Topic: Should I get another cat?? (Read 3877 times)

SpecialRed · « **Reply #25 on:** April 02, 2008, 19:32:21 PM »

Did you get Ronnie from two lesbians in South Manchester!!!! LMAO

Black cats rule!!! But their rubbish to take photos of!!!

claws n purrs · « **Reply #24 on:** April 02, 2008, 19:30:34 PM »

Quote from: SpecialRed on April 02, 2008, 19:14:56 PM

problem solved, can I have Ronnie!!!!

Ronnie and Barry - separated at birth?!

SpecialRed · « **Reply #23 on:** April 02, 2008, 19:14:56 PM »

problem solved, can I have Ronnie!!!!

claws n purrs · « **Reply #22 on:** April 02, 2008, 19:09:56 PM »

How alike is Barry compared to Ronnie!

Ronnie:

You are in a similar position that I was in a few weeks ago. Ronnie is about the same age as Barry and friendly with other cats. When our other rescue cat, Mathers, died in december, we decided to rehome two rescue kittens who needed another home asap. My biggest worry was how Ronnie would react to the new additions and it hasn't been all plain sailing (when is it ever!) but generally they all get on pretty well.

In the end, it comes down to how well you know your cat and whether you think its worth the risk of introducing other cats into the home.
You can never be certain one way or the other how Barry will react to having another cat in his space, I suppose it was easier for us to decide because we'd rehomed Ronnie and Mathers at the same time so we knew fairly well how Ronnie would be with other cats in the house.

Perhaps the best idea is to foster a cat initially, to see how Barry reacts even though you say you'd rather not?
At least then you'd know fairly well if it would work out or not and you wouldn't be stuck with two cats who hated each other!

SpecialRed · « **Reply #21 on:** April 02, 2008, 18:39:45 PM »

I just dont know, anyone know of any silver tabby kittens in North West?????? That will help me decide.

Im not a believer in generalising the mindset of animals, and to say they simply tolerate each other is playing it safe as it cant be proved or disproved IMHO

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #20 on:** April 02, 2008, 18:28:06 PM »

I was wondering which woman you were referring to but guess its Vicky Hall and she is a cat behaviorist and if you read her books or articles she has a great sense of humour as well as a knowledge of cats.

As with all behaviorists you have to pick and choose whether you agree with what she says .

So we wanna know now, are you getting Barry a little friend?

SpecialRed · « **Reply #19 on:** April 02, 2008, 18:22:20 PM »

Barry is only two and plays alot, runs sideways and does 'the Bear' like he used to as a kitten, the reason Im tempted is he is still young enough for the kitten to be similar in age. I know of quite a few who have had various cats over the years and they all seem to get on well, in fact i dont know one (out of say 12 cats) that has had a problem. You may ask why im asking for advice, but on this site people have either opened my eyes or made me worry with various comments. A bit like those who dont put collars on there cats for fear of it strangling itself etc etc (my cat no longer has collar lol) Im not fostering as I would want a kitten as I believe I can influence it better. I also think like some have said that he would be the boss so less intimidated by it.

The women people keep referring to sounds like a right know it all!! lol Is she meant to be the mother teresa of the cat world????

Catjane I concur with somethings you said but find that one sentence you say, we perceive them to get along, and in the next you say your cats really love each other, do they or do you perceive them to! lol

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #18 on:** April 01, 2008, 22:37:55 PM »

The other problem with single kittens is that if the energy levels are different, they will want to play all the time and could annoy the older cat. I know someone who got a kitten as she wanted another despite her cat not liking others, and they never got on - they only tolerated each other 80% of the time, as the young one just wanted to play. Fostering is a good idea, as long as you woudl be OK at letting the cat go back to the rescue if it didn't work out.

Millys Mum · « **Reply #17 on:** April 01, 2008, 17:09:22 PM »

Quote from: ccmacey on April 01, 2008, 13:16:05 PM

I would say if your going to get another cat and don't want to upset Barry then it would probably have to be a kitten, something he's not going to feel threatened by. If he's a placid cat as you say I wouldn't see

Word of warning about kittens is that you dont know what you are getting and then it could be too late. Many kittens turn out the opposite of how they were when little. Lots of people have no problems until the cats hit 2 and then the social issues start as thats the age cats start to 'mature'.

