I started a new thread because this is mostly about what you all advise I do in re: getting Francis a new companion. But I found out from a neighbor that Oscar was found with his little head crushed, (thank I didn't see him actually) and someone saw a car speeding out of our sleepy development suspiciously that day. So he wasn't going off to die at all- and he wasn't really all that sick or anything, though I was thinking maybe that was it.
Nope, it was probably my premonitional insight (which I am scarily known for, guys) that gave me that feeling when I last saw him. He had trotted off to sniff the 'hood as usual- and had he been sick, he wouldn't go out, I just know he'd prefer to die at home now that I think about it.
The whole deal is heartbreaking- if only, only I hadn't let him out JUST then, etc. ANd the situation with the birds was eerie , too. I'm crying a flood right now, but he'd want us to carry on- AND GET FRANCIS A SIBLING.
1) How long should I wait? I've obviously discussed with him that we're going to find the perfect friend for him, etc. but when?
2) I have always had much better luck with neutered males than any female cat. I'm leaning that way, for consistency.
3) Oscar was bold and tough, and he mentored scaredycat Francis since day one about 6? years ago- I'm thinking I need to get a very sweet gentle cat for him, for sure- but that would mean a grown guy, after kitten wildness is tamed off.
4) Or should I get a kitten of either gender at any age younger than a year to give Francis the opportunity to be youthful, etc. and the boss finally? Francis is about 8?, but very playful still, and in excellent health. He's more kittenish than Oscar was at tht age.
So it's advice time, guys: I think Francis might handle a manic kitten and that it might alleviate his sorrow. After all , Oscar was bossy and cranky and not up for fun and games much, to Francis' chagrin. On the other hand, at his age maybe an older, proven-to-be-constitutionally sweet cat is a better idea.
God knows there are a ZILLION cats around here needing homes. I could do try-outs, I suppose. But I have never seen Francis ornery the way Fonzi Oscar could be, so I have a feeling he'll remember how it was for him to move into Oscar's house and how Oscar treated him great all told- and that Francis would be good to another kitty unless that kitty was plain nasty...
Thankfully Francis has never been out (Oscar was practically born at the top of a tree) and damn straight, the new kitty has to be indoors, too, period!! I worried every damn time Oscar pranced off, and the worst finally happened. Hey, that's one vote for a kitten without an unknown past!
Bring on the counsel!!!
Alison
KitKatMom
Nope, it was probably my premonitional insight (which I am scarily known for, guys) that gave me that feeling when I last saw him. He had trotted off to sniff the 'hood as usual- and had he been sick, he wouldn't go out, I just know he'd prefer to die at home now that I think about it.
The whole deal is heartbreaking- if only, only I hadn't let him out JUST then, etc. ANd the situation with the birds was eerie , too. I'm crying a flood right now, but he'd want us to carry on- AND GET FRANCIS A SIBLING.
1) How long should I wait? I've obviously discussed with him that we're going to find the perfect friend for him, etc. but when?
2) I have always had much better luck with neutered males than any female cat. I'm leaning that way, for consistency.
3) Oscar was bold and tough, and he mentored scaredycat Francis since day one about 6? years ago- I'm thinking I need to get a very sweet gentle cat for him, for sure- but that would mean a grown guy, after kitten wildness is tamed off.
4) Or should I get a kitten of either gender at any age younger than a year to give Francis the opportunity to be youthful, etc. and the boss finally? Francis is about 8?, but very playful still, and in excellent health. He's more kittenish than Oscar was at tht age.
So it's advice time, guys: I think Francis might handle a manic kitten and that it might alleviate his sorrow. After all , Oscar was bossy and cranky and not up for fun and games much, to Francis' chagrin. On the other hand, at his age maybe an older, proven-to-be-constitutionally sweet cat is a better idea.
God knows there are a ZILLION cats around here needing homes. I could do try-outs, I suppose. But I have never seen Francis ornery the way Fonzi Oscar could be, so I have a feeling he'll remember how it was for him to move into Oscar's house and how Oscar treated him great all told- and that Francis would be good to another kitty unless that kitty was plain nasty...
Thankfully Francis has never been out (Oscar was practically born at the top of a tree) and damn straight, the new kitty has to be indoors, too, period!! I worried every damn time Oscar pranced off, and the worst finally happened. Hey, that's one vote for a kitten without an unknown past!
Bring on the counsel!!!
Alison
KitKatMom
