Let's get our cat a kitten! It's a very attractive idea. But it's not, necessarily, one our cat would endorse.
Some cats would love a kitten. Some cats would love two kittens. How can we tell which kind our cat is? I'm glad to tell you.
Because I'm the last person on earth to talk anyone out of a kitten.
However, as much as we all enjoy a bumbling little beanhead spreading cuteness throughout our home, this is might not be our existing cats' dream scenario. We should remember that our cats, especially past the age of three, are not as thrilled with having their heads tackled as they once might have been.
If the real reason we are getting a kitten is because we want a kitten, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. But we should keep our existing cats in mind. If they are past the age of kittenhood, or low energy, or laid-back... we are not getting a kitten for them. We are getting a kitten for us.
If we are getting a kitten for us, we should get two kittens. Because they can play with each other and stay out of our own, and our older cat's hair and fur.
So to speak.
For more tips on how to tell, see the post, Dear Pammy, Should I get my cat a kitten?
Keep our cat guessing
While I'm not in favor of teasing the cat, we can play with a cat's schedule to increase our communication, and our cat's ability to adjust to the unexpected.
No matter how hard we might try, we are going to sleep late, come home late, or stay up late sometimes. If our cat is too dependent on regular schedules, this will upset them.
Are we doing this on purpose? Don't we love them?
If this happens when we are already rushing, and stressed, our cat will pick up on our distress. Then they will worry.
It is far better to play with our schedule when we have some control over events. That way, when we don't have control over events, our cat will still have a pattern to follow.
It's okay. They will still take care of me!
Our cat is used to making their own schedules in the wild. Partly based on the movements of their prey, and partly based on their own efforts and choices. Once living with humans, in their home, cats will adapt to our schedule.
They just need to know that if things get messed up, we will fix them again.
Find out more with Keeping our cats flexible.
No matter how hard we might try, we are going to sleep late, come home late, or stay up late sometimes. If our cat is too dependent on regular schedules, this will upset them.
Are we doing this on purpose? Don't we love them?
If this happens when we are already rushing, and stressed, our cat will pick up on our distress. Then they will worry.
It is far better to play with our schedule when we have some control over events. That way, when we don't have control over events, our cat will still have a pattern to follow.
It's okay. They will still take care of me!
Our cat is used to making their own schedules in the wild. Partly based on the movements of their prey, and partly based on their own efforts and choices. Once living with humans, in their home, cats will adapt to our schedule.
They just need to know that if things get messed up, we will fix them again.
Find out more with Keeping our cats flexible.
The Only Cat
If we have a cat who doesn't get along with other cats, we have an Only Cat. This comes from the shelter designation: Must be only cat.
Sometimes, this works out fine. There's nothing wrong with this cat's relationship with humans.
They are an excellent choice for group housing or assisted living situations where the rules restrict a person to one pet. Seniors who want only one cat at a time can choose them with confidence. I've placed many Only Cats with people who needed such a companion because of their mobility or cognitive challenges. They weren't up to more cats; they wanted a single serving.
These cats work as well as any other kinds of cats when it comes to fixing loneliness!
The problem comes from those times when the rules change. When we are in a bigger place, or meet someone with their own cat, or we enjoy having a cat so much we want more... that's when we look at our Only Cat and wonder If Only.
We should understand that Only Cat need not be a life sentence. These cats don't know how to be social. They can learn.
I see Only Cats as a cat in need of healing. After all, every cat comes into this world as part of a group. Feral cat colonies exist because cats can get along great with each other when they have a bit of shelter and a reliable source of food. Cats love to have friends!
So we should look at our Only Cat in the same way. If we are happy, they are happy. If we want more cats... we can make them even happier. But it's all the more important that we do it right.
Learn more about helping them be more social with The Only Cat.
Sometimes, this works out fine. There's nothing wrong with this cat's relationship with humans.
They are an excellent choice for group housing or assisted living situations where the rules restrict a person to one pet. Seniors who want only one cat at a time can choose them with confidence. I've placed many Only Cats with people who needed such a companion because of their mobility or cognitive challenges. They weren't up to more cats; they wanted a single serving.
These cats work as well as any other kinds of cats when it comes to fixing loneliness!
The problem comes from those times when the rules change. When we are in a bigger place, or meet someone with their own cat, or we enjoy having a cat so much we want more... that's when we look at our Only Cat and wonder If Only.
We should understand that Only Cat need not be a life sentence. These cats don't know how to be social. They can learn.
I see Only Cats as a cat in need of healing. After all, every cat comes into this world as part of a group. Feral cat colonies exist because cats can get along great with each other when they have a bit of shelter and a reliable source of food. Cats love to have friends!
So we should look at our Only Cat in the same way. If we are happy, they are happy. If we want more cats... we can make them even happier. But it's all the more important that we do it right.
Learn more about helping them be more social with The Only Cat.
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