A new cat?

22cuddles

Hi all.

This could be quite long so sorry in advance. I would like some thoughts and opinions on potentially getting a new cat, possibly a pair. As some of you may know I lost one of mine in early December. I still have an 18yo female who is deaf and arthritic but in otherwise good health for her age (seen a minimum of every 6 months by my vet for injections for the arthritis, last visit was mid December). I feel I'd like to consider taking in another cat and I have seen a pair of young females via the local rescue centre that might be suitable (the only enquiry I've made is about their age and whether they were suitable as indoor cats - response is that they are approx 8/9 months, quite timid and been living as indoor cats since being with the rescue centre).

I have three main concerns, two relating to the existing cat and one with my OH who isn't really a cat person. Starting with the cat firstly, I'm a little nervous about introducing a new cat(s) due to her age as it's likely to be quite stressful for her. I do have enough room to make sure she could be separated from any new arrivals while I'm out so contact between them could be supervised. The other main concern with her is she stopped using the litter tray some time ago which I combat by putting bath mats down in the spot she's decided to use instead. These can easily be washed every couple of days but is it likely that a new cat would then start to pee on the mats instead of using a litter tray as well? My old boy never stopped using the tray or went on the floor even though she stopped using it.

My other concern is that my OH isn't keen on there being another cat in the house mainly due to the fact the existing one sheds fur everywhere and he hates it getting on his clothes etc. We don't live together but I don't want him to feel uncomfortable about coming over and not being able to relax on the sofa. Do any of you have experience of when one is a pet lover and the other half not so much? Or any tips for effectively getting rid of fur from upholstery!

Thanks if you've got this far, any thoughts or advice would be much appreciated.

meritaten

hmm - cant help with most of your post - but, I do find a damp rubber glove will pick up cat hair from furnishings.
er - I may get jumped on for this but - its YOUR house is it not? your house your rules. if YOU want more pets then isn't it your decision?

littleredhen

I had two cats and one had to be put to sleep. The other one lived a couple more years - she was about 16 - I waited till she died before we got another cat. I don't think it would have been fair on her to introduce another pet - just my opinion. We then got two young cats from cat rescue - they had already had two homes before they came to us but I am so glad I waited. Not sure that helps you but this is what happened to me

GwylimT

I personally wouldn't get a new pet due to the cat being quite elderly, even if there weren't any toileting issues.

dandelionclock30

I think I would wait until the 18 year old cat had passed on as its really old ad I wouldnt want it upset.
How come it wont use its tray? one of mine will only go on the tray once and after that goes next to it if its not cleaned out quick. Is it this problem? I couldnt be messing about with bath mats etc as its not very good.

paddypaws101

http://www.bestpet.co.uk/Dogs/Accessories/Other/Simple-Solutions-Pet-Hair-And-Lint-Remover-Sponge/p/I0011899
This gadget is simply the best thing ever for removing pet hair from upholstery and bedding

wiltslass

Pease do not upset your elderly cat by introducing a pair of strange cats to her home. Your priority has to be her. She needs to feel secure in her remaining time, not worrying about strange cats in her home. It is tempting I know, we were in the same position, but are so glad we waited. Re the Hairs. I find a damp cloth is very effective, also daily grooming is necessary as i have found that as cats get older they do not groom themselves as frequently or thoroughly.

22cuddles

Thanks for your opinions. I'm still thinking about it at the moment. As for why my existing cat won't use the litter tray, i'm not sure. It is there for her to use, completely clean but she just won't touch it. I appreciate bath mats aren't ideal but it's a lot easier and cheaper than having to clean the actual carpet.

dandelionclock30

What about taking her to the vets she might have a urine infection or cystitis etc?

22cuddles

She's been within the last two weeks as I said in my original post. They are aware of it but haven't found anything wrong with her.

Myrtle77

Regarding the litter tray issue. Have you tried using different sorts of litter? Sometimes cats don't like the feel of certain materials underfoot, and as your cat is elderly, perhaps she's finding the litter uncomfortable to use?

I think when you introduce new cats, it's always important that they can easily get away from one another and find what they regard as 'safe spots'. These are often high up and out of the way places. If your cat suffers from arthritis, is it possible that this would be a difficulty for her?