Kitty to keep the other company? *With pics*

[DorseyClairebelle]

I know the subject of this post is raising red flags in everybody's heads so let me explain first!

At the start of my senior year of HS I lost my darling Ellie who had been with me since I was 2. We got a baby kitten, Lucy, from the SPCA, but she was just too tiny and after hand-feeding and meds all the time, the poor girl left us in about two weeks from a respiratory infection (and apparently leukemia, they realized in the end). We (this is my mother and I) desperately needed a cat to fill that gap, we were just so heartbroken. So halfway through my senior year we got Guinevere (Guin), also from the SPCA, who we nursed to health and has become a vibrant, beautiful girl. This didn't really make sense, as I was leaving for school in less than a year, and we knew that, but we had to get her.

SO, now I am in college (my junior year), and can't have her with me, and my mom was never really a cat person, as much as she loves Guin. Every summer I take Guin wherever I go; the past two years she has been an outdoor cat (she is usually indoor only) on an island and become this incredible and vicious huntress. But then I leave again in the fall and she has to go back to my mom's, indoors and not getting anywhere near the amount of attention she does from me. She gets horribly depressed when she has to go back..

We have been weighing two options: one, that we let her be an outdoor cat. We have NO idea how to go about this. We don't live on a horribly busy street, but there are a lot of really tough strays out there (by the way she is fixed) and I can't stand the idea of her getting hurt. I'm actually really terrified of the idea of it. But I want to do the best for her; if you think this is better than what I suggest below, tell me how!

The other option is to get another cat to keep her company. I know that this is generally a bad idea with animals, I know it sounds really irresponsible of me, but I want to do anything to make her happier-- neither of these cats are going to be dumped or something, and both would be taken really good care of.  I know cats aren't necessarily the most social animals, and I have actually never had two at the same time. Would it make any sense at all (aka, would it make Guin any less depressed) to do this?? As soon as I graduate and figure out my living situation these cats will be mine (this will be in a year and a half) and I will take them wherever I go and give them lots of love (Guin is an attention HOG) and be the perfect cat owner. But this is not an option right now. I feel awful that my poor girl is so sad and that my mother isn't being the best mom to her; getting a second cat was actually her idea-- she feels bad for not giving Guin very much love, but she's just not... I guess she just doesn't know how.

This is my girl being wild at the island and showing off her trim figure (she's a pretty petite kitty):


And here's her lovely face (I miss her so much!):


Thanks for any help in advance, and I'm sorry it's so long!

[tsk_n_such]

Cats are generally solitary animals. This is NOT to say, of course, that multiple cats don't enjoy each others' company, or that multiple cats are unhappy. (I have three myself) But it's really an individual cat thing. Outdoor cats don't go around frolicking with other stray/outdoor cats in little groups, socializing. They generally hunt/roam/etc in a solitary manner.

Frankly, if your mother isn't a cat person, I'd not add to it by getting another cat. There's a possibility your existing cat won't like it, and then not only are there two cats to care for, there may be two cats that fight. Or, not liking a housemate can lead to inappropriate litter box habits.

I would not make her an outdoor cat, particularly in a town situation (although my own cats would never be outdoors, no matter how remote the area) The outdoors is not kind to cats..there are animals that prey on them (dogs, birds of prey, etc), they can be hit by cars, there are not-so-nice-people in the world who hurt cats, and, other territorial cats can take offense to her being in their area and fight with her. This often leads to cat bite abscesses, and those are no fun. There are also feline diseases they can catch while outdoors around other cats..FIV, FeLv, and FIP, as well as repiratory ailments and herpes diseases.

You're a junior in college. In another year or so you'll be out and on your own (or in some colleges, after a certain year you can get off campus housing, some of which allow pets), and can take her with you. She's not going to pine away in that time being an indoor cat with human attention..cats are sturdy that way.

[BabyBlue]

I'm a strong believer that everyone needs a companion of their own kind, including cats. But I agree, whether or not your cat will get along with another depends greatly on her personality as well as the personality of the new cat.

