Lonely Cat?

Question

I have a 10 year old female cat. We got her a companion when she was aged 2 - he was a kitten but he sadly died 3 years ago. About 3 months later we got a rescue cat aged 2. He died about a month ago from FIP. The thing is, she never really liked either of them! She got on better with Thomas (the first cat) in that they often slept together and would eat from the same bowl but with Bob (2nd cat) she ignored him completely, or would just jump on him. Sometimes they chased each other. My question is, should chance it with another companion? Since Bob died she has become more demanding but also she is playing a whole lot more so is that because she is lonely or is she actually happier? It is really hard to tell. My initial opinion is that she is happier but then she has had the company of another cat from an early age. I really dont know what to do for the best and would appreciate any opinions. Thanks

Answer 1

How wonderful that you are thinking about your cats feelings!

I had a similar situation when my cat was 8. She had a younger companion that she got along with and then he died. I got her another one and she didn't like him one bit. I now have a cat rescue so several other cats and she could care less about any of them. She's 14 now and just wants attention from me. I believe that should would like to be an only cat and just have me around for company.

If your cat was lonely for another cat, she would be grieving, I've seen it happen. She wouldn't eat, she'd hide, be listless. She sounds just fine from your description so I'd just keep things as they are.

Sorry about loosing Bob to FIP, I've been through that and its just awful, not to mention frustrating.

Good luck and hope this helps.

Answer 2

You know her better than anyone, but if she's playing and not off her food, then I think she is probably fine with being an only cat.

Years ago I adopted two kittens from the same litter. As they grew older, they had very little to do with each other. The female was always very timid, but extremely affectionate. Her brother died when he was 8 years old, and the female 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 or shy 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.

As you say she was never really that keen on either of them, maybe she just tolerated their presence. Perhaps she is more demanding because she has you to herself now, whereas previously she had to share you. Any cat over 8 years old is classed as a senior and it can be more difficult for them to accept newcomers, so I would leave things as they are.

Sorry for your recent loss of Bob. I hope you and your female cat have many happy years together ahead of you.

Answer 3

Well it seems to me if she is playing more she is not unhappy. Some cats prefer to be the only cat in a household.
At one time I had only 1 cat, he is 16 now, about 2 years after he had been the only cat, I took in a stray kitten. He eventually stopped hissing at it, and they became freat friends for 14 years now.
However about 2 years ago, the younger cat got locked inside a neighbors garage and was gone for about 4 or five days. He seemed to really miss her, but when she finally returned, he started hissing at her as though she was an intruder. I've had cats and kittens come and go since then, and he always notices them after they are gone and looks for them. I don't know why, but it's not cause he wants them to come back. I think he would be happier being the only cat that owns me.
He knows he is number 1, so he tolerates my other cats and kittens that I foster and find homes for. If you get another cat, get another female, that might work better since the others were male.
Just a thought. She might not like males since she is getting up there in years. LOL

Answer 4

I have a 12 year old cat at home, who actually enjoys being the only cat in the house - she gets ALL the attention.

Maybe it is not such a good idea getting another cat. She might feel threatened by a new cat in the house. Just give her enough love and attention and she will enjoy it without feeling lonely.

Answer 5

If she's not looking for her old companions and seems happy, let her be. She will be looking at sleeping more as she gets older now and just you playing with her will probably be enough.
Another older cat may be OK, but I wouldn't suggest a kitten, it would be to much for her to handle.

:-)

Answer 6

if she's playing more than before I'd say she is alot more comfortable being a lone cat, the fact that she seems more demanding is because all your attention is focused solely on her whereas before it was 'shared' with the other cat(s).
When cats pine for their 'buddies' they tend to stop eating and playing altogether -- when i lost one of my cats in march the other one was practically a skeleton within a couple of weeks, he wouldn't eat, play, didn't want to be fussed, and cried ALL the time, needless to say i found him a new pal quickly and he's back to normal thankfully.

I'd stick with just the one she sounds much more content............... :-)

Answer 7

Your kitty seems happy as an only cat. You can try a companion again (preferably an adult who has been fixed), but I don't think it's really needed.

I'm sorry to hear about the other two kitties.

Answer 8

Generally cats bond better with people than with other cats so I suggest not getting another cat but instead giving her more attention, letting her sleep on your bed and have human privileges.

Answer 9

have self assurance it or no longer, i for my section omit the canines and cat from the Christmas photograph card. I say have self assurance it or no longer because of the fact curiously i'm the only one among my pals and fam that omits their pets. "Roofus says have a Woofy Christmas!" ... heavily effed up they are.

Answer 10

oh so sorry