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Post by seahorse on Apr 29, 2008 21:43:54 GMT 1
Now that I have started my new job am at home a lot less, and havent even been near Arf yet, his other mum is given me rest while I settle in. Any way am worried about my only child (sorry kitten) JJ, should I get him some company. Thank you
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Post by Claire on Apr 29, 2008 22:25:31 GMT 1
Hi seahorse, was just going to ask if you'd started your new job but you answered the question for me! I always think you should have 2 cats and its better to get 2 while there young as they will settle in better. There can often be probs if you introduce new cats later on when they are older. Take it from me living in a house with 3 cats that all loathe each other! (Well not strictly true rosie quite likes oscar, but he hates her, oscar quite likes sophie but she hates him and rosie and sophie both hate each other....confused so are they!) PS you will have so much more fun with 2 kittens playing together!
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pelly
Stablehand
Posts: 22
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Post by pelly on Apr 30, 2008 11:52:54 GMT 1
Its better to have 2 kittens as they will interact with each other
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Post by sarah on Apr 30, 2008 18:57:21 GMT 1
Definately - 2 kittens are better than 1 and 3 kittens are even better!!!
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Post by Claire on Apr 30, 2008 19:14:49 GMT 1
poor seahorse she will be over-run with them soon if she takes our advice ;D
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Post by sarah on Apr 30, 2008 20:13:25 GMT 1
Miaow! Go on - you know you want to get another one!
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Post by Claire on Apr 30, 2008 20:25:16 GMT 1
sarah dont know if I've said it before but your black cat is the double of my (now sadly departed) cat Gizmo will find a pic and you can compare the 2 of them.
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Post by garej on May 2, 2008 18:15:44 GMT 1
Like Claire said, it is easier for cats to cope with each other when they are kittens than adults.
Cats actually prefer company, they dont care whether it is another cat, human, dog or even a rabbit!
However, if you are going to be working long hours, then it is definitely better to have two cats rather than one, as they will amuse themselves when you are out (especially now he shouldnt be going out unless he is neutered).
Just one word of caution: I wouldnt rush into it. I would sit down and make a list of your outgoing (boring things like council tax, utility bills, rent/mortgage, food, transport etc) costs and see if you can really afford another cat. It's not just the cost of food, but also the cost of annual vaccinations (£30-40, depending on the vet), flea and worm treatment and insurance which will effectively double. It is all very well saying "yes get another cat" but it is not really fair if you cannot afford it. Also, if he is not microchipped, I would get him (and any other cat) done, which is really a one off cost.
Then there is the cost of the actual cat, I would not advise getting one out of the local paper, I would either go back to the breeder you got JJ from, or contact your local rescue centre (such as the Cats Protection). You will be asked to pay a fee for the cat (depending on where you get it from would be £30-60 and of course, a pedigree kitten will be more), though, but it is worth it as people offering kittens in the local paper dont (usually) bother with vaccinations and through health checks, which a kitten from a shelter has (and of course, a decent breeder should do so).
If you can afford another cat, please, get it (and JJ, if he has not already been done) neutered once it gets to be 4 months old, unless you are planning to breed. (If you are planning to breed, make sure that the new cat and JJ does not go outside.)
If you cannot afford a new cat, there are plenty of things you can do. Firstly if he is 4 months + (and neutered) and is going outside, then he will amuse himself during the day. Secondly, provide him with lots of toys - change them around regularly rather than having them all at once. Provide different ones rather than having all toy balls for example. Boxes make cheap inexpensive toys. Thirdly, provide different levels for him play on - if you dont have suitable shelves then buy a multi level cat scratching post. Fourthly, buy a treat ball and leave that around, and fill it with either treats (not too many at once though!) or his food. He will have to roll it around to get at the food rather than have it in one place all the time.
I hope that helps.
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