I have 5 indoor cats and everyone gets along just enough to live a fairly peaceful life in our 2 bedroom apartment. But not everyone truly enjoys each other's company and some tension does exist between certain individuals, and I'm sure some of my kitties won't mind one bit if they were the only cat in the house But I think the dynamics between my cats are quite intersting even if it is not always rosy, and everyone befits a little from it. And living an indoor life doesn't have to be boring or less stimulating, you can still provide a fun, loving, SAFE environment without exposing them to the dangers of outdoors.

My sister has a cat with some emotional/mental issues who was pretty agressive to people and other animals. She never thought she could have another cat because of her, but then ended up adopting a young male kitten. They never became BFF but they do enjoy each other's company quite a bit and she seems less "edgy" since the new boy came into her life. My sister walks them on a leash, takes them camping, road trips, and vacations.

But I agree, I would probably wait to get a second cat (if you decide to) until you can be on your own and take the kitties with you. It's not fair for your mother or the cats if they are to be YOUR cats. And also that way you'll be able to spend more itme with them and work with both cats to help them adjust to the new living situation.

[JR1030]

Your kitty is beautiful!  This is an interesting thread for me, since I've been contemplating a similar question.  We have a dog, cat, and 5 rats, and the cat gets along with everyone.  There's a sign up at my vet's office that another kitty needs a home, and I'm considering calling the lady, but I have no idea if the cat we already have would accept another cat.  There must be ways of introducing cats, same as there are ways of introducing rats.  Our kitty has never lived with another cat...but then, he never lived with a dog or rats before, either. 

[Dearpie]

I'm a firm believer that cats do enjoy each others company.  I have 5, and while most get along pretty well, there is one, the grumpy old man, that would really rather be on his own.  Like rats, my cats will play with and groom one another. It's not always easy to introduce new cats, but it's worth the hassles.

[lissa4622]

My Kelsey thrives on the company of other animals, especially cats.  I've noticed a huge difference in her when I have foster kittens around.  She is much happier and more peaceful (which is nice since she is otherwise somewhat aggressive to people).  That's why I kept Scooter, so Kelsey could have company (yeah, right, THAT'S why I kept Scooter ).  My foster kitty, Panda, cannot handle being without another cat.  She whines and cries if she is in a separate room than Kelsey.  Scooter, on the other hand, could take'em or leave'em.  While he is perfectly fine with the other cats, he wouldn't care if they weren't around, as long as he has a person, he's happy.  So I can see that it totally depends on your cat's personality.  I definitely wouldn't get a second cat unless you were going to be home for a while to do introductions and you had a back-up home for the second cat in case it didn't work out it wouldn't have to go back to the shelter.

As far as outdoor cats, Kelsey and Scooter will never be allowed outdoors unless on a leash.  Kelsey is deaf and Scooter is physically disabled and both are fearless.  They would never last outside.  I can't say I totally disagree with outdoor cats, however.  I got my Louie when I was three.  He showed up on our door step.  He never wanted to come inside.  He moved to different houses with us and always stayed outside, but got plenty of attention from us when we were in the yard.  When we moved to the country, where there were bears, raccoons, mountain lions, etc, we tried to keep him inside, but he was miserable.  So he got to go out.  He lived to be 22 years old, the last 15 of which he lived with all those animals outside.  When I was in high school, I started making him come in at night, since he was so old and I wanted him to stay warm.  I know Louie is very rare though.  Most indoor cats don't live as long as he did, much less outdoor ones.  I know there are a lot of dangers outside, so I can't say to let your cat go out, but I think it is again one of those things that depends on the animal.

[Punkygirl0101]

I don't quite get the story..why does she go from your mothers to outdoors on an island?!? 

