Should I keep my 11 year old cat?

Question

I have a 11 year old cat. My daughter got a cat 2 years ago, and they get along fine most of the time, altho the older cat does not let the younger cat on my daughter's bed. My daughter is now moving into her own house, and wants to take both cats. She thinks the older one will miss the younger one too much and I should get a new cat. I really don't want to give up my cat, but I don't want him to get depressed either. He already lost one companion ( a cat) 5 years ago. I think that with alot of visiting back and forth, each cat would thrive getting one on one attention, or am I being selfish?

Answer 1

At 11 years old, I think that the best place is your place. She is your cat...and honestly if she gets that lonely you can always get her a companion. But as long as you have the proper time to give her that attention she needs/wants, then I think she'll do just fine. You can always try it separate and see what happens. If she ends up getting depressed send her to your daughter's and see if that improves her disposition.

Answer 2

Each cat will thrive, your right.

A question for your daughter would be, will she have the finances to bring one or both of the cat's to the vet and be treated if any illness occur? Two cats are more costly than one and that's something to consider.

Also, after 2 months of being separated, if it is found that either seems sad and lonely, there should still be the option to be able to bring the older cat with her.

BTW - some cats don't like moving. Especially older cats. Often times, when a family moves, they find that their cat all of a sudden has behavioral problems and more often than not, this is elimination issues. Just something to consider.

Good luck.

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Answer 3

I have 5 cats, they all seem to crave my attention more than each others. To be quite frank, I don't think they could care less if they were separated. My oldest cat is 6 years old and she doesn't care for the other cats at all, but loves my attention. Animals don't have the emotions that humans have, I think you should keep the cat. If you've had the cat that long, then I think it would be more stressful on the cat because it's so use to you. The younger cat would probably be happier getting all the attention anyways. The 11 year old cat isn't going to play with the younger one hardly anyways, that old of a cat probably just lays around most of the day anyways?

Answer 4

When I left home, I moved to Hawaii and couldn't take my animals because of the 6 month quarantine at the time.

After a couple of years, we moved back to the states. I wanted to take my little dachsund to my new home so bad. But, I couldn't do it to my dad. What used to be my best friend was now my dad's pride and joy. I missed her, but always visited when possible.

The point is. Your cats probably won't miss each other and your daughter needs to leave you with with a cat that you've had around for 11 years to keep you company.

If she has a 2 year old cat, a new kitten would probably get along with it very well and you are really all the 11 year old cat really needs or probably wants.

Answer 5

The biggest thing to remember about cats is that the owner does not own the cat, the cat owns the owner. They are intelligent animals, stuckup, and very picky. Once they pick their owner, they want that person and no one else. Apparently, the older cat does not like the younger one. I would say that it is because your daughter wants the cats for herself. She has become attached to the older one as she has been around it all of the cats life. If she really wants a second cat, tell her to go and get another one. They give them away free all the time in the paper.

Answer 6

Are the cats close friends? Do they play together and spend time together? If so, I think your cat will miss your daughter's cat if you separate them.
Since your daughter wants to take your cat, why not make her happy, too, and let her have your cat. Afterall, you're all FAMILY. You can visit your cat and have your cat visit you. My suggestion is keep the cats together since they've lived together for two years already. Let your daughter take them both. I know you will miss your cat, but sometimes it's good to practice "letting go" of things. Doing this will also create the opportunity for you to provide a loving home for another "new" cat. Open your heart and think abundance. Look inside your heart for the true answer.

Answer 7

No, of course you are not being selfish. Your daughter is trying to make the move less stressful for her cat, and therefore, herself. You are trying to do the same for your cat. But it's no more than a guessing game.

I do know that cats typically tend to be attached to their place more than their people, as compared to dogs. Also, ownership implies who is the decision maker.

Therefore, I would start by each of you keeping your own cat, and see how it goes. If your daughter's cat really needs a companion, but yours is happy at home, she can always adopt a similar aged cat...

Answer 8

I don't think you're being selfish. It sounds like you love your cat. Your daughter, however, has a good point in her reasoning for taking both cats.
The older cat will not only notice that your daughter is gone, but will surely also notice that his companion cat is also gone. He could very well go into "mourning" and more or less give up.
I think your daughter's idea of a new cat is a good one. Keep the cats together.
Good luck to you all.

Answer 9

Some cats get stressed out from traveling so I don't think them visiting back and forth would be the answer, but that's just my opinion. How about adopting a new cat? In the meantime, buy him some new toys to keep him occupied and give him lots of love!

Answer 10

Cats will adapt OK to losing the other. Keep your cat. It won't take long for cat to be back to normal. The visitation idea is probably not going to work. Cats don't see, "oh, there is my friend again!"... they see, "another cat! this is my house". Their memory of the other will fade after a couple of months. It will be like starting over with introducing a new cat again. Good luck.