Does my cat need a companion?

[sblthin]

Hey, I'm kinda torn between whether to get another cat or not.

I have one cat, Bridget, my first pet (well I had a dog for a short time in high school) but anyway I got her from my ex's mom who had 13 cats and 5 dogs. She's about 4 years old. She didn't do very well with all those animals because she's a bit of a runt and got picked on. Since she's been with me (a year next month!) she's gained weight, her fur is fluffier, she's just healthier and happier.

I'd like another animal, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for the responsibility of a dog, so I'm thinking another cat. I'm wondering if she needs a companion, like another cat to play with. I just don't want to get a cat that will pick on her. Also she's used to being the only cat and I give her a lot of attention so I'm worried she'll get jealous and maybe become more withdrawn, or pick on the new cat.

A kitten would probably be my best bet, according to my cat's previous owner. She said there will be less of a chance it'll pick on my little Bridget. Do you have any opinions? Although I want another animal but my pet's needs come before mine in that department so if it'll affect her negatively I'll (sadly) decide against another adoption.

[Earthling]

I'm wondering if she needs a companion, like another cat to play with.

Nope, she doesn't! Feral/wild cats may form loose "packs" when hunting, because it gives them a greater chance of finding food, but they are solitary animals at heart. It sounds like your kitty is flourishing in a single-cat household. Most cats will adapt well to having another cat introduced to their household, but it is a stressful period and it can have negative effects. Many simply don't like other animals, especially cats, and although they will tolerate living with them, they do prefer being the centre of attention in the house.

If you're concerned Bridget isn't getting enough mental stimulation, I know I haven't met her but I would be willing to bet she'd rather play with you and/or some toys than another cat.


A kitten would probably be my best bet, according to my cat's previous owner. She said there will be less of a chance it'll pick on my little Bridget. Do you have any opinions? Although I want another animal but my pet's needs come before mine in that department so if it'll affect her negatively I'll (sadly) decide against another adoption.

A lot of people think that introducing a kitten is easier than introducing a cat, for various reasons... because they think there will be less aggression, or less competition are the most common ones. The fact is that the kitten will only be a kitten for a few months, and then there will be all the aggression and competition that comes with two adult cats... which can be none, or a lot.

If you do decide to adopt another animal, I would actually say that a more mature cat is your best bet. Older cats are less hyper and playful, so less likely to annoy your cat, and often they -for lack of a better phrase - "know their place" and can settle in a lot better. There will usually be some aggression while cats are getting to know each other, though this is usually low level such as hissing and swatting and rarely gets to the stage where they're fighting so hard they can actually inflict injury on each other. Older cats are much better than kittens or juveniles at reading and interpreting these signs of aggression and can sometimes sort out who's boss much quicker.

Also, as someone who works for a cat rescue charity, I can say that the older cats have such a small chance of being rehomed. There will be sooo much more choice for you if you ask for an older cat, and you will have a much better chance of finding a cat that is suitable for your home and that you feel a connection with. The people that you get the cat from will also have a much better idea of how well the cat gets on with other animals and with children, so you will know more about what you're getting in to.

Please don't be put off getting a mature cat because you think they won't love you as much as their first 'owner', or that you won't have as much time with them, or that they'll have more medical problems and so on. Even if you got a 10 year old cat, s/he could live another 10 years with some good luck and careful nurturing. I see a lot of cats where I work, and the kittens are often very entertaining and cuddly (and of course, very deserving of good homes) but it's always the older cats who are the biggest characters and really warm your heart.

[Mrs. Skittles]

Actually getting a cat that is over a year old would probably work out better for you, because you cannot tell the personality of a cat when they are a kitten. If you get an older kitty you can had choose a personality that will blend into you family. Plus you would be saving a cat that is much less likely to be adopted. :)

It sounds like your cat is not very dominent. Getting a more timid female cat would probably be your best bet. Male cats tend to be a bit more dominent than females.

Here is a link with tips on introducing a new cat to your home. Make sure not to rush anything.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+1838&aid=2926

If you do decide to add another cat to your furfamily and you need mroe introduction tips I have tons of them. Many that are not mentioned in the link.

[sblthin]

Thanks for all the advice!

I am concerned with her not getting enough mental stimulation. She's not real big on toys and doesn't really react to catnip, and I'm not sure what to do to play with her other than pet her and try to get her to play with the toys she does have. I thought maybe another cat would be good for that.