Maybe you could foster a cat and see how smoothly barry takes it, you dont have to feel bad then if it doesnt work out.

ccmacey · « **Reply #16 on:** April 01, 2008, 13:20:00 PM »

And I have to say if you get a very outgoing young cat the elder one has no choice but to love them lol

I was very undecided about getting Lyla because I didnt want to upset the other 4 but she is their little sis now and they all love each other.

ccmacey · « **Reply #15 on:** April 01, 2008, 13:16:05 PM »

Barry is gorgeous

I would say if your going to get another cat and don't want to upset Barry then it would probably have to be a kitten, something he's not going to feel threatened by. If he's a placid cat as you say I wouldn't see a problem.

I have a very placid cat, he's lovely with my others but a cat outside is a different matter, he will fight with it.

Sure our cats would love us to be theirs solely but think of the fun they will be having with a little friend, and I'm sure there will be enough of you to go around.

Leanne · « **Reply #14 on:** April 01, 2008, 09:37:13 AM »

I also know where you're coming from, and we did take the plunge and took on Milo, the boys play together, fight, sleep, clean each other they do everything together, they have also shared a litter tray at the same time.

Sometimes I do wonder though where we've done the right thing, especally when I read Vicky Hall's books. But I think deep down we have done the right thing, Jess is certainly more lively and playful and remains the boss of the household.

clarenmax · « **Reply #13 on:** April 01, 2008, 09:10:12 AM »

I've often wondered in the past whether to get Maxy boy a playmate, but have always decided against it, as he seems really happy with his indoor environment, and I didn't want to upset the applecart, so I know exactly where you're coming from.

Rosella moggy · « **Reply #12 on:** March 31, 2008, 23:33:29 PM »

Quote from: Catjane on March 31, 2008, 22:49:45 PM

Quote from: blackcat on March 31, 2008, 21:28:29 PM
there is definitely a difference between making friends in the great outdoors and bringing them home to live (I find this with men, also ) so it is scarcely surprising that a good playmate is not a good housemate ............
I remember reading one of Vicky Halls books in which she said that in many multicat households the cats learn to tolerate each other, but would prefer it if the others weren't there.

Very true BUT our Billy Whiz simply adores his "new" big bro Freddie. We thought they would never get on at first (Billy adored his best pal Aslan who sadly died) but Billy now sticks to Freddie like glue when Freddie lets him

As Barry is only 2 and assume he's been "done", think there's every chance he would learn to enjoy sharing his home with a pal.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #11 on:** March 31, 2008, 22:59:11 PM »

yes that is so true catjane

Catjane · « **Reply #10 on:** March 31, 2008, 22:49:45 PM »

Quote from: blackcat on March 31, 2008, 21:28:29 PM

there is definitely a difference between making friends in the great outdoors and bringing them home to live (I find this with men, also ) so it is scarcely surprising that a good playmate is not a good housemate ............

Much sense spoken! Sabby gets on quite well with most of the cats in the neighbourhood, but I've tried introducing him to my friend's cat when I was looking after him, and he went ballistic! It's a territory thing!

I remember reading one of Vicky Halls books in which she said that in many multicat households the cats learn to tolerate each other, but would prefer it if the others weren't there. (We interpret relative peace as 'getting on', whereas they're merely 'putting up'). We're lucky, as all of mine have been together for all of their lives, and happen to really love each other.

SpecialRed · « **Reply #9 on:** March 31, 2008, 21:38:14 PM »

Im so confused right now!!

I can afford another and have enough room for another, so thats not really an issue. I just dont want my Bazza to change. He would like having a baby brother called Roger tho lol I was imagining a silver tabby cuddling up to him, chewing on him etc etc lol

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #8 on:** March 31, 2008, 21:30:24 PM »

I think you stand a better chance as Barry is still so young

blackcat · « **Reply #7 on:** March 31, 2008, 21:28:29 PM »

there is definitely a difference between making friends in the great outdoors and bringing them home to live (I find this with men, also

) so it is scarcely surprising that a good playmate is not a good housemate ............

