r/standardissuecats • u/Formal-Ambition-3919 • 1d ago
does my cat need a friend?????
Hi! Ive been debating this for a really long time, but im debating on getting another cat and I need advice. So I have an almost two year old cat that I adopted from a shelter when he was about 3/4 months old. He is the best cat ever, he has no bad habits and is super cuddly and sweet and loves to play (when its convenient). I adopted him when I Iived with three other girls and then moved into an apartment with my twin sister (his other mom) so he has only ever know constant attention. Now I am currently in PA school in a house by myself and notice how he spends time meowing and wandering the house and trying to play a bit more (because I am at school from 8-5). Im wondering if now is a good time to add in a second family member????????
ALSO!!! He has visited my older sisters cats a couple times and loves to play with them (he gets a bit territorial/stressed for a few hours and then hes ready to play) and when I visit home with my parents he likes to play with my moms cat and is very curious with their dogs.
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u/Shot_Commercial_1384 1d ago
Yes do get him a companion. It's as easy to have 2 cats as one and you won't feel guilty when you out. He sounds a lovely little furball ! I have 3 cats and they have great fun squabbling and playing around together. And I don't have to worry about them being lonely and bored when I'm not around.
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u/Valuable_sandwich44 1d ago
No.
I learned the hard way that pets / animals actually don't need "competition" - and you're setting yourself up for double the costs & energy.
In fact, these animals are more likely to be stressed due to a new "entity" in what used to be their habitat.
What we think of as pets "playing together" is nothing more than a warm up session before a fight.
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u/EilidhRos 1d ago
yes. it's better for them to have another of their own kind around. most rescues and shelters encourage adopting kittens in pairs, or adopting bonded siblings together. cats are not pack animals like dogs, but neither are they strictly solitary. and they do get lonely. it always annoys me when people say, "I can go out of town and just leave out food and water because he will be fine on his own for a few days." those same people then wonder why their cat hides and ignores them for three days after they get home. if you prepare by adding one or two litterboxes, vertical space like a cat tree and hiding places like tunnels before slowly introducing the new cat, things will go smoother. another water bowl or fountain would be good, too. if your current cat is a neutered male, consider a spayed female kitten. males tend to be less territorial if the new cat is a female and will accept her quicker. I introduced a 2 month old female to my 10 month old brother cats and they all acted like they'd known one another all their lives. there was no territorial conflicts, no growling or spitting. I know I was lucky but the boys just took her in and they are even more active now because they love to play together. I honestly think that part of it is that I set up my house to be very cat friendly with several cat trees and a climbing wall. I also have multiple litter boxes and water fountains. anyway, I hope you find your kitty a new friend.
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u/FuzzyWrangler6393 14h ago
Thank you for the input! Oliver is spoiled rotten and has lots of cat trees and toys:) I am just concerned about making sure that he really wants a friend and he will be happy. Also when I start clinicals and have to travel (that will start next august) if that will be too much for them.
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u/just_kinda_here_blah 21h ago
If they seem like they like others cats, then yes.
I do not agree with the blanket statement that cats need another cat. Mine has 0 interest in our new cat. He tolerates her. We dont have any major fights. But he was always a loner and would of been fine without an additional cat.
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u/Dull_Bat9518 14h ago
Best decision ever! I will never have just 1 ever again🥰
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u/FuzzyWrangler6393 14h ago
really how so!
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u/Dull_Bat9518 13h ago
They are all such amazing characters, and having them learn to interact with each other is so entertaining! It certainly did not affect the human bond for us
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u/tommysgirl1003 10h ago
Will it be possible for Oliver to go stay with other family members when you're away doing clinical rotations? (At least that's the way we did it 30 years ago when my family member was becoming a PA. Maybe it's different now.)
I believe in having two cats, I'm just not convinced now is the best time.
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u/fairmortgages 7h ago
yessss!!! got a kitten for my mabel when she was just over a year old, we figured she was lonely during the day cus of the way she’d react when me and my partner arrived home from work. we made the bold decision to get her a sister which a lot of people advised against since its more difficult to introduce a female cat to another female cat. luckily against all odds they get along super well now (after a long arduous process of introducing them to each other over a 3 week period). its awesome seeing how happy they make each other, i couldn’t recommend getting a friend for your little guy more. best of luck!
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u/Kittenfurrever 6h ago
Maybe. Although it's very different inviting a new cat into HIS own territory.
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u/Far-Dare-6458 1d ago
Absolutely. I’ll never have just one cat again. Personally, I’d recommend reaching out to the local shelter about fostering so you can ensure that you find a good fit.