Worried for puss

Brighthopefortomorrow

We got four cats together as kittens back in 2000 and they grew up together and always got on well together.

We lost first about a year ago, the second a couple of months later, the third now has a lump at the back of her neck, which the vet says she wouldn't have operated on even if it was a younger cat because of how it is growing, so although she is still happy at the moment it's obviously just a matter of time, (honestly as soon as she seems ill we will have her put to sleep but at the moment she is still trying to steal dinners).

My concern is when she is gone what will happen with the lad who will be left, he'll be on his own for the first time ever and neither of us are around during the day, I'm wondering how he'll adjust. We've wondered about getting another cat, but is he likely to take to a stranger, possibly because he's a very calm laid back lad but could that lead to him getting bullied, he never has been by the other three but they all came together and seem to have agreed to share.

What do others here think?

MadDogWoman_2

Hi

I went from 3 to 1 cats, in a matter of weeks earlier this year, the cat left behind let me know that she was lonely as she became my shadow, she's 12 too.

I rehomed an 18 month old cat yesterday .

They were in the same space for a short time this morning and the 12 year old was doing her best to try and make friends, it was a bit soon for the new cat so got hissed and growled at.

So listen to your boy he'll tell you if he wants some feline company.

FabSascha

I've always had multi-cat households which has involved introducing new cats at various times throughout all of their lives (at one time there were seven in total!) and I do think that, if handled correctly, most cats can learn to get on with other cats, especially if they've grown up in a multi-cat household.

As long as you introduce them very slowly and don't rush anything then I personally think the best thing would be to get another cat to keep your remaining cat company if it's something you think you're able to do.

Fire_Fox

Sorry to read this. ((hugs))

He won't get bullied unless the new cat is the bullying type, try a rescue where the mogsters are kept in foster homes and introduced to other cats - they should have a good idea of which of their charges are playful, which dominant, which solitary and which are lazy. It's a lot clearer what an adult cat's personality is than a kittens and they are more likely to be calmer around a twelve year old. Introductions are also important, there is plenty of advice here on MSE and elsewhere online.

Brighthopefortomorrow

Thank you for your opinions, I think I'll start looking into what shelters etc. there are around here as I think he probably would like some company.

Fire_Fox

Sounds like a wise idea, you can take your time finding the right cat if you start now. Really good rescues will help match you, the CP branch I got Noah from didn't even let you choose they made the match - and I have to say they were spot on.