Should I get a new cat?

Question

I've had 2 cats (brothers) for 8 years. Earlier this year, I had to have one put to sleep (after a couple of big operations) because he had cancer. The other one, who was a bit standoffish, is now a totally different cat, very friendly now, but I worry he's lonely (I'm out at work all day). I'm toying with the idea of getting another cat, but I don't want to put my cat's nose back out of joint! What do people think?

Answer 1

hey there.

I agree with katrina. The surviving cat is probably more friendly now because he's lost his brother and he could indeed be feeling lonely.

it would probably take time for him to adapt to having a newbie in the house, especially in 'his' territory, but in the end i believe it will make him happier. He would have a new playmate, he would be the 'boss' and he wouldn't be so lonely anymore.

I'm sure this is preaching to the choir here, but just make sure that if you do get a new cat / kitten that you ensure that the older one still gets lots of attention from you. He could be feeling a bit lost and a little bit jealous at first.

Hope everything goes okay for you both.

ps mick's answer was very good too...his was posted as i was answering so i hadn't noticed it before!

Answer 2

Absolutley, get another cat. I had a dog for 13 years before I got my first cat. He was not impressed. But we do feel that having the cat added interest to his life while we were at work and extended his life by at least another year. We just had Angus put to sleep in April and missed him terribly. So a couple of months later we got another kitten. Well, our first cat was not impressed at all for quite a while and still seems not to be. HOWEVER, try shutting the new cat in a room or seperating him from her and her real feelings for him come out....she really does love him! Today we are bringing a new dog into the house so that should mix the dynamics up again. I think animals adjust well to new situations if handled with love. If they are treated like family they cannot lose and neither can you!

Answer 3

If he seems happy, it would be better not to get another cat. Some cats will get very jealous when a new cat is brought in, and can make life very difficult for the newcomer, even to the point of bullying. If you do get a new cat you run the risk of giving it stress through the upheaval of a move, stress because it doesn't get on with the resident cat and then stress if you have to re-home it.

I did get two other cats to keep a Burmese company but it was difficult. She was actually accepted by my older cat, I think because she was a kitten. She was quite nasty to the two that I introduced a few years later and I was only able to keep them all due to a cat flap and access to the countryside. Plus I was working part time and was able to keep more of a check on them.

Answer 4

First, you have my sympathy on the loss of your kitty. Bless you for considering the survivor's feelings when deciding about adopting another cat.

It's a tough call. Last summer my Scooter died leaving my Rusty as an only cat. Rusty (a cancer survivor, by the way) was extremely sociable towards other cats and I didn't think he'd be happy as an only cat. But I didn't want to rush into anything, and I held off. As it turned out, Rusty did fine by himself and we drew even closer together when it was just the two of us. Rusty died suddenly this spring (not from his cancer) and I will always cherish the special time we had in those months when just the two of us were together.

Even so, I'm still surprised that Rusty did so well without feline companionship. I'm now wrestling with the question of whether to get a second cat as a companion and playmate for my new kitty.

If you've had your present kitty for eight years, and assuming you got him as a kitten, he'd middle aged now. If he was very young I'd say he probably really needs a companion. If he was elderly (like in his teens) I'd say he might find a new addition to the family too stressful. But in middle age it could be either way. Too bad you can't just ask him!

You might contact a rescue group that houses their cats in foster homes, where the foster mon or dad can get to know their personalities. Ask if they have a young male, one to two years old, that isn't aggressive and likes other cats. Then ask if you could take him on a trial basis to see how your kitty responds. I suggest an adolescent because adolescent males will often look up to an older male and try to be pals, like a little kid wanting to hang out with the big kids. The older male will often revel in the adulation and take on the younger one as his protege. My Rusty, a former feral, came to me when he attached himself to Scooter in that way, and in turn when he got older he took on a few younger males as his proteges. It might work like that for you and your kitty.

Good luck!

Answer 5

It will take him a while to get use to his new companion, but I think he would appreciate the company once he got use to it.

I had a cat that was about 15 years old, when I brought in four stray kittens that were about 4 - 5 months old. It took him a while to adjust, but once he did he was sleeping with them just like he use to with the other cat that we had to put to sleep. He would even play with them a little bit, but not too much because he was a lot older and didn't have the energy they had.

Answer 6

At his age, he might not take to it too readily at first. But given time, he would probably learn to enjoy the new company. Just remember that a kitten may be too energetic for him at his age, while a fully adult male may be a cause for some harsh territorial battles. If you're going to get a male, an in between age might be best; somewhere between 6 and 9 months maybe. And make sure he's neutered BEFORE you introduce him to your other cat.

A female isn't out of the question, but I understand if you want another male. Males tend to be more affectionate. I wanted another male, but fell in love with a little dilute calico girl...and I thought it might be a little easier on my established male. They get along so well now. She mothers the crap out of him, lol.

(Pretty in Pink and mothertiggy are slightly off base. Cats usually become more affectionate when they're lonely. My male was EXTREMELY cuddly (to a point of being needy) before we got our female. Now he's still cuddly, but not constantly demanding a lap. He's getting affection from her, so he's not so trying to us....he's much happier all around).

Answer 7

If your cat went from "standoffish" to "very friendly" when the other cat was removed from your home, why would you want to introduce another cat at this time? From your description it seems like your remaining cat is happy with the new household situation. some cat, especially males, like being the solitary "king" of their domain. I wouldn't bring in another cat unless your cat starts displaying signs of loneliness or depression (such as tearing up the place, house-soiling, or other acting-out behaviors).

Answer 8

sure go ahead and get another, but try to take some time off work just so you can make sure they are going to get along. Also if your cat has been spayed I'd suggest getting a female, less chance of fighting. You never know a new kitten might give the other a new lease of life.

Answer 9

My husband and i got a new kitten at the beginning of the year. Everytime we would bring her to my in-laws, my mother-in-law was always so sad when we would bring her back to London at the end of the weekend. So, for her birthday in July we bought her a kitten (she has two older cats as well). The two little ones ended up loving eachother, and when I bring my kitten back to London, she is SO lonely and has a totally different personality....I know she misses her little friend....always better to have happy cats...go one, get another one, but be aware it may take some time for them to get used to one another! good luck!

Answer 10

If he changed it is because he is happier. especially if he did a 180 like that. He may be fine. Cats sleep lots. I had 2, and when it became 1 he changed as well. He is happier. Animals can be like people. You can't just pull one in and get along. It may be hard for him to like a new cat. He may be jealous over sharing you too. Only you can be sure what is best. I hope it works out for you. I know you want him to be happy. Maybe a few toys for while you are away, ands extra attention when you are home? If you need to get another your cat should be involved too. Sort of like choosing a room ate. LOL It does seem like he is fine though.