I have, *cough* 23 cats, pretty much all of them get along with each other. Theres a few who still fight every now and then. (They are all spayed and neutered, and all of them are rescues). They are indoor/outdoor. I am very pro-indoor cats..Outside is very dangerous for them. We have dealt with neighbors who trap them, cats getting hit by cars, and cats just up and leaving...but my mother still refuses to let me make them complete indoor cats. We tried before, and she didn't like it..they didn't like it (Which is understandable, a lot of them were taken in as strays, and ferals..and have been indoor/outdoor most of their lives..so they didn't like the idea of not going outside. But when I get my own place (Many years from now..broke college student here) whatever cats I bring with me will be solely indoors.

But people who say cats are independent, thats not entirely true at all. When we first got cats, we thought they did better alone, because thats what most people think. But our cats enjoy each others company more than anything. For example, my cat Jack (Who is 2 years old), I got off the streets when he was 2 days old. I took in his mother (Who was a stray) and his 6 siblings. We kept him and his brother Binx. Even though I have smothered him with love and attention since I got him, he does not like human interaction AT all. He is a calico, and has the "Calico personality" (I know some don't, but every one I have had was never a people person). He much prefers the company of my fat, lazy male Barry. Its actually kind of sickening how much love and affection they give each other lol. They lay all day long grooming each other, and sleeping together. The cat play that goes on in this house..lol, cat zoomies everywhere, I usually end up being tripped at some point.

I really want my babies completely inside though. Some of my cats dart across the street, and even though we have only had 3 cats get hit (2 of which were found dead, Chad was found alive and we barely saved him), they at very high risk of getting hit. Not to mention, two doors down they HATE cats. The cats can go inside whenever they want (Cat doors in the garage and kitchen), and the only time all of the are inside is when it rains, or when its too hot outside, other than that they prefer laying in the front yard. I wish it rained every day.

[DorseyClairebelle]

I don't quite get the story..why does she go from your mothers to outdoors on an island?!? 

Oops, yeah, that must sound weird. The island has been in the family since the 1930's and the whole bunch of us (aunts uncles cousins grandparents) contribute to taxes and upkeep. It's relatively small-- we have two large structures on it and a couple smaller ones, it's a few acres of land. No wild animals on it though, besides birds and squirrels and the occasional raccoon, so nothing that's a threat to her. There's also no risk of her going anywhere we couldn't find her (lol as it's surrounded by water-- this is on a lake by the way), and she comes when called. She LOVES it out there-- last summer she took out a woodpecker, a couple blue jays, a squirrel.... it was awful finding all the bodies, but it was pretty impressive for our tiny little indoor cat! Hope that makes it clearer for you 

Thanks for all the advice for everyone-- I'm glad the consensus isn't that outdoors would be good, as even if it was I doubt I'd be able to go through with it.

I spoke to someone else and she said that it's more likely that two cats would be buddies if one was really an attention-lover, really social with humans (like Guin is). Do you think this is true? I guess I'm leaning towards not getting another cat, but I want to be sure.

[Punkygirl0101]

it's more likely that two cats would be buddies if one was really an attention-lover, really social with humans

I posted this up there, but will post it again:

my cat Jack (Who is 2 years old), I got off the streets when he was 2 days old. I took in his mother (Who was a stray) and his 6 siblings. We kept him and his brother Binx. Even though I have smothered him with love and attention since I got him, he does not like human interaction AT all. He is a calico, and has the "Calico personality" (I know some don't, but every one I have had was never a people person). He much prefers the company of my fat, lazy male Barry. Its actually kind of sickening how much love and affection they give each other lol. They lay all day long grooming each other, and sleeping together.

He is not a social, attention seeking cat, and would prefer not to be around humans (He stays in the kitchen most of the time, hes one of the "Kitchen Cats", but he still does not like human affection.

