Should I get another cat?

Question

I got my 6 year old cat from the animal shelter in March. He's a sweetie and I love him, but I'm worried that he's a little lonely. He follows me around all over my apartment (even to the bathroom) and whenever I come home after being out for a while he meows incessantly and licks me for several minutes. When I got him I was only working part-time, so I was at home for most of the day. I'm going back to school in the fall and I expect to be out of my apartment for most of the day. Since my cat seems so needy when I'm only gone for a few hours, I'm really worried about how he'll feel when I'm gone for much longer. I'm considering getting a second cat so they can keep each other company when I'm out, but I don't know if he's ever lived with another cat before and I don't know if they'll get along.

So is getting another cat a good idea or not? How will I know if they'll get along?

Answer 1

Yes, get another cat near the same age and they will get used to each other and be good company.  I got a rescue Bengal last year, and this year in March bought another one and they are both so happy together.  My first one seemed really bored until then, now they run, chase and play all day.  You should isolate the new cat for a few days in a separate room so they can smell each other thru the door and they will probably get along better when they get together.

Answer 2

I once had a male cat that was used to being an "only child". When I brought his sister home he was so angry with me he wouldn't even let me pet him. He finally eased up and now they love each other.

I think in the long run it's a great idea. If you do bring a friend home for your little one, just keep in mind it probably won't be love at first sight. There will be fights and your little man will probably be upset, but he won't be lonely when you're away anymore. He'll thank you in the end :)

Answer 3

definitely do a fost-to-adopt thing. that way you can see how you and your cat do with the new one.

Answer 4

Explain this to your local shelter/rescue. They may be willing to do a ''foster-to-adopt'' situation, where you get to find out if the selected cat is accepted or not by your current cat before signing the adoption papers.

Of course, it may take a few weeks before they get over the hisses to find out if they'll get along.

You also have to make sure the cat you select, is good around other cats.

Answer 5

aw. you should get maybe a same breed but a female and see if they mate and then try to pet him a lot more and always cuddle with him and let him maybe sleep on your bed  

Answer 6

As long as you can afford to feed two cats a quality diet and can cover regularly vet bills and have an emergency fund for illnesses, by all means get him a friend.  

I would definitely get a cat over a kitten.  With kittens you never know what they'll be like as adults while with adults the personality is right there before you.  I have three cats I've adopted as adults and they're all the sweetest, most playful, most loving cats I've ever known.  They only quickly accepted eachother.

The shelter can let you know if the cat you're interested in has been around other cats or not.  Even if it hasn't it'll most likely get along with yours.  The key is to GRADUALLY introduce them.  Put the new cat in a room with it's own food, water and litter and put an old tshirt with the new cat.  Then put that tshirt with your existing cat and then back again.  This will get the cats used to eachother's scent before they meet eachother face-to-face.  

The very WORST thing to do is to just plunk a new cat down in your living room.  Not only will your existing cat naturally be territorial to this intruder but the new cat will be very overwhelmed - so many noises, smells and sights to take in at once.  Having it in one room lets it get comfortable and feel safe and then after it seems at ease let it explore the rest of your home and meet your existing cat.

Answer 7

I would get another cat.  He really seems like he need companionship. I must tell you though, when you get another he won't follow you as much any more.  

Answer 8

If you get another cat, get one that's a baby and the same gender.

I have a girl cat (corky) and we thought she was lonely too, so we got her a friend (toby.) They hate each other.

Maybe your cat and potential future cat would get along, but that's my experience.  

Answer 9

yeh

Answer 10

We have 4 cats and my baby does that even with company but yeah!!  cats are the best!!!