one of our cats to a chronic and incurable disease. We needed a kitten which could handle the dogs (Golden and Scottie) yet stand up to our pure-bred Maine Coon (20#) who actually runs the show. We found him at a street fair in Danville, PA - he was a barn kitten with a known mother and suspected father. In any case, he is 17# today and holds his own.

The point of all this is that Maine Coons, mixed or pure, tend to be very laid back cats, yet can handle other animals without losing it. They are also very, very affectionate in-your-face cats when they want to be and they are raised to be.

The single most difficult issue with rescue cats - other than health problems - is that older cats have already-formed personalities that often are not what the rescuer visualizes. Most of them will come around over time, but there is always a period when they are finding their way. And this can last for weeks, even months. Be patient.

Catnip, play and affection are excellent ice-breakers.