A lot of the time, cats that like human attention, and being pet and that like being around humans, and like being spoiled usually prefer being alone. But most cats can get used to a companion, it will take time. But they usually end up bonding. (This is out of the many cats I have introduced to each other, and bonded)

[BabyBlue]

Out of my 5 kitties 2 of them are people loving attention hogs and neither of them are that kitty friendly. Taka only likes his brother, and everyone stays away from Roxy. I think it's impossible to say certain type of cats will get along with other cats, it all depends on the individual personality of both cats and feline relationships can be just as tricky as people's

[nakedrats]

Perhaps a foster situation would be best.  There is sure to be an initial hatred, but once she gets used to the idea of having another cat around, she might like it.  With fosters, you can try a number of different cats and then keep it if they click and like each other.  It may take a while.  It took 6 months for my foster kitty and my permanent kitty to bond.  This way you wouldn't "be stuck with" 2 cats that hated each other if it didn't work out.

[Eileen]

She LOVES it out there-- last summer she took out a woodpecker, a couple blue jays, a squirrel.... it was awful finding all the bodies, but it was pretty impressive for our tiny little indoor cat!

Took out?
As a wildlife rehabilitator, I don't find this very impressive. It's nothing to be proud of.
To me, this sentiment is the same as feeding live mice/rats to snakes. Both are needless and painful deaths, and shouldn't be bragged about.

That said.

I have 3 cats. When I got my first one, she was a kitten, lots of energy. I worked full-time, so I adopted another kitten to keep her company. They are both 11 years old now, and still frolick around & play like they did when they were little.

I think most animals want some sort of company, IMO. But if she is at your mother's, you mother should want another cat. If she doesn't, another year by herself will not be a problem.

I don't think she should be an outside cats - besides my very clear message above why, it's a hard life for the cat as well. And as far as the island, even though there are no predators on the island, and I don't know where you live, but any good size raptor (hawk, eagle, owl) could take your cat down in a second - and a white one? You're making it even easier for them to spot it.

[DorseyClairebelle]

Eileen, I didn't mean to sound like I was bragging. It was extremely upsetting, waking up to find the little bodies on the path. She didn't actually completely kill the woodpecker; my boyfriend had to do the merciful thing with a shovel.  I cried all morning and had to call into work late. I apologize if I offended anyone.  Looking back on it I realize that what I said that didn't express what I meant it to. I have respect for all living creatures, and if there was a way to keep my cat from doing what she did, I would have. I am a vegetarian, and if I had a snake I would certainly never feed live (I doubt I would even be able to bring myself to feed frozen, being a rat owner-- I will just never have a snake).

What I meant was that it was surprising; she's this petite, dainty little kitty, but once she's outdoors for a few days she goes wild. If you knew her, you would understand how striking the change was. She's just one of those cats that you would meet and think that anything 1/10th of her size would be a good match, when really, she turns out quite fierce.

I understand your concerns about her safety, and I would never take a risk like that.  The island is heavily wooded and there are never large birds around. If one were to show up, there isn't anywhere she could be that isn't near something to hide under-- a brush pile or porch, for example.

Thanks for the advice. I'm glad no one thought the outdoor idea was a good one, as if they had I wouldn't have taken their advice. Although getting another cat was actually my mom's idea, I think I will dissuade her from it. It's kind of what I had been thinking all along, but another animal is always a temptation; I needed some reinforcement.

[Eileen]

OK;l  understand that sometimes things come across differently online that they would in person.

and if there was a way to keep my cat from doing what she did, I would have.

Surefire way to make sure it doesn't happen again: keep her inside. There are lots of ways to keep cats entertained indoors. And even though you are away at school, the bird's lives should not be a way to entertain her. So, if you keep her inside 100% of the time, problem solved!

[DorseyClairebelle]

I believe that it is my responsibility to take care of her (and give her all the love she deserves) when I am able. Leaving her with my mom while I go out and have whatever summer I want without that responsibility would be ridiculous.  Last summer, I was not living at home, and therefore I took her with me. This is no furnished, fancy island; there are no doors that aren't screened, and there are no locks other than simple latches (and no electricity and running water for that matter).  It's not a place where I could keep her indoors. Were she left indoors, there would be nothing for us to come home to but a clawed-through screen door. She is so happy when she's on that island, and that's all I want for her. 

