I'm Thinking Of Getting Another Cat Not Sure If I Should Or Not

@Cherryd41 (1119)
United States
October 23, 2010 3:27pm CST
I entertained the idea of getting my cat Jinx a playmate he's been with us now for about 3 years he's a real sweetheart very mild mannered and loves to get his tummy and back rubbed he also takes turns sleeping in my daughter's ,mine and my son's room.He's a happy cat from what I see I have never had two cats at one time and was wondering if anyone out there cares to talk about what its like having multiple cats instead of just the one should I have thought about getting them both at the same time or is it good to introduce a new cat in the house? I don't think Jinx would mind to much being that hes so mild mannered but not sure how the other cat would act. I was thinking that before I decide I should figure out wether or not I want to have double vet bills and multiple cat food and litter box. Jinx gets plenty of attention and we play with him often but sometimes I wonder if he longs for a playmate of his own kind. Also would like to hear from those of you who have just one cat like myself
7 responses
@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
24 Oct 10
is that Pasadena California or Texas? I've got a great kitten looking for a good home with a good playmate... in Texas...
@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
24 Oct 10
I have rescue kittens, they do get shots (when they are old enough) and spayed/fixed also if they are old enough. Right now, the only one who isn't fixed is Sparky, and he probably will be in the next month.
@Cherryd41 (1119)
• United States
24 Oct 10
Nope I don't live in Texas or Californiz and I like to get my kittens from Petsmart where their rescue cats who have had their shots and have already been litter box trained I like doing this for the donations to the Human Society and Animal Shelters the cats or kittens cost 135.00 which is donated to the shelters to get the cats immunized and fixed or spay or neutered (not sure I spelled that right)
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Oct 10
We at one time had two cats. We got Tigger when he was four months old and had him a year when we decided to get him a playmate. We got Topaz from the cat shelter and for several years they were good friends. Topaz developed a bad tooth and we took her and had it removed. I am not sure if it was an allergy to the anesthetic or what but after that her personality drastically changed. It was like she was afraid of her own shadow every time someone came around she ducked, ran and hid and she was never abused at least not here. Tigger started growling at her and beating up on her after the personality change then Topaz attacked my husband. She sneaked out and he tried to grab hold of her then she bit him seven times and scratched him. He was treated in ER. We called the cat shelter and told them we needed someone to take this cat. They reluctantly took her but we later found out she was euthanized due to aggressive behavior. Tigger is content as our only cat. He is older now at nine years old so we have decided to keep him as our only pet. When getting another pet you will need to consider temperament of the animal, veterinary care and that food and litter supply increase. As well cats can develop psychiatric problems like Topaz did and may need treatment for it. We felt bad for getting rid of her after seven years but felt we had no choice since we have a child in the home.
@Cherryd41 (1119)
• United States
24 Oct 10
Wow Linda! What a story my goodness I hope your husband wasn't to badly injured cat scratches can be pretty bad sometimes if not clipped regularly those nails can be like little eagles talons Just reading what your saying about your experience is one of the things that holds me back from going ahead with getting another cat I feel as though I lucked out with JINX as I had mentioned earlier but the thing is you just never know what your getting until its to late
• United States
23 Oct 10
I have three indoor cats right now. Two of them don't get along at all so they are not allowed to be able to roam the house at the same time, but the third one gets along with everyone. Keeping up with multiple litter boxes can be a bit annoying, but I think that overall allowing my cats other feline friends is worth it. Just remember that while your new cat (if you decide to get one)will most likely fit in just fine, there may be a chance that it might not mesh with Jinx's personality. They are kind of like humans, not all of them get along. Good luck with whatever you choose to do!
