Getting a kitten/cat- question

[Rosa Mystica]

Hi all,

I am preparing to get a new kitten. However, I've heard that two are better than one. I can really only have one cat at this point in time, and wonder if this will lead to behavioral problems or extreme loneliness in the animal. For those who only have one cat, what have your experiences been like? Any advice would be most helpful.

Thanks,
Rosa

 

[Maxwell511]

Hi all,

I am preparing to get a new kitten. However, I've heard that two are better than one. I can really only have one cat at this point in time, and wonder if this will lead to behavioral problems or extreme loneliness in the animal. For those who only have one cat, what have your experiences been like? Any advice would be most helpful.

Thanks,
Rosa

We had a cat that we brought up from a kitten and a number of litters (don't ask) that were brought up together. The first cat didn't seem to behave any way that would have suggested a problem. I'd say that if you give it enough attention it would be fine.

 

[Rosa Mystica]

We had a cat that we brought up from a kitten and a number of litters (don't ask) that were brought up together. The first cat didn't seem to behave any way that would have suggested a problem. I'd say that if you give it enough attention it would be fine.

What is considered "enough attention" if I may ask? I definitely plan to give my pet as much attention as possible, but I'm not always home (due to work and all). Mind you, I work less than most people do, so maybe I'll be okay in this regard. And my SO offered to play with the cat while I was out, so this might be a solution to the problem.

 

[markbelieves]

You and your cat will be fine. Your cat will just be a bit more attached to you but that shouldn't be a bad thing.

 

[Sabina41]

I agree with Mark...just having 1 cat is not a detriment to the animal at all. In fact, not all cats brought up together bond so there's no guarantee that getting two will work out perfectly either. Just get one and be sure to ADOPT! Check out your local animal shelter or rescue or search on www.petfinder.com Good luck!

-Ashley

 

[InTheFlame]

It does depend a bit on the cat/kitten. Some breeds are very human-oriented and tend to need lots of attention. Others don't. The advantage of getting an adult cat from a shelter is that the staff SHOULD be able to tell you which cats that they have would suit your needs best.

 

[Maxwell511]

What is considered "enough attention" if I may ask? I definitely plan to give my pet as much attention as possible, but I'm not always home (due to work and all). Mind you, I work less than most people do, so maybe I'll be okay in this regard. And my SO offered to play with the cat while I was out, so this might be a solution to the problem.

You don't need to be always there. Generally the amount of time people normally spend at home relaxing is more than enough. Good luck!!!

 

[FlatpickingJD]

I think that having 2 or more cats provides more entertainment for their humans than it does for the cats. Remember that, as a rule, cats are solitary animals, but it really depends on the cat.

And please don't buy a purebred - go to the humane society or the pound and buy there. Mogs are great cats and generally healthier. Good luck w/the new addition!

 

[awashinlove]

It does depend a bit on the cat/kitten. Some breeds are very human-oriented and tend to need lots of attention. Others don't. The advantage of getting an adult cat from a shelter is that the staff SHOULD be able to tell you which cats that they have would suit your needs best.

Exactly.

 

[Talie]

cats do very well on their own - of course, they need lots of attention from you, but nowhere near as much as dogs do, a cat will most likely spend most of it's time sleeping when you're not around.

just be sure you DO have time for it when you're home - they certainly need lots of love.

i second the suggestion that you go to an animal shelter, and cross breed cats usualy make better pets than purebreds do.

and remember - a cat is a pet for life - and cats can live 20+ years - if you don't think you can be committed for that long, there are lots of older cats that need a good loving home

 

[fieldlily]

I agree. Generally kittens will bond with you and don't really have to have another cat around to be content.

 

[chipmunk]

Well, I'd have to say it depends on the cat. Some cats do want more attention than others. While sometimes the breed can tell you their level of attention, it is not always accurate. Some places that adopt cats/kittens out will let you try the animal out on a trial basis for you to see how well you will interact with them and they with you. You may want to try some of those places out.

 

[Poohbear246]

Hi Rosa! I agree with what everyone here says. I have one cat, and she does fine by herself. When I am not home, she sleeps: when she hears the door open, she comes over all sleepy eyed and stretches. I've never seen anything out of place after returning home, so she doesn't go on destructive rampages out of frustration or anything. She knows she'll get her playtime when I get in, so it's not a big deal. However, she does demand a lot of attention when I *am* home.

How much attention depends on the cat. You'll learn her personality as you spend time with her. My cat, for example, is not a lapcat, but she loves to make up games to play with me -- she has 2 favorites that involve chasing and swatting at crumpled pieces of paper. Playing is an interactive activity for her, so toys that you hang on the doorknob never work.

Other cats love to curl up with their owner to knead and be petted. Some love to try heights, others don't. Some are talkative and have incredible vocal ranges, others just open their mouths to meow and emit no sound. There's as much variation in a kitty personality as there is in a human one.

Good luck!

 

[NothingButTheBlood]

Cats do ok by themselves. Leave a few balls or small cat toys around. If you have smaller kids my I suggest a cat a little older? They aren't as cute as kittens but need homes too!