If I didn't think a cat could be entertained indoors, I wouldn't have one, as I have expressed how uncomfortable I am with the idea of an outdoor cat.

My responsibility lies in taking care of my pet, and less so with the lives of animals that I have no connection to/relationship with/responsibility for.  Believe me, any time we saw her stalking something we would put her off the trail, distract her, and we did save a fair amount of lives. But keeping an animal that I love happy and healthy is more important than anything else.

[Eileen]

Sorry, but I just can't agree with that. I know you want your cat to be happy, but considering she is the huntress you describe, I do not feel that it is appropriate to let her roam around, killing innocent birds and other animals. You are only seeing the ones she leaves close by; I am sure she's killing a lot more than you know, and I just can't accept that.

I don't know what I would do in your place. But I know I wouldn't let her continue with killing sprees - which is what she is doing - just because it makes her happy.

Of course she is miserable when you bring her back inside - it must be terribly confusing for her to be allowed to roam and have freedom, and then be contained. In my book, the only fair and responsible thing to do - for both her victims, and her, is to be inside 100% of the time.

By saying that  all you want for her is to be free, even if that means she's running around killing things, is again akin to a snake owner saying their snake likes to eat live rat pups, and they want their snake to be happy.

Again - I don't know what the answer is. If I were in your shoes, I would call in a favor to someone I know to take the cat in until I were out of school. Creativity will be needed here.

I see the aftermath every day in my job of what cats do to wildlife. I get people who have every reason why their cat should be allowed outside, but bring me the animals they maim. Baby cottontail rabbits with their guts hanging out, others with their skin ripped down to the muscle. The other day we got in a mourning dove whose crop was ripped open down to the esophagus. He died before I could get him to a vet.

Not to mention all the fledglings that your cat must be taking down, before they ever get a chance to fly.
If you have ever had someone bring you a baby robin, gaping for food when you open the box, only to learn that his wing was broken by a cat and you have to euthanize him, you might think differently. I feed them first so at least they are not gaping as I euthanize them. A senseless, needless death.


When these animals are brought to me, I am the one who gets to see them die; I am the one who has to have the compassion to euthanize them, when it all could have been avoided in the first place by keeping the cat inside.

We may have to respectfully agree to disagree here. I don't think that all the lives of innocent wildlife is worth the happiness of your cat roaming outside.  You think you were upset when you found what your cat did?
I've just seen too much, and it haunts me every day.

[DorseyClairebelle]

I guess we will have to disagree. I think the key to it is that you're anthropomorphizing a bit too much for me. You use the word "innocent" multiple times, and I don't even believe that can be a part of this discussion, nor should the idea of a "pointless death". That is a human concept and its only viable application is to human subjects, at least in any rational conversation.
Believe me, I know that I would not have the strength to do what you do for a living. I would not be able to handle it.  But there comes a point at which it needs to be recognized that that's what happens in nature, and that everything suffers in the end. I'm not saying I won't do what I can to stop it when I am able, but sometimes you have to accept things like that. Were I in ANY different situation, I would never let her outdoors. But she's my baby, and when I can have her with me and do what I need to do as a responsible owner, then I'll do it.
I really appreciate your opinion. I don't want you to think that I'm disregarding it simply because I don't agree, or because I want to be able to rationalize my own actions.  I have seriously considered what you have to say, but I put my priorities elsewhere.

[Eileen]

I think the key to it is that you're anthropomorphizing  a bit too much for me. You use the word "innocent" multiple times, and I don't even believe that can be a part of this discussion, nor should the idea of a "pointless death". That is a human concept and its only viable application is to human subjects, at least in any rational conversation.

OK, I'm done.

For someone so well-versed in anthropomorphizing, you seem to talk about your cat's "happiness", and calling her your "baby" enough; I guess you're not putting your own emotions here.
I won't be visiting this thread again.
Done.