Beverly
Oh, how I long for a home like yours!
I agree about the intro, and I've tried to "do it right" with everyone. The
most recent one was Lucky, and he's doing well and seems accepted by all.
But there are tensions, especially between Stormy and the other girl, Miya
Chan (she's a rehabilitated feral). I think boy cats are mellower, more
accepting. I would love to see everyone curled up together on the couch or
my bed, or playing together. Sigh.
Thanks for another perspective!
~Bonnie
----- Original Message -----
From: "Beverly Parsons" <beve...@jerseycats.org>
To: <felvtalk@felineleukemia.org>
Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 6:36 PM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] how to know if your "only" needs a friend?
Hi Bonnie,
I must beg to differ that most cats prefer to be the only! I have five
male cats (aged fifteen years to six months) in our small apartment and
they are all best buds. They rumble and tumble and play, and curl up and
sleep together when they get tired. I don't think any of them would do
well as an only cat. Most of my friends and family also have multiple
cats that are great friends.
It's all about the introduction - a slow, careful introduction of a new
cat to the resident cats can lead to a very happy relationship.
Just my two cents.
Beverly
On Dec 15, 2010, at 9:27 PM, Bonnie Hogue wrote:
Shannon
I have to tell you this story...
I got my cat, Stormy, as a 12 week old kitten. She was indoors only.
There was a "yard cat" but they only saw eachother through the window.
About a year after getting Stormy, I decided to go back to school to
finish my degree. I was already working full time, so this meant poor
little Stormy would be alone much of the time. In a move that is the
*only* time I've sought out a cat (they usually just come to me, as
Stormy had) I went to the local shelter and adopted a kitten about 12
wks. old. I brought him home and said, "Look Stormy -- I got you a
friend!"
Hiss, spit, growl, fur on end, very unhappy cat. Oops. I don't think
she ever quite forgave me...
From this I came to the conclusion that humans are social and cats are
solitary. That's undoubtedly not an absolute in either case, but
generally speaking, I think most cats would prefer to be the "only."
ps -- Stormy now shares the house with three others, all "came to me" out
of their need. She's a little pissy sometimes, but I let her know she's
"queen" and let the others know they are to give her utmost respect
(she's the elder puss) and she's adjusted very well.
Good luck!
~Bonnie
----- Original Message ----- From: "Emeraldkittee"
<emeraldkit...@yahoo.com>
To: <felvtalk@felineleukemia.org>
Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 5:28 PM
Subject: [Felvtalk] how to know if your "only" needs a friend?
Whimsy is adapting perfectly to being indoor only! (someone here said
'you control the door', and it was that simple. a few protests, an
escape due to a foggy glass door, but overall very smooth transition)
I'm watching him closely to make sure he isn't lonely.
I did see him attack another feral who was taking 'his' yard, a few
months after he was fixed. Obviously that doesn't necessarily mean he
couldn't have a pal, but ... we don't really have anywhere to get him
used to a new kitty, they'd have to be together right away...
so, is it a good idea?
should I open the blinds on the door that separates him from his
siblings to see how he reacts to other kitties?
male or female?
If Whimsy has a stronger constitution, would another FeLV kitty
potentially make him sicker with a more virulent version?
again, Whimsy is a boy, about 2.5, asymptomatic.
thank you!!
Shannon
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