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Original poster

we have a house cat, thinking of getting another pet...........................

20 replies

SilveryMoon · 21/05/2011 22:40

I want rats, but don't think it too wise with a cat.
Our cat is 2yo, and is an indoor cat so no experience of hunting small animals, so rabbits? Hamsters? Dog? Guinea pigs? Chinchilla's?
Secretly I want a shih tzu but dp doesn't want to spend the money.

Thoughts?

OP posts:

sandypeg · 22/05/2011 02:45

I have an indoor cat, she's nearly 9 and my baby
We also have a rabbit and 3 bearded dragons.
My baby wants to play with them all or at least thats the way she comes across
I don't think it matters - indoor or outdoor cats - they're all territorial. When we introduced our cat to the new additions in our family it was slowly and she now accepts them, unless they're running across 'her' floor
Guinea pigs are great, we all adore our (indoor) rabbit, but he is a lot of hard work x

Original poster

SilveryMoon · 22/05/2011 07:31

Thanks sandy

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ItsMyTurn · 22/05/2011 15:57

you could try another cat/kitten but you do have to introduce them sloooowllly. Cats are defo the easiest pets to manage as they basically do whatever the heck they want! Would you consider letting your cat out? Might be diff having two indoor cats

purplepidjin · 22/05/2011 16:02

We've just introduced our 5yo house cat to a baby bunny, after a few weeks they're rarely without each other. And, because the new arrival isn't another cat, there's no real territorial issues

ItsMyTurn · 22/05/2011 17:20

where does our bunny poo and wee purple? Presume yor cat uses litter tray? We had a bunny and guinea pig once ( we took them on from my sister as she has V v small garden) and when I used to bring theminin winter for a run around they used to poo randomly everywhere!

Original poster

SilveryMoon · 22/05/2011 19:48

IMT We did start off with 2 in-door cats, but the other one died a few months ago.
I can't let my cat out really, we are in a first floor flat and I don't think he'd be able to get back in. No low roof or high fences near our windows.
Dp hasn't mentioned anything about it since friday, so is not looking good for another pet
Think unless we got fish, he secretly would prefer a dog, but I'm not doing that again, not with no direct outside access.

OP posts:

ItsMyTurn · 22/05/2011 21:11

silverymoon - to hear about your late cat. I bet the remaining cat is quite lonely now. Can quite understand your reluctance to get a pup/dog without access to outdoors. IMO another cat or a kitten would be best. they are a known quantity to you and very clean - much cleaner than hamsters/guinea pigs etc. You would not be able to let a hamster run around with a cat present adn cats and guinea pigs don;t always mix too well. You could get an older rescue cat if you don't want a kitten roamnig around (I would defo go for a kitten though )

ItsMyTurn · 22/05/2011 21:13

just to clarify - hamsters/guinea pigs are not dirty as such but you have to clean our their cages/hutches and generally speaking, they poo and well anywhere!

Original poster

SilveryMoon · 22/05/2011 21:21

Thanks IMT My other cat died in february. He had a blocked bladder and the vet felt it had possibly affected his kidney and he'd continue to have problems, so on their advice we decided to have him put to sleep.
It is thought this happened because I used a different type of litter.
My existing cat seems to be ok, he still comes to us for strokes and the odd hug although spends alot of time on his own.
He has lots of toys and treats, but now you mention it, he obviously has changed since his brother went.
Maybe another cat would be best.
Do you think he'd accept another cat?
I was edging towards a caged animal because if they didn;t get on, it would be easier to keep them separated.
Or maybe even a small dog.
I like Jack Russells, but am slightly put off by the lively-ness of them and the need for lots and lots of exercise.
I also like shih-tzu's but the grooming would be a nightmare, I could not have them with really long hair in a pony-tail or anything!
Maybe a poodle cross, but again it;s the cost of grooming.

OP posts:

purplepidjin · 22/05/2011 22:30

The bunny has his own litter tray next to the cat one, with sawdust in the bottom (the cat uses it otherwise, then the rabbit tries to eat the cat poo ) He's got the hang of weeing in it but tends to poo anywhere in the vicinity. The poo is basically compressed grass so is pretty inoffensive and is easily swept up with a dustpan and brush

He's very very very cute and loves going for a walk in the park on his harness and lead

ItsMyTurn · 22/05/2011 22:48

silvery moon - awww that's sad for your remaining kitty. We have a big cat - Charlie age 8 and we got two kittens a couple of years ago. Charlie was aghast at first and refused to accept them but gradually (over about 1 month) he came around to the idea and they became great friends! Washing each other and lookign out for each other outside. Sadly, one of our kittens Maggie, went missing last Novemnber never to return and we have since taken in a beautiful Maine Coone who was looking for a new home. Charlie (big cat) and Lola (one of the pair of kittens) took to Gracie (new cat) quite quickly and even though Charlie sometimes hisses at feeding time - they are all great pals. I would really recommend another cat to you but definitely not a dog as you have no immediate outside access which you would need with a puppy/dog. Cats are territorial but they soon get used to one another if you take advice on introducing them. Good luck - keep us posted!

Original poster

SilveryMoon · 23/05/2011 07:55

purple You take your rabbit out for walks? In public? That's so cute I want to take our cat out for a little walk every now and again, but dp thinks it's stupid.
The cat's been jabbed and everything, I'd put him on a lead so he doesn't run off and get lost, no reason why I shouldn't is there?

OP posts:

ItsMyTurn · 23/05/2011 08:32

no reason at all - unless a vet or cat professional says any different. There is bound to be a forum for cat walkers on Google!

purplepidjin · 23/05/2011 08:53

My departed cat loved being on his harness! He was in the process of registering with the Pets as Therapy charity so he could come to work with me.

I tend to go late evening when I know the park will be quiet. I don't expect dogs owners to have trained their dog to behave around a rabbit so am very vigilant. Dogs and owners I have met have been lovely though. A rabbit has as much right to be there after all!

Tell your dp not to be daft, animals need fresh air and exercise too!

purplepidjin · 23/05/2011 08:58

Ps cats need a harness not collar. Get one with clips not buckles it's easier to get on and off and much more secure. I have several ranging from £6 which is shit to a small dog one at £15 which is fab but too big for the baby bunny so I'm currently using the nice strong lead plus a harness I made myself from cotton, towelling and 4 d rings off some spare curtain tie backs!

Original poster

SilveryMoon · 23/05/2011 09:43

Yes, purple was just doing some reading about working with cats to walk outside. I saw that harnesses are better.
My cat doesn't wear a collar or anything atm anyway. Don't think he will take to well to a harness or being outside, but worth giving it a go.
I see him when it's warm sniffing around the open windows and I can't help but think he id dying to get outside.
He will be 2 next month, but is really really big!

OP posts:

purplepidjin · 23/05/2011 10:55

Start slowly clipping him into the harness and letting him get used to the feeling. Like collars, you should be able to get a finger easily between the cat and the harness. What they don't tell you is its quite hard to avoid getting fur trapped so loose is better for that too! You shouldn't need to spend more than a tenner on equipment so its not an enormous loss if he doesn't like it

I think there's a pic on my profile of a ginger cat in a book shop? That was Mango playing Crookshanks at the launch of the last harry potter book. If its not there and you're interested I'll post it later

Original poster

SilveryMoon · 23/05/2011 11:20

purple yes, just seen the picture, that is so cute!
I will have a look next time I'm in the pet shop.

OP posts:

purplepidjin · 23/05/2011 11:27

My local independent shop where I got the really good one said they'd take it back if it wasn't suitable. Yay for small traders!

ItsMyTurn · 23/05/2011 22:38

purple - echo that sentiment!

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