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We recently adopted a handsome and very good cat from the shelter. For those who followed our saga we got special permission to adopt an animal, as our apartment doesn't usually allow pets.
I'm not going to get another cat, just venting. As the days go on it is becoming clear that our cat is not happy being the only feline in the household. He had a shelter buddy for months, and I can see him craving the kitten play. We play with him all the time, but I don't really think that's the issue. We're seeing a lot of tail down, drooping whiskers, constant meowing in the window.
He's seen the vet and is perfectly healthy. Is he depressed? My husband, who grew up around cats says he thinks our cat doesn't like being the only cat. But we can't get another. Our landlords were amazing in letting us get our kitty and we don't want to push. I just feel bad.
So cat people, how can we make up for the lack of a kitty friend? Anything we can do to help?
@secondchances: I don't know anyone with a cat. Well, one person but she lives 3 hours away.
:( If only you lived nearby! Does your vet have cats? Mine has office pets. Maybe your cat could socialize there? Or maybe they have a recommendation?
Yes, ask your local vet if they know of anything...
Would your landlords definitely notice if there was a 2nd cat?
I'll definitely ask our vet. I doubt our landlords would ever notice, I guess it maybe just feels like we'd be taking advantage :(
i have two cats and they play with each other but I feel bad for my one male cat, Slate (about 3 years old) because he is incredily energetic and I would love to get another kitten for him to play with (because he would love something rambunctious)! We can't for the same reasons as you, as we are maxed out at two pets.
I would recommend a lot of playing with him (like those "teaser" sticks with interchangeable ends like feathers, etc (we keep ours out of reach when not playing for safety).
The other thing Slate likes to do is go outside (but he is an indoor kitty). We have a harness and leash for him (and he is micro-chipped) so we take him outside occasionally. Maybe that will relieve some of the boredom? Slate also howls and meows at the apt. door when my fiance is gone (!?)
I can definitely relate though, I was promised two more cats if I agree to move to a certain location with FI so I am definitely considering it!
Also, any chance you guys are getting a different place anytime in the next year or did you just move into this one?
@KatyElle: When I was in college, we successfully hid cats from our landlord for three years. If they already know you have one, I think you should just get another one. If you keep things clean and tidy, it won't even matter. I know it's not the most honest thing in the world, but... is it really going to hurt anything?
We also hid cats from our landlord in college...and since you already have one, I would just get another one 
I may or may not be meeting a lady today about an 8 week old kitten... my husband is going to kill me lol
I'm just looking!
@KatyElle: Yeah I remember when I was just "looking"....cut to present time, with 3 cats in the house! LOL
I think you should get a buddy for your kitty-if you can. Your cat will adjust though and you can always up the play and toys. I don't think cat playdates are viable option. lol
Maybe if you offer the landlady an extra pet deposit (enough to make it worth her while) she would be willing to let accommodate you. Can't hurt to ask. Hope you get your wish:)
This kitten is quite possibly the cutest thing I've ever seen which only makes it more tempting!
@KatyElle: Ahh I am going through the same thing with our dog. We adopted her in February and we are in LOVE with her. She brings so much joy to us. But monday-friday when we leave for work, she sits in the big picture window, with her tail down, looking so sad :( And when we get home, 8 hours later, she is still sitting there. it BREAKS my heart that she has to be alone all day.
I want so badly to get another dog for her to play with during the day. She had friends at the foster home, and I think she needs a brother or sister. Unfortunetly, we just arent ready right now. We dont have the time or finances for a second one.
But I do secretly checking petfiner.com everyday :)
Love love love kittens but I want to put a shout out for an older kitty. They're calmer and there is less worry involved that they will become a pee-er in the corner, or carpet picker, etc.
@Oneeleven: Well we adopted an older FIV+ cat so I definitely have love for the older cats, but I feel like I want to sort of raise this cat. Granted kittens have a question mark as to what their personalities will end up being, but I thought I might give it a try.
@mwitter80: I know, I have become that person. The funniest thing is, when we first started thinking about a cat I was like "Fine but I am NOT going to be one of those people that then has to get another. We're getting ONE."
So... yeah.
(to the tune of Shots Shots Shots) Cats Cats Cats Cats Cats!
Hahaha, lol, but seriously, maybe to ease your conscience about it, you could ask your landlords in a "testing the waters" type way. Not asking permission for a second cat, but more of a "Hey, ummm, how would you feel about us getting a second cat? We understand that it's your home, and your decision, but we figured it couldn't hurt to ask. Whaddya say? Yay or nay?" Or something along those lines. Maybe even throw in some spiel about how it's beneficial to both the cat and your DD for the cat to be happy (in his theraputic capacity) and the vet suggested another cat.
Good luck and keep us posted.
I wouldn't get another cat without your landlord's permission. I remember how against pets they were & they were kind enough to bend the rules about letting you have your current cat. If they found out you snuck a 2nd cat when they just let you get 1 cat a month ago, they probably wouldn't be very happy & might not give you a good reference. Chances of them finding out are pretty slim, but if your cat jumps in the window & someone sees it, or it runs outside, than you're busted.
