I've been wanting to have a cat for a very, very long time and finally decided to go ahead and adopt one. Because my hubby will be studying next year and finances will be tight, we've opted to have just one cat. I work and since bringing her home I've been feeling really guilty about leaving her alone at home during the day.
When I was growing up we always had one cat at a time but now everyone around me seems to be saying that I should have two. Am I being really cruel in just having one? If I can't have two cats should I get rid of the one that I have now and give her up to a multi-cat household?
I've been Googling like mad to find info or comment from working or studying couples or singlets who have a single cat but I've hardly come across anything. Is there *anyone* out there in the same boat as me? If so, how are your kitties handling things?
2006-11-16 18:54:05 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
She is probably happy as pie that she gets all your love, attention, and the house all to herself. I have 4 cats and sometimes, they all go in seperate rooms to get away from each other. As long as you play with her and give her plenty of toys to keep her occupied, I think she'll be fine. Get her a cat tree to play on. She probably sleeps most of the day while you're working, so unless she starts acting miserable, I wouldn't worry. Good luck!
2006-11-16 22:11:54 · answer #1 · answered by ♥Pretty♥ ♥Kitty♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's fine. Cats are the perfect pet in this situation. They will be happy to see you at the end of the day but content while you're gone too. Chances are good that the cat sleeps almost all the time you are gone. Getting another cat--you never can tell. Often they don't do much with each other unless they grew up together. I have four, all of whom pretty much ignore the others. Just see that the cat gets some entertainment/playtime, for exercise as much as anything, in the evenings when you're home. Some need more human contact than others, you'll soon know what yours is like, but don't worry about the time you're at work. Cats are most active in the evenings.
2016-03-19 09:53:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Single Cat
2017-01-16 14:42:35 · answer #3 · answered by leatherwood 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two cats myself and started off with just one... I can help a lot.
Last December I rescued my first cat, Willie (a girl... my husband re-named her from Pandora because "Willie's a cool name). At the time I was working full time during the day. Cats are naturally built to be alone so she was perfectly fine. She loved on me when I got home as much as she loved on me when I woke up on the weekends... Cats and dogs are very different with the amount of attention they need. Plus, cats tend to find things to entertain themselves very easily (like lint). I wound up getting a second cat because I fell in love with her and no one seemed to want to adopt her. I felt bad for her and wanted to give her a good home. So, I took her home. My older cat hated her for about a week, but now they are the best of friends.
So, basically, you shouldn't worry. And, if you still are, look into adopting one from a shelter or animal hospital. It will cost a lot less than buying one.
Plus, just to put your mind at ease as far as finances go, there isn't a very big jump in expenses. The trick to that is finding a litter box with a built in sifter (so that you can sift out the bad and keep the good, therefore using the good litter instead of dumping it along with your money) and also to stick to the serving suggestions on the cat food bag. They're there for a reason.
If it says 1/2 a cup a day, give a 1/4 cup before you go to work and a 1/4 cup at night. I have two cats and buy an 8 pound bag of cat food (the expensive kind) and it usually lasts for at least a month. Also, sticking to the serving suggestions is what all doctors will tell you to do (unless there is something wrong).
It helps with weight control (free feeding, or just keeping the bowl full not only gets rid of food and money faster than you can say gone) Free feeding allows your cat to eat all day every day, which can lead to weight gain and complicate your cats health.
Also, I don't work anymore... just my husband. And we have plenty of money to pay for my school, our new car, our bills, our groceries, and our cats food just fine...
So, if you feel bad for your lone kitty, rest easy that she's fine, or get another one and know that it won't be that big of a deal. In fact, if you're dumping litter instead of sifting or scooping, or free feeding, you may find that even with an addition, you're saving money.
2006-11-16 20:27:25 · answer #4 · answered by rockerbarbie19 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cats are fine by themselves. They tend to be solitary creatures, though will sometimes form close bonds with their families.
Introducing cats can be a tricky thing because they can be so solitary and territorial. My cat hates other cats and gets violent towards them.
Other cats, generally cats that have been raised together, bond closely and need the companionship.
Often, even cats that are raised together and from the same litter, despise one another and want all the space to themselves.
Your cat should be fine with just you. Make sure you cuddle lots and have plenty of toys for her. If you don't notice any depressed behavior from her, you have nothing to worry about. She probably enjoys her "me" time while you're at work.
2006-11-16 19:06:40 · answer #5 · answered by fireflyfangirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two cats are always better than one. They keep each other company and keep each other young. They can also be a lot more destructive when there is only one and left to their own devices every day. They will tear up your furniture to keep themselves entertained but two will play with each other.
It doesn't have to be expensive having two cats.
2006-11-16 23:16:41 · answer #6 · answered by sarah071267 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats are nocturnal. Which means they like to be up and playing, hunting, etc. at night. Most likely your cat sleeps all day which is what mine do and I'm home with them all day. They don't even know I'm around!
2006-11-16 19:03:08 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have three,but when i had just my one cat i tried to make sure he had plenty of his faviort toys around to play with. that however did not stop him from crying and trying to block my way to the door every morning finally me and my husband adopted another cat from the local shelter and after a few days he stopped.
2006-11-16 23:22:10 · answer #8 · answered by nobodytotalkabout 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most cats love to sleep all day wen nobodys home to bother them and play all night
2006-11-16 23:26:42 · answer #9 · answered by Baby-Bop 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having just one will be fine. Just provide your kitty with plenty of toys. Give it enough attention when you are able to be home.
2006-11-16 21:46:51 · answer #10 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