Should I get another cat?

Hi. I have been reading through your forums, and y'all have far more cat knowledge than me, so I am asking for your advice. We had 3 cats. Molly is our first cat. We got her when she was about 2 months old; she is now 8. About a month after we got Molly, we adopted Oliver. He is a few weeks younger than Molly, also 8. Then about 1 and a half years ago, we took in Gracie when our neighbors booted her out of their house and stopped feeding her. She is about 3. Well, my oldest daughter moved away to go to college, and this past weekend she came back to get her cats (Oliver and Gracie are her cats). Now Molly is the only kitty left. She wasn't overly affectionate with the other cats. At first Molly and Oliver were close friends, but Oliver is the dominant cat and would sometimes pick on her. Lately she would just mostly hiss at Oliver whenever he came near her. She was not usually nice to Gracie either. I kind of thought that maybe she would want to be an only kitty. But since they left she seems kind of lost. She follows me around everywhere (she didn't do this before). I was thinking that maybe since she is used to always having other cats around, I should get another cat. What do you think? If you think I should get another cat, would you suggest a cat or a kitten? Thanks for your help!

Hi! Welcome to TCS! I'm from Maryland too.

I think you should adopt a cat because it sounds like Molly might be lonely now. I would pick an adult cat because Molly is now 8, and a kitten might annoy her too much with all of its energy.

What do others think?

Your probably right. I thought I read somewhere that older cats have more patience with kittens, but I think I would rather take an older cat since it's harder to find them homes.
I should also mention that Molly's main person is my other daughter, who just went away to college also, but so far she has come home most weekends. Poor Molly must wonder why everyone is leaving her!

Originally Posted by bunny1215

Your probably right. I thought I read somewhere that older cats have more patience with kittens, but I think I would rather take an older cat since it's harder to find them homes.
I should also mention that Molly's main person is my other daughter, who just went away to college also, but so far she has come home most weekends. Poor Molly must wonder why everyone is leaving her!

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Hi & Welcome to TCS!

I volunteer at the local shelter. I would also suggest an older cat, not only are they harder to place, but their personalitites are more developed than a kitten, so you know what you are getting into. Go into the shelter & tell them you are interested in adopting a cat. Before you go look at any kitties, describe Molly to the volunteer & tell him/her what you think would be a good match for her. Tell them if you would prefer a declawed cat or not. Try to narrow it down to specifics before you go look. Don't fall in love with the first pretty face you see. Make sure you pick a cat based on personality. Who cares if the cat is pink with purple polka dots if s/he is very cat aggressive? That wouldn't work for Molly. I find it sometime frustrating with people fixate on a cat that would not work in their family simply because they are "pretty". (Not saying you would do that, it just irritates me when someone wants a friend for their kitty & insists on taking home a cat that is VERY VERY VERY cat aggressive-done ranting now!)

My other tips are:
1) Don't decide against a cat because of looks.
2) Try to aim for an older, possibly "senior" cat.
3) Don't overlook the special needs kitties. I am fostering a blind cat that would be perfect for Molly!(too bad the blind cat's sidekick would be too much & I'm in Minnesota!)
4) Go with your heart. If you see a very sad kitty in a cage, meet him/her. Learn about the kitty. We have one perfect cat that people look past because he is sad in his cage & doesn't so much at all other than sleep. If they took the time to take him out of his cage, then they would get to see how perfect he is!

Yes.. Older cat do better with kittens.. and there are tons of them right now... Even two little furballs, might be good.. two litter mates!!

BUT PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE GET THEM A KITTY FROM A HIGH KILL SHELTER.. SAVE A LIFE!! PLEASE!!!!!!

I would love to get a cat from a high kill shelter, but the only shelters I know of in my area are no kill shelters. I am in the Annapolis, MD area, so if anyone knows of a shelter nearby where I can save a cat from being put to sleep, please let me know.

There are some great people here who know a lot. I know they will lead you in the right direction.