Is he lonely?

[kitsonkittykat]

I have an 18 month old lovely, affectionate ragdoll who is the love of my life. I don't let him outside, as he isnt the most streetsmart of kitties. I am home in the day, so he has company, and he doesnt seem lonely, apart from night time miaowing which stops if I get up and sit with him. I wonder if getting him a friend might improve his quality of life and allow me some more sleep.

What do you think? Do I get him a friend? He was neutered at 16 weeks, so the nighttime miaowing isnt a hormonal thing.

I really think you should think about letting him out a bit. It's just not natural for cats to be cooped up like that and it causes extreme boredom, frustration and behavioural/psychological problems, not to mention physical ill health. Do you live near a very busy road?

We keep our cats in at night for safety and that's when their roaming instinct is strongest so they sometimes get frustrated. I wonder if the miaowing is because his natural instincts which are probably strongest at night are being unfulfilled?

Some rescues say two cats give each other company but I know vets who believe that the company of other cats is meaningless to them. Indeed ours ignore each other largely.

Though I suspect he might like going outside, I don't think that is an option for us. He is a ragdoll which are notorious for being a bit trusting and not very bright when it comes to roads. He would not be able to defend himself, according to the breeder. Apart from him breed issues, I dont want him to risk picking up diseases, fighting with other cats - fights that he would never win in a million years, possibly getting run over, and being so friendly and trusting, he has no defence against anyone who might not mean him well.

He has cat trees, lots of toys, a bird feeder set up by the window, and gets played with a lot.

He is absolutely wonderful, I wouldnt have him any other way, and feel a little disloyal at describing him as "not very bright", but he just wouldnt last a day outside alone.

I have thought about training him to walk on a leash, so he can get some fresh air, but I can keep an eye on him.

a leash is a good idea i know several people who have pedigree cats and this is what they do, thwen again a friend of mine has two ragdolls and they go out with no probs, have you room to do him an outside pen with a run so he could go out but would still be safe within the run

and i call my half siamese tim nice but dim cos he aint the brightest cat in the world but i love him to bits

He might be lonely. It sounds like you are already doing a lot of environmental enrichment for him. The bird feeder by the window is a great idea.

Having another cat around will give him more chances to play, and also the chance to engage in mutual grooming. Cats can be sociable so long as they don't have to fight for resources. If you do get another cat, swapping scent between them (rubbing a cloth on one's cheeks, and then rubbing it on the other cat's cheeks) will help them learn to accept each other.

What do you think, would you like another ragdoll? If so then maybe it's a good idea :)

Im going to end up looking a little silly and walking him on a leash, I think! Ill have a look for one, and try to get him used to it. I dont have the room for an enclosure, Im afraid.

I would love another ragdoll, . Its just persuading dh that HE would also not mind another cat! Of course if Kit is lonely, it might just sway him!

I think he'd love a companion! :) As long as you pick the companion wisely - a lovely, non-threatening cat (e.g., younger female) who has a gentle and affectionate nature and a track record of getting along with other cats.

Also, my friend who has a ragdoll got a rescue cat as a companion and they get along fabulously (e.g., the younger one attempting to sleep on top of the ragdoll). It would be lovely to give a rescue cat a home and they are just as sweet! I have only ever had "moggies" from the RSPCA, all of whom have had beautiful personalities. :)

We are going to offer a retired breeding cat a home, perhaps an older female! Im very excited!

I have a leash now, and we will try and get him comfortable wearing it, so we can get him some fresh air.