@Cherryd41 (1119)
• United States
24 Oct 10
Hi Psychogurl Thanks for the advice you have a point there when you say that cats are just like people in that aspect the new cat may or may not get along with Jinx and I wouldn't want to have to take it to a shelter if it turned out to be a bad match for JINX but if I decide to get another one thats the chance I have to take cuz you never know what your getting I lucked with Jinx we got him from PETSMART he was a rescue cat and we just adore him
• Brazil
24 Oct 10
Not only cats, but every animal is an good way to give love and get happier. Some times an animal can save your life, not only about dangers (Like Lass, LOL) but things like depression and other things. I actually have a cat and a dog. My cat loves to sleep with everyone and stay with us while watching tv. And our dog is like our partner, she go to everywhere i go, i really love it, i really don't know what would be my life without my animals.
• Canada
23 Oct 10
I have four cats. The first one is a very mild-mannered fellow who loves attention from everyone. When he was 8 months old, my brother got a male, (still not neutered) and we were very careful with them playing together as he was just a kitten. Several months later, my brother brought home two more kittens! (both male, both not neutered) They all get along fine, I think because when you introduce a new cat, the younger, the better. The existing cats don't see this tiny, helpless thing as a threat, and have a chance to make friends without being territorial. Of course, you need to supervise when the cats are little, because cats will wrestle, and the tiny ones could get hurt. Of course, it depends on the cat's personalities as well. You must always make sure not to lessen the attention to the first cat when a new one comes home, or he will get jealous! All of my cats bathe and groom each other, snuggle up to sleep together, and do the same with us humans! So it is possible to have a happy multiple cat household!
@Cherryd41 (1119)
• United States
24 Oct 10
Hi Rebbecca Your right about that I was told by someone that sometimes the cat thats been in the house the longest can get a little jealous of the new arrivals which makes sense because cats especially male ones like to mark their territory my cat Jinx goes around the house doing that all the time he even rubs up against us with his face like he does on the furniture or doorway sometimes he does it as a greeting when he sees us in the morning or when we come home from work
• United States
23 Oct 10
Hi, I have four indoor cats at home...Used to be five! Vet bills are definitely something to take into consideration. Our cat Smiley developed cancer and renal disease and they started offering us insurance, surgery rates, all of these things that we could NOT afford. We had to put her to sleep. That put having a lot of cats into perspective for me. Most of our cats are middle aged, but once they get older, you definitely will have more vet bills and be faced with tough decisions. It's hard to draw a line on what is considered too much money to spend when it comes to a loved one's health (Even a cats). It definitely makes the house less lonely though! I love having four different cats that come with four different personalities! It's awesome! They are all such individuals, so adding a new cat to your house will definitely add a spark to everyday life. A whole new personality to live with. By the sounds of it, you pick nice cats, so not a bad idea! It is also important to consider how your current cat will feel about the new cat. My cat Patches is our oldest, she was here before the rest. She's very friendly and one of the most cuddly cats I know, but she did not adapt well to our other cats. She gets very anxious and feisty. I do not think she feels comfortable. Even when cats are cordial and friendly to humans, they may not be like that around other felines. If he or she loves to get attention from you, that may be an issue when they find out they have to share it with another cat! All and all, I think you should bring the cat home and feel it out. You never really know with animals until you give it a shot. Two cats is a good amount, and while it will be a bit more expensive, it won't be unmanageable. Good luck and let us know your decision!
@Cherryd41 (1119)
• United States
24 Oct 10
Hi Lilblondie Thanks for sharing your story with me regarding your cats I haven't really thought about as Jinx would get older what his personality would be but I did consider vet bills as cats get older you just never know whats going to come at them they get the same types of diseases we do as humans from diabetes to high blood pressure and even cancer as your cat did(by the way sorry for your loss) I can only imagine what that must have been like I know that time will come for us one day but I hope its not for a very very long time!
1 person likes this
• China
24 Oct 10
hello friend. i think you should get another cat for your life. and we need them for our life.when we are sad . and we could tell to our lover . or could tell the cat. though it don't understand us sometimes. but more time they could give us some better mood after our speaking. good luck.