bread Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 Last week one of our 11 month old kittens was killed (presumably by a car). Obviously we're absolutely devastated and miss her loads. We're wondering what to do with our remaining kitten though. He's behaving differently which you would expect and isn't really eating. I know he'll probably adapt quicker than we will but are we best keeping him by himself or getting another cat or kitten to keep him company? These two were from the same litter so have always been together and I know cats aren't necessarily the most sociable creatures when it comes to other cats but he's very young still. What do people think? Keep my remaining boy cat by himself for what will hopefully be a long and healthy life or try and introduce a friend for him?
curly_locks Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 We had 2 cats who were quite good friends, the older cat was hit by a car and died last year, the remaining cat (only about 10 months old then) was obviously loney - he started howling and wandering around the house as though he was looking for his friend. We got another kitten towards the end of last year and despite some initial growling and swiping they are now the best of friends. We chose a sociable, confident kitten to give them the best chance of getting on. Cats can live very happily on their own but I think young cats in particular like to have a friend to play with. Here they are cuddling together
bread Posted February 21, 2012 Author Posted February 21, 2012 Aw, they're very cute! Mine sounds like yours. He's just wandering aimlessly round the house and is constantly in need of cuddles or a play partner (cue very scratched arms and destroyed toys). He reminds of a bored animal in a zoo pacing up and down. It makes me so sad to see him like this! I wonder if there's a gender difference as to whether or not they get on - whether boys prefer another boy or a girl or if it just depends on the individual
curly_locks Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 It's difficult to see them sad isn't it? It must be even harder for yours to have lost a litter-mate There are so many cats in rescue at the moment, I'm sure you'd have no trouble finding a friendly kitty to join yours Try contacting magsie on here, she'll help to find the right cat for you.
medusa Posted February 21, 2012 Posted February 21, 2012 If you decide to get another beastie (and I think I would, in your situation- cats aren't half as solitary as some people assume they are) would you consider a very shy boy who's still learning how to be a house cat but is very friendly with other cats? I'm fostering one who's in need of a loving forever home at the moment and because he's black and not a 'cuddly cat' (yet) nobody seems to be interested in him. He's just 6 months and is being neutered tomorrow, but then he will be looking for somewhere with a cat for company and humans who will just let him 'be' without expecting too much too soon from him.
magsie Posted February 22, 2012 Posted February 22, 2012 Bread, I'm so sorry for your loss. I would definately consider another mate for your kit. And Medusa's little black kit sounds a good choice. Sounds like he's in need of a playmate and so does your kitten. There are so many black cats and kittens in rescue that do not get the same chance as gingers, torties, tabbies. Such a shame as I've found them to be full of character and fun. I'm sure there'll be a nice bond between them given time and lots of love.
bread Posted February 22, 2012 Author Posted February 22, 2012 I used to have a black cat called George when I was growing up. She was lovely. If we do get another cat/kitten (I've yet to discuss with the other half!) it would have to be a cat that can stand up for itself. The one I've got left thinks he's boss but the one we lost was a feisty little thing and put him in his place when needed. If I'm honest I'm actually a bit scared that I might not like another cat as much as the one who was killed. She had such a huge personality for such a tiny thing. She was so affectionate, hyper, annoying, badly behaved and brilliant all at once! I will definitely consider this one though and discuss with the man. Thank you for giving me the opportunity!
parcher Posted February 23, 2012 Posted February 23, 2012 So sorry to hear of your loss. I do believe that the change of behaviour in the remaining cat is probably grieving. Certainly when one of mine has died, the remaining cats change for a while, less so if they have seen the dead body. I think they are a bit more accepting then. By all means get a playmate for cat. There may be a bit of fur flying for a week or two while they sort out the hierarchy but you would be surprised how quickly they get to accept each other. I have found that when they are neutered, it doesn't seem to make a lot of difference whether it is a boy or girl, young or old that you introduce. (with the exception of tiny kittens which for some reason are viewed as aliens by the incumbent cat!) As to you not liking the new cat as much, remember that they are all different, just as people are. You will grow to like the new cat just as much but for different reasons.
bread Posted February 24, 2012 Author Posted February 24, 2012 Parcher - I know you're right. Of course I'd adore any new kitten or cat I got. I think I'm just not ready to think about it yet! I'll get there but it's still very sad
kirstyp86 Posted February 24, 2012 Posted February 24, 2012 I lost my first kitten back in november and my other kitten (his brother) was really out of sorts. We did consider getting another one so he wasn't on his own etc but I worried then incase he wouldn't accept the new kitten. After lots of love and attention, my kitten was fine again and back to himself within about 5 days. Im really glad we didn't get another one, as my kitten then got ran over in january
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