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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Is she lonely?

10 replies

purplepidjin · 13/03/2011 19:50

When I was a kid, I wasn't allowed pets for various reasons. "When you're an adult with a home of your own, you can do as you damn well please". So, five years ago, I damn well did, and have enjoyed the company of Mango the ginger furball and wannabe PAT cat and Millie the balck and white retiring prima ballerina.

However, two weeks ago, Mango was run over and the vet had to put him to sleep.

Now, Millie's behaviour is changing. She is far, far more cuddly; she has always been very "vocal" (think there's some siamese in her somewhere?) but will now yowl, especially when one of us comes in the front door without Mango; and she has completely changed all her favourite places.

Mango and Millie have been friends and companions since they Mango was 15 weeks and Millie 9 (she wasn't introduced to the house by me, btw) and it's hard to tell - is she missing Mango, or is she reacting to being an only cat?

OP posts:
ethelina · 13/03/2011 19:54

There probably is an element of missing her, only time will tell if she would benefit from another friend or not. Lots of cats are much happier as onlies and only realise this once the other cat goes.

I would give her a couple of weeks to get over Mango at least, and see how she is then.

catinthehat2 · 13/03/2011 19:59

Millie = 9 yrs or 9 weeks?

sounds upset and sad to me
I've been walked round a house and made to open all cupboards and look under all beds by a bereaved cat.

did she see MAngo's body? she might otherwise just think he's gone missing.

Original poster
purplepidjin · 13/03/2011 20:17

Sorry, they were both kittens - 9 and 15 weeks. Millie will be 5 in July, and Mango would have been 5 in June.

Yes, when I picked him up from the vet I opened the cat basket and uncovered his head. She had a sniff around and seemed quite spooked.

She is eating and using the litter tray as normal, coat eyes and ears all in good condition etc. Will be 2 weeks this Wednesday.

If we do get another cat, it will be a rescue. I only bought kittens because I didn't feel I had the experience to help a rescued cat, which I now do.

OP posts:
ethelina · 13/03/2011 20:19

Oh i'm sorry, I thought she was an elderly cat. 5 years is no age really. Sad

Lots of adult cats don't get on with other cats, so ask the rescue centre for a cat who has already lived with another one with no trouble.

Original poster
purplepidjin · 13/03/2011 20:23

That's what i mean ethelina. She is used to company. Mango was mostly dominant but she put her paw down when she needed to. She is a house cat by choice (i live in a flat, access is through the kitchen window when someone is home, which is how we knew what had happened to Mango so quickly) and rarely goes beyond the window sill, so Mango was the defender of the territory, as it were.

DP and I would like another cat, especially as the cats predate DP and he's like to be involved in the decision! But we'll only do it if it's right for Millie and the new one. Such a hard decision! I need a cat whisperer lol Grin

OP posts:
ethelina · 13/03/2011 20:28

Maybe a new kitten, or pair of kittens then?

catinthehat2 · 14/03/2011 08:44

there's bound to be another chilled out adult tom at a rescue who would love a home & a cat friend and the opportunity to blob about indoors all day

there are some brilliant cats out there, you will find the right one

frostyfingers · 14/03/2011 08:49

We got kittens to keep our cat company having lost a previous companion and she absolutely hated them both. Every time one came in the room she stalked out and if they came near her she hissed and spat.

I think an older cat nearer her age may be better - she might not fancy boisterous kittens trying to play with her, and also I'd go for one rather than two so she doesn't feel like they're ganging up on her.

ImeldaM · 14/03/2011 11:36

I got my younger cat to keep my older cat company & she was not impressed, they lived together for 16yrs until older one pts last year. Older one always disliked younger one & would have much preferred to be an 'only' cat. Younger one has always been a nervous cat & much more settled now she is an 'only'.

But if your cats have been used to company they may be more accepting.

Original poster
purplepidjin · 14/03/2011 21:52

I'd prefer an older cat. Kittens are easier for rescues to rehome, and I'm happy to tackle the odd bit of behaviour, or cope with medical stuff. RSPCA have us on the list for a house cat as we're a bit close to a main road for their liking, and will try the local cat and kitten rescue when I can get through to them on the phone Wink

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