I have 2 cats that are both spayed. One is a 7 year old cat, and at night, she always meows loudly and carries around things in her mouth such as socks and small stuffed animals. My sister says that it's her "motherly instincts" kicking in, and that she wants a kitten. I've researched it and most sites say that she's just meowing of triumph. I am thinking of getting another kitten, but I am worried that my older cat won't like it. But I'm also worried that if I don't get a kitten, my older cat will feel "incomplete" for the rest of her life without a kitten. What should I do?
2007-03-04 07:20:34 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
People who talk about "old cat ladies" really get my hackles up. There's nothing wrong with having multiple cats; I have seven and my husband adores them just as much as I do! (We happen to be animal lovers, and our pets are very well cared-for!)
Hon I don't think you have to worry about your kitty feeling "incomplete" without a kitten. I have a deaf white part-Manx who does the same thing as you describe your kitty doing, and she really doesn't care much at all for kittens! If YOU want another kitten though, go right ahead and adopt one. Some people suggest getting a kitten of the opposite sex, but I don't feel as though it makes a great deal of difference.
Be prepared though, for some hissing and spitting; cats frequently don't hit it off immediately with the new "kid" in the household, but will almost always adapt eventually.
Good luck!
2007-03-04 07:34:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like your older cat has found her own solution, and the socks and stuffed animals are now acting as 'substitute kittens'. It's nothing to be really worried about.
But if you want a third cat and feel you can handle it, then get a young kitten so your old kitty won't feel threatened by an intruder, so to speak.
Good luck!
2007-03-04 07:26:30 · answer #2 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What your cat is doing is called a "Phantom Pregnancy". Take away her toys that she carries around as babies. If necessary give her some new toys she can't think of as babies. Don't let her hide behind chairs or in closets (to nest for her babies). This whole thing will be over soon. Cats are very territorial and if you get another cat, the other two may gang up on it because the new one has invaded their territory. You will have 4 cats then and become the old cat lady like me.
2007-03-04 11:02:53 · answer #3 · answered by Terry Z 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its really an assumption that she feels incomplete or a need to mother. I don't think you have to adopt another cat, its just a temptation to project what we assume are lacks onto our pets or even other people sometime. If it were a male cat, would you think the same thing? Probably not. She sounds happy to me. Three cats are alot for one person.
2007-03-04 07:28:03 · answer #4 · answered by ineeddonothing 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tough question. My cat didn't like it when we brought in Crammy(other kitty) but she got used to it. Get a stuffed kitty about the size of a real baby kitty. Perfect solution!
2007-03-04 07:34:07 · answer #5 · answered by TimeSpaceWitch 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes -- the more cats the merrier. I have 8.
2007-03-04 10:28:14 · answer #6 · answered by JoAnn W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should find a male cat and see if they can mate or something. You would just be on a path to becoming an old cat lady if you get another one.
2007-03-04 07:26:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