Do I get another cat??

[wtbhdidnl]

I have a year old British Blue, My mum also has a Brit around the same age.

A month ago my mum had an emergency and asked if I could have her cat for a week or so, She did try local catteries but it was too short notice so he came to my house, I was expecting my cat to hate it but it turned out he really came out of his shell, they spent the entire time playing with each other, chasing each other around and sleeping curled up together.

Now he has gone my cat has gone back into his shell and is refusing food, spends most of his time sleeping and not really interacting with me so I asked my mum to bring hers back for a few days to see if it helped and once again mine is now playing and chasing etc and is now eating again..

Do I need to get another cat? Its looking like mine might be unhappy being a single cat?

I don't want to make a mistake, First time cat owner here.. I never really wanted two but if it would make mine happier then I would. I'm not against two at all just only ever saw myself with one!

Anyone been in this position? How did it go?

If the question is ever 'should I get another cat?' the answer is always 'yes'

Until you have four of the bloody things, then its 'why did we get another?'

It's not about getting another cat, it's about getting the right cat. They all have different personalities. The obvious answer is how attached is your mum to her cat? Would she be willing to get a different cat so you can have hers?

How on earth have you come to the conclusion that the op should take her mums cat?
Op could you try a rescue, or someone rehoming who will let you take their cat for a trial to see if they get on?

The answer is always yes! I do agree with the rescue as well- see if you can view some and see if any have a similar personality to your mum’s cat (do not take her cat, what a mad suggestion 😂)

You can't ask to just take someone's cat 😬

I have spoken to my mum, not to take her cat but to see if I could maybe have him over once a week but thinking that might not be the best solution because it might make them feel stressed if he's here and then not. Forgot to add pics!

It sounds like your cat does need another cat for company. Some do and some don’t! We have five, and so long as they have their space they play and sleep, sometimes alone and sometimes in various numbers from two of them to all five together.

As another cat makes your cat so obviously happy, if you can afford it go and get another lord and master.

No, you can’t just borrow your mum’s cat randomly, it wouldn’t be fair in either of them (or on your mum).

I would look into getting a kitten looking for a new home so your cat has a full time friend instead. Your mum’s cat could still come to stay if she’s away etc. in the future.

aw I can see exactly why someone suggested having your Mum's cat - because you already know they get on together !

so both are boys ? around the same age ? and are both brit blues ?

if so, I would be looking for a young boy.

( I would be searching every rescue in the hope of finding a male, year old ish brit blue :)

No sensible advice but those pictures are just adorable

I think you are right OP, it would not work to have your mum's cat over for a playdate once a week, your cat needs a live in companion.

As your cat seems to like other cats it would probably work out fine if you get him a new companion. He's still very young and young cats find it easier to adapt.

I wonder whether these two are particularly attached to each other because they are the same breed (and the same age). When I had moggies and oriental cats, the orientals immediately bonded together - they seemed to 'recognise' each other. British Blues are very laid back though so he may not be bothered.

Would you look at a rescue, or another pedigree?

There will be a breed rescue for British blues, Google will know. You just need to find a cat who isn’t an only cat.

My moggy girl goes nuts if she sees another cat.

aw I can see exactly why someone suggested having your Mum's cat - because you already know they get on together !
Thank you! I wasn't talking about kidnapping! Some people do get pet regret, or don't become as bonded as they thought they might, or maybe their cat gets into neighbourhood scraps all the time. Multiple reasons. The cats get on due to their personalities and not because they are both boys, or both Brits or both under 2yrs. It was the obvious first question. Since it's not a viable option then OP needs to look for another kitty as leaving hers as a single isn't an option either.

Good luck OP.

Oh my, those photos are adorable. You definitely need another cat!