However I understand wanting a kitty friend for your cat. Our cats love each other & I couldn't imagine them being quite as happy by themselves.
You could get a pet for your cat to watch--fish or rodents are pretty good, as long as you put them out of the cat's reach.
I was a dog person, my FI a cat person. He pushed me into looking at cats, so I finally did and suddenly I wanted one. Then the shelter said that if we buy one cat we get another free and suddenly I just HAD to have two... lol. Yep, here I am, "not a cat person," with two adorable cats and hoping for more in the future. I'm still a dog person too though.
I'm really glad we got two cats, one is 3 and the other is 1 but they love playing together and cuddling and they are best buddies. I don't feel as bad about leaving them all the time for school and work. I agree with PPs, you should see if you can make it happen :)
Did you end up asking the landlord or just getting him? I am just curious. I def believe kitties need playmates. But be prepared for kitten hyperness...lol.
You should find another FIV+ kitty to give a home to! There would be no risk of transmitting to another cat that way, and you would give a home to a cat who may otherwise not find a home!
@KatyElle: I'm not going to get another cat, just venting.
Haha, it's a little funny that you said that just yesterday. But again, MORE PICS!
Just take the cat once or twice during the week to Petsmart Hotel. Its like 14 dollars a day. They have doggy and kitty day care. The only down part is if you have a dog that looks like a pit it wont be able to have doggy time with other animals. The cat hotels at ours were nice and the cars there looked happy.
@galloway111: I totally lied!
I swear, I was just going over there to look and seek out the kitten scene. But then little dude fell asleep in my lap. It was like I was in a kitten fog of which there was no escape.
I promise more pics tomorrow when he's awake.
@serabell: The landlords don't live here, they come over when you call them to fix stuff.
I know, I know. Believe it or not my MOM talked me into it. I keep telling myself it's a trial basis to see how it works out...
So no lectures please!
@KatyElle: Congrats on the new addition! :) We have 2 cats also, and they love each other. They also love those cardboard scratchers from Walmart and we got them a big piece of cat furniture which they also love.
This is not meant to be a lecture, but have you thought through what you would actually do if the landlord found out about the cat? What if you have the cat for several years and then the landlord finds out and asks you to get rid of him, and he is no longer easily adoptable like a kitten would be? I am not sure what your neighbors are like, but my two kitties make a LOT of noise when they are wrestling- fortunately I live downstairs but if I were upstairs I could definitely see someone making a noise complaint or something to the landlord. Plus what if the landlord needs to make an emergency entry to fix something. I would not assume that the landlord is not going to find out.
Also although FIV is not super easily transmissible, you should consider that your older cat might give it to the kitten, and then it would be even harder to adopt him out if you had to get rid of him. Of course, if you are willing to move to keep both cats if push comes to shove, that's a different story...
We adopted 2 cats even though at the time our landlord said we could have 1. It was naughty, but our cats are really similar looking, and one is really shy, so he was under the bed during inspections. My suggestion was going to be to get another black cat so when he is grown up they look pretty much the same and hopefully your landlord would only see one at a time, lol. Can't wait to see a photo of your new baby kitty though!
@laurelina: Eh. Sounds like a lecture lol. Honestly, I follow the rules 99.9% of the time. While other tenants smoke in their non-smoking units, I don't. We also didn't "unofficially" move in 5 teenagers into our 2 bedroom unit, who leave beer cans all over the propery and blast music until 3am. We bag our trash properly, pay rent religiously on time, are clean and quiet. Was this somewhat naughty? Yeah. It was out of character, but I just wanted to do it. We already have a cat who goes nuts and knocks things over, has a litter box, eats food in the kitchen, sits in the window. What's one more.Our landlords have never met our first cat.
As far as FIV, we have been assured by our vet that there is absolutely no reason an FIV+ cat cannot live with a negative cat if there are proper introductions of which we are making absolutely certain.
I am that person who doesn't ever want to ruffle feathers, who says "No, I really shouldn't..." about everything. This time I gave in.
I must say, watching my big brawny-man husband watching a movie with a teeny little kitten curled up on his belly makes me fall in love even more.
@KatyElle: Oh yay I am so glad you ended up getting another cat! I never posted earlier but I wanted to say go for it lol. Can't wait to see pics of the little cutie! They are impossible to say no to once they are in your arms :)
@KatyElle: Fall in love with him or the cat? ;)
And you promised pictures! I love kitty pics.
@galloway111: I didn't forget, I promise! I got some ok ones on my camera phone so when it's charged I'll upload them.
He is the sweetest little thing, he's been in my arms pretty much the entire day, when I put him in his "quiet" room (Jacques is still getting used to a kitten in the house) he SCREAMS until I come and get him. I have never been around such an affectionate animal!
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