Mark · « **Reply #6 on:** March 31, 2008, 21:27:13 PM »

You could try a cat on "Sale or return" and see if they get on. As long as the intros are done properly, it's worth a go. I think there are more on here with 2+ cats than one so why not you?

SpecialRed · « **Reply #5 on:** March 31, 2008, 21:20:34 PM »

God you guys have shocked me!! Was expecting go for it go for it!! lol Barry is 2 years old and will go up to any of the 8 or so cats that live nearby. Other than the ginger idiot cat, he generally is quite forward at approaching them. There is a six month old kitten that has recently been allowed out and he play fights him alot.

However when that said cat escaped a few months ago i brought him in the house and Barry hissed at him and I had to lock him in kitchen until owners came back. But yet when he was outside they all got on.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #4 on:** March 31, 2008, 20:57:06 PM »

How old is Barry?

I would be worried to bring another cat in if the one you have is very happy but I know others have done it successfully.

I have two that came together but had never met before and they get on great but the second pair I brought in just do not get on with the first two.

I would love to change the clock back but cant and of course I do love the second pair too.

M<y first cat Kocka was 10 when she arrived and I thought a friend for her would be good but my vet said no he thought she would hate it and he was so right and she hated all visiting cats.

She liked to be the centre of attention and have all the fuss and be the only one in the house.

Its something to be thought of very carefully as you are doing and always a risk.

Costwise its double everything

Catjane · « **Reply #3 on:** March 31, 2008, 20:48:45 PM »

I always think it's risky introducing a new cat to an otherwise stable dynamic ... they could get on great, or they could hate each other. A new cat could change Barry, depending on who's dominant, etc.

If it's any help, my three are the best of friends and play together, fight together and sleep together. However, Meesha will still take it upon herself to get her ball to play fetch, Sabby often asks to play, and Shanti is always wanting to playfight me as well as the others (and the hoover!). They are obviously not lacking company at all, but display similar behaviour to Barry. I'd be cautious about it, I think

Barry's probably clocked that you're responsive and cottoned on to 'asking' for some fun!

Oh, and two cats = 2 x expense. Twice as much food, twice as much litter, twice as much flea treatment, twice as much vets bills. The only thing they can share the cost of is toys, I think.

blackcat · « **Reply #2 on:** March 31, 2008, 20:38:36 PM »

There's a challenge ........... hmmm, how much time do you spend at home and how much of that time is devoted to keeping Barry amused? You say be tries to be friends with other cats? then may be he wants a friend. It does not necessarily mean he wants a room mate. If you have room for another cat then sure, make room for them, but if it means upsetting Barry's applecart, then maybe you need to pause for more thought. Not terribly helpful I realise.

On the practical side, I do not notice terribly much difference between one cat and two ...... mind you my budget only really becomes a factor when I am having difficulty paying household bills and that can be a moveable feast with cats ......

SpecialRed · « **Reply #1 on:** March 31, 2008, 20:13:53 PM »

Just recently I have noticed my cats acting a bit strange, in some ways like a dog. He carrys his toy over to me and drops it at my feet and sits there looking at me.

If i'm playing with him and stop he starts meowing at me! He has only just started doing this and wondered if he could do with a little brother to help relieve his obvious boredom. When I watch him from the window he does jump around running sideways at other cats, like a mad head sorta like this

The thing is, Barry has the best temprament of any cat I have ever met. He lets you do anything to him.

He prefers sleeping on you

never scratches anything, and like his dad loves cars

and loves his belly rubbing

and would not bat an eyelid if a brass band was playing in the room!! (bands just out of shot!! lol)

IF I decided to get another cat, I dont want to risk Barry changing as he is an only child and gets so much attention, however at the same time I know he would enjoy scrapping with a little brother. What should I do??? I know what most will say but if my Barry changes I will hate the new cat lol!!

Also any ideas on if the cost of two is double or not really noticable, (obviously initial cost of chipping etc will be biggest outlay)

Author Topic: Should I get another cat?? (Read 3877 times)

ccmacey

ccmacey