She's a very sweet lap-cat, but took a long time to warm up to me -- and is still afraid of pretty much everyone else. In the foster home I got her from, she sat on a high shelf near the ceiling, avoiding the other cats. Is there a type of cat she could be friends with? Or do you think her personality dooms her to being an only-cat?
2007-05-23 08:11:54 · 12 answers · asked by Booboo Chicken 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Cats are by nature solitary animals and not all like sharing their territory. Many cats live very happily being an only cat. If your cat is rather timid, she might just feel more intimidated by the presence of another cat.
Years ago I adopted two kittens from the same litter. The boy was always too rough for the female's liking and as they grew older they went their separate ways around the home and interacted as little as possible. The female though shy, was extremely affectionate and loving with me. When her brother died, she didn't show any signs of missing him whatsoever and in fact she became more confident. When I asked my vet about it, he said that sometimes a timid cat's personality can be suppressed if there's a more dominant cat in the home and that some cat's personalities "blossom" when they become the only cat in the home.
You don't say how old your cat is or how long you've had her, but if you've only recently adopted her, then give her time to fully settle in to your home. I wouldn't rush into taking on another cat before you consider everything first.
If you do decide to adopt another cat, the link below is for a site that gives practical advice on choosing the most suitable companion cat, and how to introduce them to the existing cat.
http://www.tulsa-animalshelter.org/tips/intro%20cat.htm
2007-05-23 08:33:42 · answer #1 · answered by Michele the Louis Wain cat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is so difficult to advise on this one as it does totally depend on the cat, there isnt going to be a straight forward answer. I have a cat who is 17, she rules the roost at my mums house and always has, since we've had her we have have had many cats and kittens in the house and she will not get along with any of them, she loves her owners but just does not like other cats. You said you get her from a foster home, maybe she's had a bad experience that has made her weary of anyone she comes into contact with, your lucky she has warmed up to you as well as it seems she has and i would say that if you must get another animal then possibly a kitten that can grow up with her and get used to her but you may want to leave it a while until she is completely comftable with her surroundings. I would also advise to make sure there is a space she can go if she wants to be away from the new animal.
Hope that helps!
2007-05-23 08:24:46 · answer #2 · answered by Jen 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
this is lack of information and not being concerned. human beings think of kittens are stunning so as that they enable Tabby have a clutter on no account thinking with reference to the 1000's of stunning kittens who will die through fact they haven't any domicile. Then there are the cheapskates who won't pay for kitty to be spayed. they have internet and consume out 4 cases a week yet they only can no longer arise with the money for a spay. some truly stupid ones desire thier teenagers to adventure the miracle of delivery with out bothering to determine what to do with the little miracles whilst they're born. And the all-time stupidest ones justify the being pregnant by way of asserting "each and every of the kittens already have properties". How do they understand kitty won't have 12 kittens rather of four? How I desire human beings might wisen up.
2016-10-13 05:37:27 · answer #3 · answered by wyland 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get a laid back, neutered male cat, preferably not too young (over the age of 2 or so). I would suggest getting him from a rescue group that fosters their animals so they can tell you exactly what his personality is like in the home. We did this for my lonely male cat and it worked great. I'd explain to the rescue group what your cat's temperament is like and what you think you'd like in another cat. They should be able to help. I would then set up a room just for your new cat--with litter box, food, water, toys, etc. Spend plenty of time interacting with your new cat, but do not let the cats be in the room together. This will let your current cat slowly get used to the smells and sounds of another cat without actually forcing her to interact with him. Wait until they spend lots of time together on opposite sides of the door before you let them officially meet (this can take a week or a month). Once you do, make sure and watch them interact together. Don't leave them together unsupervised until they can go hours without a disagreement. Good luck.
2007-05-23 08:24:30 · answer #4 · answered by larey 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well I can tell you a dominant cat would not be a good choice neither would another female. You would be best with an older laid back male. No breed in particular, you could just go up to your shelter and find one there but do make sure it is neutered it could start spraying with the prescense of a female. When introducing them for the first time make sure to be present and only let them see each other for brief periods of time after you have isolated him for at least 3 days. This allows him to claim a safe place in the home and allows your female to catch his scent without having to come in direct contact with him. Take things slow and allow her to enter his space with you there. After a couple days of allowing them to sniff each other and sit in each others company then you can take him out of the room. Sit him in the living room and allow him to roam the room with you female present. She should be curious but allow her a safe place such as a box or a high perch for her to go to if she gets scared. Keep a squirt bottle handy just incase a squabble should start.
2007-05-23 08:17:22 · answer #5 · answered by Isaacs Meowmy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a cat like that and she adjusted fine to the kittens I brought home. The kittens are less threatening then a grown cat. Just be careful and watch how she reacts and doesn't hurt a kitten. Also, confine the kitten to one room with a pet gate for a little bit so your current cat can see and visit and the kitten can't "harrass" her. Good luck
2007-05-23 08:18:10 · answer #6 · answered by paintpony27 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A female kitten , the littlest one you can find, Your cat will hiss at it but get use to it after a while, Even fixed your cat will except it and start trying to care for it, She needs that kitten And as for being afraid of every one She willl never except other people,My two cats run when people come over and hide till they leave Its just the way she is
2007-05-23 08:21:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most likely gonna be a loner. But if absolutely have to have another then I would seriously recommend a very laid back style cat, no matter what the sex of the new one is. And I would plan on having a lotta patience when introducing the two of them.
2007-05-23 08:16:23 · answer #8 · answered by wispofglory 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This cat is alot like mine.
What ever you pick.... Do not.... I repeat... NOT a kitten. My cat is 11 years old. And we tried a kitten about 3-4 months old. The older cat hated....... HATED it..... She out lasted the young cat..... Try an older cat that wont attack the old one.
2007-05-23 08:22:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a kitten. She won't feel threatened by a kitten. 8 weeks old would be ideal. I would say a male, so she could be the dominant female. Get it fixed of course. And give them time to bond.
2007-05-23 08:18:50 · answer #10 · answered by magix151 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