Moving + new cat

baopu

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Greetings!


I have a question. I think I know the answer, but I'd like to run it by others.

I have a 10 year old cat Maceo. In the fall is older "brother" (not biological) Bootsy passed away. He really liked Bootsy and Bootsy, well ... he tolerated him. Now I'd like to get another cat, but Maceo seems to hate cats! It doesn't matter if it's a small kitten or older big cat, he gets real upset and attacks. I'm afraid he'd kill a kitten when I wasn't around to protect it, so I'm thinking of a somewhat bigger cat who can defend himself. Maceo is fixed, but he still sprays/urinates to mark territory, usually outside, but sometimes inside. So, with a new cat, there's no doubt in my mind he'll spray/urinate. I think I can deal with it. But anyways, my question:

I'm going to be moving soon to a new apartment. My intuition tells me that if I get a new cat at the same time I move, then Maceo won't feel that his territory is being invaded, at least, not as much as if he has lived there for awhile and gotten settled. What do you think? Does this sound right? What about stress? The move will certainly stress him out. A new cat will stress him more. Is this something to consider?

Thanks in advance
 

happilyretired

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Wny do you want to get another cat if your cat doesn't seem to want one?

I'm just puzzled because I had a female who hated (and feared) other cats, but people kept telling me to get her a "companion." I tried once, and she was just miserable (fortunately a good friend took the second cat when it didn't work out). Finally, a wise vet told me that most often good human companionship is what a cat really wants.

Right now, I have a new boy (recently adopted) who is an extremely social cat, but my vet tells me that he's "human bonded." That is, he loves all people, but doesn't really need a companion feline.

I know that most people on these boards advocate multiple cats, but my experience is that "singles" do quite well.
 
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baopu

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Originally Posted by HappilyRetired

Wny do you want to get another cat if your cat doesn't seem to want one?

I'm just puzzled because I had a female who hated (and feared) other cats, but people kept telling me to get her a "companion." I tried once, and she was just miserable (fortunately a good friend took the second cat when it didn't work out). Finally, a wise vet told me that most often good human companionship is what a cat really wants.

Right now, I have a new boy (recently adopted) who is an extremely social cat, but my vet tells me that he's "human bonded." That is, he loves all people, but doesn't really need a companion feline.

I know that most people on these boards advocate multiple cats, but my experience is that "singles" do quite well.
That's a great question, actually. When I'm around, he gets attention. But the problem is when I'm not around, i.e., while I'm at work, gone camping, etc. It's especially bad in the winter, because he doesn't want to go outside. It's been several months since Bootsy passed away and he's been alone. I think he's bored and lonely when I'm not here. I feel guilty.

But I also have "room" for another, and I know there are plenty of cats that need good homes. But I have considered not getting another one. Hmmm . . .
 

cococat

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I think multiple cats are great and it is good if the human works outside of the home for the cat to have a friend and not be bored and lonely all day. Be sure you introduce them properly. This is the key to having another cat live with your kitty. You have to read up and learn how to introduce them slowly and then do it that way. Also, is your current cat fixed? That would help the marking. Has current kitty been vet checked for a UTI and what are you using to clean up the marking? Are you going to let your current cat outside in your apartment complex?

I have a single inside only kitty but I have a few dogs and she thinks she is a dog, so it works and they interact often, play, sleep together and groom each other. But if I didn't have the dogs I would feel bad for her, as she is a very needy cat and loves being on or around someone at all times. She isn't suited to be alone, at least it doesn't seem like it to me. She is very social and loves her humans but also loves animals just as much.

Good luck on your decision
There are lots of great kitties that need a good home.
 
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baopu

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Originally Posted by cococat

I think multiple cats are great and it is good if the human works outside of the home for the cat to have a friend and not be bored and lonely all day. Be sure you introduce them properly. This is the key to having another cat live with your kitty. You have to read up and learn how to introduce them slowly and then do it that way.
Yes, ideally one should keep them in separate rooms for awhile. But I'm not sure what my new apartment will be like, so I'll have to wait.

Also, is your current cat fixed? That would help the marking. Has current kitty been vet checked for a UTI and what are you using to clean up the marking?
Yes, he's fixed. I don't think he's been checked fro anything specific like that. I don't think there's any infection. I use various things to clean up, but I probably don't clean it as good as I should.

Are you going to let your current cat outside in your apartment complex?
Definitely. That's why the apartment I get has to have a yard and not be on a busy street (or if it is, the entrance must be at the back). My new apartment is not likely to be in a complex, but rather a house.


Good health and happiness,
Bao Pu
 

meowers

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Better to get a new cat sooner rather than later, because of age. But if course you dont want to do it immediatly cause that would associate the new cat with his friends passing
 
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baopu

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Originally Posted by Meowers

Better to get a new cat sooner rather than later, because of age. But if course you dont want to do it immediatly cause that would associate the new cat with his friends passing
You know what is very strange? Maceo never showed any indication that he missed/misses Bootsy. None at all. And he liked Bootsy too!
 
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