I know she tolerates other animals just fine, I'm not sure if she likes them though. Gahhh I wish I could just ask her "Hun, do you want a companion?" lol



It sounds like your cat is not very dominent. Getting a more timid female cat would probably be your best bet. Male cats tend to be a bit more dominent than females.



That was my next question, what gender? I was thinking another female would be good, because she is indeed timid. I don't remember a whole lot about how she was when she lived w/ my ex's mom, but it definitely seemed like she got along better with the females. You're right, the male cats were a little too dominant for her.

[Mrs. Skittles]

Thanks for all the advice!

I am concerned with her not getting enough mental stimulation. She's not real big on toys and doesn't really react to catnip, and I'm not sure what to do to play with her other than pet her and try to get her to play with the toys she does have. I thought maybe another cat would be good for that.

I know she tolerates other animals just fine, I'm not sure if she likes them though. Gahhh I wish I could just ask her "Hun, do you want a companion?" lol

If I do choose to get one, is there a particular gender that would be better?

I generally believe it is easier to introduce two females and two males, so I would have to say female.

I have three males and doing a slow introduction process worked beautifully both of the times I did it. You just have to be patient and have the spray bottle ready (with water) in case there is a fight.

[Earthling]

I am concerned with her not getting enough mental stimulation. She's not real big on toys and doesn't really react to catnip, and I'm not sure what to do to play with her other than pet her and try to get her to play with the toys she does have. I thought maybe another cat would be good for that.

What kind of toys have you tried? Cats are very intelligent and get bored of the same old thing quickly. The favourite toy at my cat sanctuary is ping pong balls, cats of all ages love them. Cardboard boxes are also a big favourite, and *anything* with feathers on it (though be careful that the feathers can't be detached and swallowed).


That was my next question, what gender? I was thinking another female would be good, because she is indeed timid. I don't remember a whole lot about how she was when she lived w/ my ex's mom, but it definitely seemed like she got along better with the females. You're right, the male cats were a little too dominant for her.

It's often misleading to talk about dominant or submissive cats, as they don't have a hierarchical dominance structure like dogs or wolves. It's more useful to look at them as individuals with different personalities... so Bridget would be a timid cat rather than a submissive one and an aggressive male cat is just a pushy cat, not a dominant one. For the same reason, personality is much more important than gender in choosing a new friend for Bridget. If she got on better with female cats in the past, it might be a good idea to look for a female but I would keep an open mind as she might get on much better with a mellow male than a boisterous female. The only thing I would be wary of is getting another very timid cat, as they might simply make each other worse!

[sblthin]

What kind of toys have you tried? Cats are very intelligent and get bored of the same old thing quickly. The favourite toy at my cat sanctuary is ping pong balls, cats of all ages love them. Cardboard boxes are also a big favourite, and *anything* with feathers on it (though be careful that the feathers can't be detached and swallowed).


I mentioned I use cardboard boxes in my other thread about nail caps. She looooves it. She may be getting bored with it because although she still scratches on it, it's maybe once or twice a day rather than almost constantly lol I've used those little toys filled with catnip, she likes the ones that roll, maybe the ping pong ball would be good. I crocheted these two little balls and she liked those as well. The thing is she'll play with something for maybe 2 minutes then get bored with it and stop lol So if I do try to play with her I'm constantly trying to keep her interested, usually it'll be a couple minutes then I give up because she just isn't interested. She seems more interested in toys than she used to be, so maybe they'll grow on her. OH! One thing she absolutely loves is my hair ties! She never jumps on tables unless it's to get those, I bought a pack of 20 and only have 5 because they're scattered all over the apartment or I ended up throwing them out b/c she got them dirty lol I gave her a couple, just designated to her, but she lost them so I guess I'll get more.

[Irizary]

Nope, she doesn't! Feral/wild cats may form loose "packs" when hunting, because it gives them a greater chance of finding food, but they are solitary animals at heart.

I don't really agree with the characterization of cats as solitary animals.


For years, 'experts' have told cat owners that domestic cats are solitary creatures who dislike the company of other cats. No doubt cat owners have viewed the communal sleep heap on the armchair with puzzlement, wondering whether it is the cats or the experts who have their facts wrong. Mostly it seems that the 'experts' are judging feline sociability by comparing them to dogs... Despite increasing evidence to the contrary, many members of the scientific community still stereotype cats as non-social purely on the grounds that they do not form dog-like packs...

