I adopted Pumpkin on September 16th he's staying with my best friend and our big cat. first 2 days they cried at each other. now they're good friends, play and lay together. I did seperate "Pumpkin" from his sister because they were both brought in the shelter together. he's a kitten, I'd say 6 months but they shelter said 4. I want to see if my parents will allow me 2 keep him at my house 4 a Christmas present. he's playful and my first kitten. when he gets older will he not care as much 2 play around?I love 2 give him affection and be around him. will I be enough, will he be more attached to me w/out a cat around?
2006-10-05 09:36:05 · 8 answers · asked by dabluschmosprincess 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
I will never have just one cat anymore (or dog). They seem happier with a playmate. You should get him a friend.
2006-10-05 09:39:58 · answer #1 · answered by Gene Rocks! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some cats really thrive emotionally with a buddy. I have 3 cats and 2 dogs and everyone gets along with everyone else and actually enjoy each other's company. Cats are tougher to call than dogs, because they are not by nature pack animals. However, if you get a female kitten of the same age and size, they may bond quite closely. You need to take into consideration that this will mean double the financial output. Double the vet bills, double the food bills, and double the times you clean the litter box out.
To answer your other question, many cats are playful until the day they get very sick or die. Keeping them mentally stimulated can be challenging, and this is why many house cats are fat and lazy, they are simply bored and there is nothing to do other than eat and eat and eat and sleep. Two cats can keep each other occupied, but human contact and interaction is essential.
2006-10-05 09:52:19 · answer #2 · answered by Sarah H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK, I'm going to give you my perspective from recent personal experience.
We've had a male cat for about 16 months now. At the end of August, we adopted another cat. We wanted a male, but figured things would be easier on our male if we got a female.
This has proven to be a mistake. Not just because we were led to believe she "tolerates" dogs when she doesn't, but also because none of us really appreciate the female cat attitude. Females are more aloof....less affectionate than males. And she has been developing quite a snooty attitude since we brought her home. Our male was really bonding with her for a while there, but now appears to be perfectly happy being away from her. They're not mean to each other, but he's definitely not being as affectionate with her as he used to be.
We are currently trying to find another loving home for our female....one where someone can better appreciate the temperment of a female. We're also adopting her out because we're planning on getting a dog....and our male, who usually hides and/or avoids dogs entirely has now become so protective of our female that he attacks without provocation. And SHE instigates the battles with the dogs. Since we were sort of misled about her temperment, I'm a little agitated with our local humane society.
Your kitten is very young. If you think getting him another cat is the best way, you should be able to get another male kitten without much problem. They will bond much easier than adult cats will, and should grow up to be very good buddies.
That being said, cats don't really NEED a playmate. It IS a good idea if you spend a good amount of time away from home, but if you're there to give plenty of affection, your cat would be perfectly content being the only cat.
The one thing you should consider is whether or not you have the patience and (most importantly) the financial resources to care for an additional cat.
2006-10-05 10:18:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are a very special person! And what love and concern you have shown to your cat.. You are to be commended.
Cat's are some what independent in nature, and yes some cats become less playfull when older. That is why we have to stimulate them with things they can't resist. Like the lazer beam
light on the wall, some fresh cat nip toys, a new feather or mouse toy. Maybe a ball with a jingle bell inside.
Some cats do great to have another cat around, but others do not. This is something you would have to try out with him. To say if he would play more and be interested more with the other cat than you? this could happen. Only because you are not a cat, you are a human. Would he still need and come to you for comfort, effection and love? Oh yes! Because he needs that too!
And only you can give him the human side of love!
2006-10-05 09:55:55 · answer #4 · answered by laveda4you 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, always spay or neuter you pets. we do not want any un-wanted pet running around. To you personal questions. Cats are quite content with out other pets around. They really per-fer not to share there masters with anyone else. Sure it would not hurt to get another pet but do you really want to have the added expense and the possibility that the cat's may not get alone.
all you really need to do is make sure that you have enough cat toys to keep you little guy entertained and make sure you provide plenty of love.
2006-10-05 09:58:51 · answer #5 · answered by Darren M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cat will be more happy with u than another cat.and that is true
2006-10-05 10:08:59 · answer #6 · answered by jobbyp_014 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well they do enjoy companionship thats for sure just like people
2006-10-05 11:40:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
lol, get him a female. Never spay or neuter your pets!
2006-10-05 09:40:33 · answer #8 · answered by Baby 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