Should I get a kitten?

sammyjammy

Looking for a bit of advice.

I have one male cat who is around 11-12 yrs old (rescue cat), he is slightly over weight and a lazy old boy who can be fast asleep in the same position when I get home from work as he was when I left.

As a cat who lived on the street and was bullied by other ferral cats (until he was rescued) he is very frightened of other cats, he even lets other cats in our catflap to eat his food and hides under the bed. A couple of years ago he had a great friend in next doors kitten, it was like he'd been reborn and bounced around the house fighting and playing. Unfortunately they moved away and took the kitten with them.

I've been considering getting a rescue kitten so that he has some company during working hours and to encourage him to be a little more active, I do try and "play" with him but don't have much success.

What do you think? Obviously there maybe an issue if I get a rescue kitten that they won't let me have one because I work full time over four days. I've never had a kitten of my own so I'm not sure until what age they require feeding frequently (every 3/4 hours?), I really need to get quite a young kitten so that there are no territorial issues.

Grateful for any advice

Sam

Apricot

It's a difficult one as although your cat had a great friend in next doors kitten, he may not be so happy about having a new kitty invading his territory. Some cats never get along (although I do believe this is rare) and then you are going to have to try and rehome the kitten which is obviously not ideal.
Also, your cat is now older than he was when he was friendly with next doors kitten and so he may have become a bit grumpier in his old age and not appreciate a kitten trying to play with him 24/7.

Most rescues are quite fussy about who they rehome to, but obviously each one is different. I believe it's usually easier to get a cat from a smaller local rescue than RSPCA/CP.

Have you tried solo play toys that you can put on whilst you're in work. I have a Turbo Track (recommended by FireFox on here) which my cats absolutely adore and it means they are entertained whilst I am busy (ever tried writing an essay on a laptop with a cat sitting on the keyboard). There are lots of videos on YouTube showing it being used.

bluecatblue

my cat was 17 years old when i got a kitten, yes she did bother my old cat, and really annoyed her sometimes, but they learnt to get along fine in the end, the best way i found to make friends was to feed them together and give them treats!

when my cat died end of last year my kitten was lost without her, so i now have another one, and getting one more in april when she is ready to leave her mother! so it is not so bad!

Fire_Fox

My first suggestion is that you join Purrsinourhearts and consider posting your query there with a view to finding a rescue who will help match you to the right kitten or timid young cat (doesn't have to be a tiny kitten to be playful). :beer: Not all rescues will refuse you if you work full time, some of the independents are more flexible and there are lots of independents represented on Purrs! http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php

Perhaps your cat is depressed, have you discussed any of this with your vet? Have you considered a cat flap that is triggered by microchip so other cats cannot invade your home? Have you tried hiding food around the house or in intelligence toys so that your cat has to work his body and brain to eat? What toys have been unsuccessful with him - are they 'dead' or 'alive'?

As princessleah says my lazy indoor cat is a massive fan of the Bergan Turbo Track:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIgdVucDeVU
This would be a great toy for a kitten too, there any many kitten videos on YouTube! :j

paddypaws101

Lots of rscues look for foster homes, especially during kitten season. This way you would get to 'try before you buy' with no guilt attached if it does not work out.

sammyjammy

Thanks for all the advice, you've given me a lot to think about, I don't think he is depressed, he's just a lazy contented boy. I'm leaning towards not getting a kitten, it just seems to much of a risk and I would be mortified if I took one and then had to return it (for all three of us).

Thanks again.

Sam

rita-rabbit

To make cats life happier - sort the catflap so only he can use it. I think he could be happier with a kitten to be honest (my opinion) but it's up to you - he could be happier if his home & food were safe from other cats that don't live there too!