First, I think it's a great idea to get your kitty a companion! I also agree that the purebred cats are breathtaking...I've always wanted a bengal kitty!! However, I have two kittens I adopted from the shelter who are the absolute light of my life right now. The only other cats I have owned in the past (2) were also strays. Two of my three dogs were strays as well. I guess what I am trying to say is...I don't think anything is more rewarding than the love of an animal you rescue. I truly believe they know and appreciate what you do for them, and spend the rest of their lives trying to prove it to you!! SO that's my vote...shelter kitty!!shelter kitty!! shelter kitty!!!

As for socializing them, I would keep them seperated in different rooms/areas of the house at first. They can begin to get used to each others scent that way and nobody will get hurt. You can take blankets from one room with new kitty's scent on it and put it in the room with your cat...that usually helps too. The important thing is not to rush them into loving each other right off the bat!!Thanks for considering adopting and giving a homeless kitty a furrever home!! GOOD LUCK!!!