Hi everyone,
I'm new to these forums, but have been a long time lurker. I have been going back and forth about adopting a second cat, and would love some input. I tried to reach out to several shelters and rescue leagues with this question, but they haven't been much help.
Some background...
My husband and I adopted our first cat, Salem, back in November of last year. He was a stray, so we don't have a lot of information on him. He's 2-3 years old, indoor, declawed, and male. He has been an absolute joy -- he's very sweet to us, extremely mellow, timid and takes time to get used to other people. While he's needy, he also has an independent/grumpy side (then again, don't all cats? ;-) ). We have been watching him very carefully over the past few months and really think that he would benefit from having a companion. We would love to get another cat, and think it might help with his boredom. He does enjoy playing with us, but gets bored easily.
Other personality traits -- I do think he is territorial, but I know this is common. When he sees another cat outside, he goes nuts and makes these piercing meows (it's like nails on a chalkboard!). He NEVER makes sounds otherwise, so not sure if he's just protecting his "home" or is trying to communicate? He also LOVES to groom my husband -- when he gets out of the shower, he has to lap his hair for at least 5 minutes. It's strange, but it seems like he sees my husband as one of his litter.
I work from home, so I initially didn't think he would need a friend since he has my company. But, we aren't home a lot at night and most weekends are out and about doing things. By the time we get home, it's evident he's very lonely.
My question is -- how do I really know if he would do well with another cat? Is it truly a gamble or are his personality traits indicators? I just want to give him the best life possible, especially since he's indoors. Since he is around 3 years old, would it be smart to adopt a cat of similar age or a kitten? Male/female? Any info would be greatly appreciated. We would absolutely love another kitty, but the potential of losing such a great bond with our existing cat breaks my heart.
Thanks!
I'm new to these forums, but have been a long time lurker. I have been going back and forth about adopting a second cat, and would love some input. I tried to reach out to several shelters and rescue leagues with this question, but they haven't been much help.
Some background...
My husband and I adopted our first cat, Salem, back in November of last year. He was a stray, so we don't have a lot of information on him. He's 2-3 years old, indoor, declawed, and male. He has been an absolute joy -- he's very sweet to us, extremely mellow, timid and takes time to get used to other people. While he's needy, he also has an independent/grumpy side (then again, don't all cats? ;-) ). We have been watching him very carefully over the past few months and really think that he would benefit from having a companion. We would love to get another cat, and think it might help with his boredom. He does enjoy playing with us, but gets bored easily.
Other personality traits -- I do think he is territorial, but I know this is common. When he sees another cat outside, he goes nuts and makes these piercing meows (it's like nails on a chalkboard!). He NEVER makes sounds otherwise, so not sure if he's just protecting his "home" or is trying to communicate? He also LOVES to groom my husband -- when he gets out of the shower, he has to lap his hair for at least 5 minutes. It's strange, but it seems like he sees my husband as one of his litter.
I work from home, so I initially didn't think he would need a friend since he has my company. But, we aren't home a lot at night and most weekends are out and about doing things. By the time we get home, it's evident he's very lonely.
My question is -- how do I really know if he would do well with another cat? Is it truly a gamble or are his personality traits indicators? I just want to give him the best life possible, especially since he's indoors. Since he is around 3 years old, would it be smart to adopt a cat of similar age or a kitten? Male/female? Any info would be greatly appreciated. We would absolutely love another kitty, but the potential of losing such a great bond with our existing cat breaks my heart.
Thanks!
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