Should I feel guilty?

Question

I rescued a cat that was hit buy a car from the OSU vet clinic a few weeks ago. He's a great cat. I'm feeling guilty cause I work 11 hours a day and after work I'll be home for a 1/2 hour or so and sometimes stay at my girlfriends overnight. In the morning he's very affectionate just like after work and I'm feeling some guilt on the nights I dont return. Is it ok for him to be alone so long? He always has food,water and fresh kitty litter. I also have toys laying around for him to play with.

Answer 1

Cats are very intelligent and although social, most of them have their own personality. If he's not shredding the house or showing signs of sudden hositility-chances are that he enjoys your company when you are there but also enjoys the time to himself.

If you have other cats-they may interact when you are not there. If you don't-see if you can get one that he gets along with. Even then-he may be just living it up and it won't matter either way.

Try to leave a radio going-he'll hear normal sounds while you're gone and the voices may be soothing to him when you're gone overnight.

Sounds like he has a great home and an owner who's concerned-cats don't need much more than that. They are very self sufficient.

Answer 2

The fact that you feel guilty is actually a good thing. It shows you care about your pet. Realize that having a pet is a commitment. They should be considered part of your family. Besides needing food, water and shelter, they also need companionship. People often think that dogs are the only pets that require attention and affection. That's not true. Cats need it too. They are social animals, like lions, not solitary like a cheetah. Getting a second cat would help, but honestly, then you'd be neglecting 2 cats instead of one. Why not have your girlfriend come over to your house at least every other night. You need to spend time with your pet or it will become anti-social. A cat that is showered with love, attention and affection will return it to you ten-fold. Unfortunately the converse is equally true. A neglected, forgotten cat will be aloof, afraid or aggressive.

Your guilt is a sign. Spend more time with your kitty. You will both be the better for it. Good luck!

Answer 3

Please do not feel guilty. You have provided him with a home! Play with him as much as possible when you ARE there...and make sure he has toys which are safe for him to play with by himself--not all are. You can rotate toys in groups, every few days, too, so that he has something 'new' to chase and bat around.

Is there any possibity you could adopt a second cat--one which isn't over 6 months old or so? We did this one time, since we had to leave our male for 11-12 hours every day. The little female we got really gave him lots of joy--they were best buddies from day one. Of course, he was already neutered, and we got her spayed right on point of first heat.

Not all cats will tolerate another kitty, not right away, but if both have all their claws, or if both are declawed (please don't do it if you didn't already adopt them that way), they can become used to each other, with some time and gradual 'introductory work' and eventually, they'll buddy up some. Having another cat for company really eases the loneliness an 'only kitty' feels.

Answer 4

Well feeling guilty is normal. It seams like your cat isn't upset about you being gone for the day, you probably should just make sure to spend a little extra time with him when you know you won't be back for a while. It sounds like you are doing what you can. Cats don't NEED a lot of attention, some do more than others but I'm sure when you can you spend time with him. If he starts to have behavioral problems then you might want to think about talking to a vet about ways to entertain your cat while you are away.

Answer 5

No it sound s like you are doing the best that you can.
Do not feel guilty for working, but try for a while to be there for your kitty while it heals. I am sure your G/F will understand!
IF it gets too much for you remember YOU did rescue the kitty it is thankful to you and depending on YOU now...
BUT if you still feel guilty then maybe you need to find it a home where someone can give it more time!
KUDOS For saving it though!

Answer 6

If your cat is social you might consider getting him a friend for during the day. I have two neutered males (also rescued) that keep each other company when we are away. Don't beat yourself up. The cat is so much better off because of your kindness. Show your kitty love whenever you can. It sounds like you are taking good care of him.

Answer 7

maybe you should feel a little guilty, like imagine if you have a kid and you and your wife are divorced and all you do is party with your friends or keep working all the time and you never spend anytime with your kid...wouldn't you feel a Little guilty about that.
so spend a Little time with your cat. Or if you think that having the cat isn't going to work out then you should give the cat to a family that won't be gone all the time.

Answer 8

Good for you for rescuing a kitty. If you're really worried about him being lonely, you could get another cat for him to play with, usually, toms get on well together if they are nuetered. For the most part, cats are very indepentent...mine show affection when they want to (usually midnight, just as I'm falling asleep....), so it really depends. All his needs are met, it sounds like, so it's up to you.

Answer 9

cats are usually self entertained, as long as it's okay health wise. . . then it should be fine by itself. Also to make his life better if you feel really guilty you could get another kitty for it to stay with and play with. As long as it's okay around other cats.

Answer 10

yes you probably should b/c you adopted the kat so it could have a better home and really if you leave it alone then it's doing no better then at the vet's office !! so i would set aside about a half hour to a hour of playing time if you're gone some nights !!