Does my declawed indoor cat need companionship?
Sunday, February 28th, 2010 at
2:18 pm
I’ve had this cat for about 4 years, she’s always been an indoor cat, always been alone. Since returning to work full time I am concerned she may need a friend. My hubby says getting another cat will "ruin" her and she’ll just be mad about it! She is very spoiled and used to being the only girl.
Any ideas? Is it cruel for her to be alone?
PLEASE, if you do not have an intellegent answer then don’t answer! No offense but people often answer ridiculously! Thanks!
Filed under: Cat Furniture
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solitary indoor cats tend to do better with a companion cat, although introducing a new cat to an established pet can always have complications. I say go for it, but introduce them slowly, keep the new cat separate for sevreral days – in a room with the door closed – before introducing them directly.
yea it will feel better if it has someone to play with
I think that a companion is an excellent idea; you should be able to check on http://www.petfinders.com to locate another declawed cat (they can be difficult to place!), so that neither cat has "the upper paw." Good luck!
I used to have just one cat and she seemed to do fine while I worked a full time job. Now that I have had four cats for some time and see how they interact with each other I think I was wrong just having one cat. Many cat owners only have one cat, and believe if you play with your cat while you are home and give her extra attention she will be okay. I’m sure she will be okay but I wouldn’t give up the fun of owning more than one for anything. Each additional cat formed bonds with the other cats. You will be fine whatever you choose to do.
I think that having another pet is good for the animals. Cats need to get use to other cats. My cat was lonely for awhile until i got my dog.My dog and my cat actually became best frends. you should get another animal for her
I often wonder this about my cat too – although she is not declawed. I hope you get some positive responses to help me change my mind.
It all depends on your cat. My parents have a cat (she started out as mine) who HATES any new animal that comes around. It’s HER house and she wants ALL the attention. She’s only ok with the one other cat there because she was raised with her already there.
Now the cats I have now are totally different. My tuxedo, CC, LOVES other animals! The first time she saw a dog (as far as I know, anyway) she started playing with her and it was actually the dog who had to get used to her! When we adopted a 6-wk old siamese kitten, she immediately took her under her wing and proceeded to attack the dog until the kitten was big enough to defend herself and then she backed off again. She’s still open to any new animal. The siamese, however, is very skittish and doesn’t like new animals at first, but may warm up to them later, but it seems like she’ll only "tolerate" them.
I would say if you want to get another cat, that’s fine, but keep in mind if she doesn’t like the new addition, she needs to get her way. Make sure you have one litter box per cat. Give your first cat lots of attention so she knows she’s not being "replaced". Kittens are a good start, but watch her to see if she’s apt to attack the little one. Babies can bring out the best or the worst in an adult. Good luck!
This is a really hard question to answer. It all depends on the cat that you have. Some cats enjoy having another cat around while others want to be the only cat. Female cats tend not to be as excepting of new cats as a male cat would. I have had Spooky for 12 years and Soma for 9 years now and Spooky still hates Soma. She is really mean to him. But on the other hand I got my newest cat a year ago and he and Soma love each other. You might try to get a male kitten and see how it goes but I wouldn’t get too attached to it right away in case your cat hates having to share her home.
I had a female cat who was rescued from a cat society, where she had lots of other cats around her and I found she loved having the apt to herself. When my friend brought her cat over one day, my gentle little kitty beat the crap out of it LOL.
If she’s been alone for four years she’s probably better off alone now. She knows she’s queen of the lair and has her toys and her routine.
My current cat , the other one died a year or so ago, lives alone with me and she seems content, she doesn’t like to snuggle or be picked up but she’s always nearby where she can see me and she’ll come for a pet every now and then.
I would try getting some cat toys to spark her interest before getting her a mate. Sometimes after being an only cat for so long she may get jealous if you bring home another cat. I went through this same problem about 5 years ago and ended up getting a mate for my cat, it took about a year before they became friends, now they are inseperatable. If you do decide to get another cat, make sure it is the opposite sex and is younger than the first cat. Just my adive from personal experience.
Good luck !!!
When my husband and i got married we got a kitten but i already had a 10 yr old boy cat. He did not like the new kitten but he got over it once the kitten got to know my older cat. Now they are the best of friends. My older cat was also the only cat for his whole life. Its best if you do get a new cat to slowly introduce them and to reassure your older cat that they are still loved. Don’t want any jealousy. I have seen with the pets i have had that they live happier with a companion.
Since you have returned to work have you noticed your cat acting like she has been lonely or feeling neglected? She may be just fine being alone in the day, especially if you give her attention when you are home. If she does seem lonely you can get another cat, but she will almost certainly be upset about that until she gets used to it. Some cats are very territorial. Good luck!
First of all, she has you and your hubby. Secondly, bringing a kitten into the house might work but it might be traumatic for her since she is an only child and spoiled. If it were me, I would continue to love the one I have and forget another one for her.
I had my cat for about a year before I him a playmate and I’m so glad I did. I’m not home on the weekends and they keep each other company. At first cat #1 didn’t like her but then he got used to her and now they’re buddies. I think it’s a great idea! And kudos to you for keeping your kitties inside!! Not many people are responsible owners like us!! Good luck and have fun with your new addition!
i think she would love a companion however it may take a little getting used to before she shows love