Question:
Im wondering today as im sitting here waiting to get the kids up for school. I know so many animals are social animals and need/want another species of themselves around. Are cats these type's of animals? Are cats happy as an only cat or is it healthier for them to have another cat friend? I dont think we can ever get another cat all though id like to, what can I say Preciouse has me hooked and ive always wanted another Calico like I had growing up. Its not something im willing to push hubby on though at this time. Im wondering though are cats better off with a friend of there own species? Ive kept my eyes and ears open for someone wanting a cat but the only one I heard of I wouldnt let her go there. I have looked into finding her a new home that would possible be better suited to her but I dont see that happening at all so now im trying to find out whats best for her since shes here to stay.


Answer:
Our cat was designated as a single family cat by the humane society when we got her. They tried her with other cats and they felt she became too stressed....and would tend to bite only when the other cat was sharing her space. Once they removed any companions she was fine and did not bite. She seems to be content with just us humans. She tolerates the ferret and will sometimes play hide and seek with her, but I think she is ok with Toffee as Toffee goes back in her cage when she is done playing and Toffee doesn't pay any attention to B.B.'s food. Don't mess with B.B.'s food ha ha....she lives for food!
Also, dogs are pack animals and other animals live alone (like hedgies) so I think cats would fall into the more solitary category.
I know a lot of owners have multiple cats that snuggle and get along well, but all I am saying is I don't think it is necessary for a cat and in some instances like BB they may be better off alone.


Answer:
I don't think it's neccesary to get another cat.. I have 2 cats (brothers) and if something ever happened to one of them, I wouldn't feel compelled to get another to keep the remaining one company. My cats spend more time with my dog Montana then with each other.. You have children to play with Prescious as well as other animals so I wouldn't worry about it..


Answer:
Thank you both. Im so releaved to know she will do fine by herself. I would love to have another cat but I do not want to ask my husband to do more than he's all ready done in letting preciouse stay. Guess I need to search for some great new cat toys to keep her company as well.
Sue your right the girls do play with Preciouse all the time, they even have her doing tricks silly cat.


Answer:
Cats as a rule do better with company of their own, with the exception sometimes of cats who will not tolerate others. If you're keeping her and can't get another cat, the matter is moot, I would say.


Answer:
Originally Posted by Banshee
Cats as a rule do better with company of their own, with the exception sometimes of cats who will not tolerate others. If you're keeping her and can't get another cat, the matter is moot, I would say.
Because if its truly something she needs then I would really think long and hard about it, and really consider long and hard lobbying with hubby to get him to agree to another cat.


Answer:
I think that a lot depends on the cat's temperment and willingness/amount of interaction it has with humans. Face it, some cats just are not as inclined to be with humans as others. If she is getting a lot of interactive play (which is far different than just buying cool toys), she should be okay. The kitten that I fostered for awhile was so imprinted on humans compared to my cat. She is still an only cat. She probably wouldn't mind having another cat, but she doesn't need one as a companion. On the other hand, Max wasn't too sure about humans and bringing in another cat (albeit scary at first) really helped to calm him down. Plus, we are working all day so they have each other (and the dog) to keep company.


Answer:
OH yes shes getting tons of human interaction and shes starting to become a lap cat on her terms. Shes a very lovey dovey cat. I am starting to be away from home more though, with being a girl scout leader, and hopefully next year I can have a day job as well.
What type of toys do your cats seem to like?


Answer:
Cats are funny in that you can buy them the nicest toys and they prefer to play with the box instead.
However, we do buy them a lot of toys. Sydney likes glitter balls (soft balls with sparkly fuzzies), furry mice, cat springs (little plastic springs), the cat dancer (a piece of wire with cardboard on the end that seems to float when you pick it up), the track ball (round track with a ball trapped in the track), laser pointer ($2 at the dollar store), and crinkle bag. Max is most inclined to play with the cat dancer, track ball and furry mice.
As for toys that we don't buy...Syd likes paper balls, twisted pipecleaners, and the sticky tape that comes off of the lint rollers. She is also very attached to her FootJoy box (there is a picture somewhere) and likes to play with boxes in general.
Max likes rolled up socks, catnip socks (put some cat nip in the end of a torn sock and tie it in a knot), pens (highlighters are the best) and anything he can knock off of a shelf and make load noises with.


Answer:
I don't think Preciouse needs a companion. All cats (except for lions) are solitary animals by nature. Some cats do fine with a companion but the majority of cats are just as happy without one.