Only in the last few decades have domestic cats been recognised as social animals (at least by scientists). Previously they were seen as little more than multicoloured, tame versions of their solitary African wildcat ancestors. While the ancestors of our domestic cats may have been solitary hunters in the forests of Europe and Africa, domestic cats frequently live in harmonious groups; playing, sleeping and even hunting together. Many form close attachments to other cats and even to other domestic animals...

Cats have evolved during their long association with humans. Only those cats which tolerated human company went on to rear kittens in close proximity to humans. Living close to humans means living close to other cats as well. Over hundred of generations, those cats best suited to living in feline colonies have reproduced most successfully. Our present day domestic cats are descended from these socialised cats. Feral cats are descended from domestic cats and though they are not socialised with humans, they are still social with other cats. This "selection for the friendliest" means that modern domestic cats have evolved a long way from solitary wild ancestors in behavioural terms...
more... http://www.messybeast.com/soc_cat.htm

[rabid_child]

A kitten will actually pester your cat constantly. My cats, especially my oldest cat Monchichi, really do like other cats (once they get to know them) and it took under a week for Monchichi to be licking the kitten all over but still now 7 months later, the kitten still pesters him to the point where he growls and hisses and yells at him and has to run away and hide to escape. They're just playing, and otherwise they're madly in love and snuggle together and groom each other all the time, but Munchie just isn't in the mood sometimes to have the kitten up his butt (sometimes, literally). Atticus is about 6 and has less patience than Munchie. He isn't very playful and gets pretty annoyed when the kitten tries to engage him. The kitten isn't being malicious at all, he's just... a kitten! Really rambunctious, madly in love with his "brothers" and wants them to play with him all day long. (When we're around and Sir Didymus is being annoying we play with him to get his energy out so the big guys don't have to suffer through it)

[sblthin]

Hmm that's true about a kitten being high strung. What about a young cat? Like around a year old?

[hoodedclawjen]

i think your cat is quite possibly very happy just with you, espcially if she's a shy one. i agree that an older, (like 6 or 8+ years old) relaxed laid back female would be a good choice if you did want another cat for you.

for toys- have you tried her with a laser pointer (waving it all over the floor like you would wiggle a bit of string- letting it go under the bottom of things, etc)? cats really can't help but LOVE them. just don't aim it in her eyes (kinda obvious)- she'll watch it dance all over a wall like its a little bug, but get bewildered why she can't catch it. cats are stimulated by movement. its hours of fun.

[sblthin]

I just bought a laser pointer today! haha She absolutely freaking loves it, and you're right- hours of fun lol

[hoodedclawjen]

awwww brilliant :D

[cheekywhiskers]

Cats are social creatures, but solitary hunters. They form colonies when feral and will sleep together and mutually groom. We humans can take the place of that colony, but we can't interact with them the way another cat does. My timid little Persephane seemed perfectly content to be an only cat, until I had to take in my BF's cat Pandora, a huge tabico (tabby calico). They chase each other through the house and hide and jump out at each other. Before Pandora came, I had two dogs, but Pers didn't want to play with them. Fostering a kitten did help both cats come together as friends, either that or it taugh them how to be more annoying in play. The kitten would hide behind a curtain and jump out as the older girls passed by. When the adults got tired of it, they jumped up on something. I don't think I would ever have a solitary dog or cat again after seeing how having playmates helps them. Even my older dog seems less fearful of thunder storms since I brought home the second dog.

[karenlovessnow]

I'd have to say it depends on the cat. I've always had multiple cats at any given time. Right now I have three, and the male (Thor) and one female (Mandi) get along fine, but the second female (Cybil) is totally unsociable. She spends most of her time in the garage, alone. She torments Mandi to the point of Mandi having to hide under the dresser. I have to make sure they are separated when I'm not at home because one time I came home to find Mandi cornered in the kitchen and Cybil lying a few feet away, like she was keeping guard. Poor Mandi must have had to use the litter box but was too afraid to move, so she ended making a mess right there on floor. :(

Most days Cybil will come upstairs for a brief period of time, and then she retreats to the garage to be by herself.

I would probably try introducing another cat, or even kitten, but that's just me. I guess weigh what everyone here had to say and take it from there. If you are able to spend the extra time with her, it may be enough for her. :)