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Getting a 7 mos cat from shelter

post #1 of 7
10/5/11 at 12:49pm
Thread Starter 
Hi, I may be getting a 7 mos female calico cat from a local shelter on Monday. i just recently lost my 5 1/2 yo male to I believe PKD...not really sure what happend, all I know he had a blocked bladder & in hospital for 4 days, then died. I am devestated. He was a Exotic Shorthair & baught him from a breeder in 2006. Now he's gone. I have a female ESH still and is missing "Snickers" so I thought I'd get her a buddy. Is this the right thing for me to do? Im still confused on what happend 3 weeks ago. I don;t want to go through this again. I'm afraid on getting a male again, so do you think 2 females will get along, Need your input. Thanks
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post #2 of 7
10/5/11 at 3:55pm
Oh I am so sorry for the loss of your little boy.

I think you'll know and feel it in your heart when the right kitty has found you. Your little girl is grieving, as you are. But cats are just like our children. If heaven forbid a child dies, you can't replace a brother or sister by adopting a new one. In time, having another child might be the right thing for the family - but if the only reason you're considering getting this calico is as a companion for your baby girl, I wouldn't recommend it.

As to whether or not females will get along with other females is completely dependent upon the personality of the cat(s). Our experience is that it's much easier to introduce males - but others on here have the complete opposite experience.

Whenever Snickers does send you another kitty, when that kitty comes home, he or she should have her own "safe" room set up, and introductions should be made slowly.

Right now, I'd explain to my baby girl what happened - talk to her, and grieve with her.
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post #3 of 7
10/5/11 at 5:50pm
Sorry for your loss. Generally speaking, there seemed to be consensus that males and males or males and females more reliably make better companions than two females.

There are forum stickies on introductions as would be needed even when rejoining siblings that have been apart for a while, but regarding health issues, you're already likely going to have superior health by adopting a "mutt" than a purebred. Aside from some places where tom migration is impossible and inbreeding becomes a concern, generally speaking its 'survival of the fittest' out on the streets and so domestic shorthairs tend to live the longest and have the least health issues and are considered very hardy so I wouldn't worry. In fact, unfortunately from what I've read while exotics are one of the friendliest cat breeds they are also on the lower scale of health among purebreds IIRC.
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post #4 of 7
10/5/11 at 6:05pm
OH I am so sorry for your loss of Snickers. I think if you are ready to adopt and love another kitty, you will know in your heart if this is the right time. Best of luck with your decision and adopting from a shelter is always my recommendation. Just go very slowly with introductions and keep your new kitty separate for at least two weeks in her own room.
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post #5 of 7
10/5/11 at 7:10pm

Snickers

You should get a cat the same age or close to the same age, as the cat you have now. I had a hard time with a 9 year old, 12 week old and 3 week old.
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post #6 of 7
10/6/11 at 7:30am
Thread Starter 
ALL for your kind words. I'm still unsure about getting another cat. I guess I'll just wait and see where my heart takes me. In the mean time I will def.
talk to "Lilly" and give her all the ♥ I have to offer. Again Thanks everyone!
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post #7 of 7
10/6/11 at 7:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by My2catsabc View Post
ALL for your kind words. I'm still unsure about getting another cat. I guess I'll just wait and see where my heart takes me. In the mean time I will def.
talk to "Lilly" and give her all the ♥ I have to offer. Again Thanks everyone!

to you. Again, I am sorry about your loss. You and Lilly will know when the time is right for another family member. For some, it is right away, for other's it is quite some time. I also agree with MY4LLMA in that you might want to consider adopting a bit older kitty, even one to two years. Although, that said, it does depend on the personality of the kitten/cat. Even an older cat can have a very outgoing, playful nature. Just try to find an older cat/kitten that is similar in temperament to your Lilly. The shelter staff can help you in that area. Feel better
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