Waiting for new kittymate

Dear Fisher,

I’m a former alley cat and regard my battle scars as a matter of honor. But after leaving my best dead snakes on their doorstep, I was adopted by a neighborhood couple and transitioned to an indoor cat. After a year of being queen of the manor and having all the laps, petting, and prime sitting spots to myself, my humans are now talking about getting me a sister! They can’t decide if an older, mellower cat or a kitten would be less threatening to me, but I’m not sure I want a sister at all! Maybe it’s my fault. I do get bored while they’re at work, and I’ve started shredding their mail to amuse myself, but I don’t know if another cat is the answer!

Bella

Dear Bella,

You are certainly presented with a dilemma. On the one paw, you rule the manor but you are a bored with it. On the other, your position might get challenged by the introduction of another royal feline. After all, we are all royals, are we not?

The responsibility for whether or not you find yourself sharing the manor with another cat is all yours. Your humans may want more cat company, or they may be tuned into your need for amusement and want to make you happy. It could be as simple as their preference for reading un-shredded mail versus your presentation of shredded mail. The root cause of the idea comes directly from your behavior. It is up to you, then, to make the best of it – whatever the final decision.

Some things to consider when adding a second cat to the fold:

1) Are you mellow yourself? A kitten could give a new energy boost to the manor.
2) Are you uptight and anxious? A senior cat with a more mellow personality could be a calming effect on all of you.
3) Are your humans adopting the new cat for you, or because they would like a second cat? In either case, their decision should be made according to the results they expect from adding a new kitty – young or old.
4) Some people think that other people who get bored are boring people. Are you a boring cat? A kitten could spice up your personality a little.
5) Are your humans willing to take on this most important responsibility? Whether a cat or kitten moves in, there is a tad more daily upkeep of the manor.

Many more ideas on asking another cat to join your little family are found at the San Francisco ASPCA site San Francisco ASPCA site and look under resources for cat owners.

Just remember how you came to live in the manor in the first place. If dead snakes on the doorstep led to your loving new family, perhaps some shredded mail will lead to your new best friend.

Your friend,
Fisher


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Dear Fisher,

Several months ago, my family just packed up their belongings and moved out of town. Lucky for me, they stopped and dropped me off at a shelter for homeless animals. I was there for three months before a loving couple came in and adopted me. I don’t think it was my looks as I am a rather handsome lad. I think people are afraid to adopt older animals because they think we have too many problems. But, we are just as loving – even more, maybe, because we know how lucky we are when we get a second chance.

There were many other older cats in the shelter and I won’t even begin to tell you the horror stories they told. I am still trying to forget them. Why is it that we oldsters are not appealing to humans who want to adopt?

Tiger

Dear Tiger,

Your loss saddens me deeply. I know it happens and your people were probably at what they would call their “wits end.” Always know they had your best interests in mind when they provided a safe haven for you. They were doing the very best they could for you when circumstances forced them to move from their home.

Issues of adopting a kitten versus an older cat are usually due to individual preferences and are as varied as the number of people who adopt homeless cats in the first place. There are no set in stone rules regarding which is better. I prefer to boil it all down to the “half-a-glass” theory.

The glass is half empty point of view

1. An older cat may have more health problems
2. An older cat may be cantankerous due to unhappy situation in life
3. An older cat is harder to train
4. An older cat is not as playful as a kitten

The glass is half full point of view

1. Cats of any age can have health problems at any time
2. Older cats are more adaptable to new situations due to life situations
3. Cats decide if they want to be trained or not, age does not matter
4. Older cats like to nap more, therefore, humans can also rest more

Moral of the story? The relationship between adopter and adoptee really depends on the attitude of both. Very good reasons for adopting a Senior Kittizen can be found at Protective Animal Welfare Society of Western WI. My favorite is, “They have house manners! They are less likely to leap on the kitchen counters, knock down stuff on shelves, climb the drapes, or pounce on moving objects (including your legs).”

The relationship between humans and cats is based mostly on peaceful co-existence rather than a need for constant adoration and attention. I congratulate you and the loving couple who adopted you. Peace to you all.

Your friend,
Fisher