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

Original poster

Do indoor cats always need company?

14 replies

Puppylucky · 27/10/2024 11:27

Hello again
I posted yesterday about my troubles with Elton at the moment (the sick cat who doesn't know he's sick). Basically he's going bonkers at the moment - trying to get out of the front door and shouting out the window to passers by for attention. He's clearly bored and we just can't give him enough stimulation. I have been pondering getting him a little girl cat for company but with all of Elton's other troubles I'm scared of getting it wrong and ruining two cat's lives. I know there is no definitive answer, but how likely is it that a cat who rarely even sees another cat and has never interacted with one will settle happily with a new cat in the home?

OP posts:
Floralnomad · 27/10/2024 11:38

It would be a risk , do you have lots of toys and climbing posts etc in the house ? Could you put a catio in so he can get outside ?

Original poster
Puppylucky · 27/10/2024 12:16

Thanks for replying ☺️ We have lots of toys and a cat tree and he is allowed into our cat proofed garden so you'd think that would be enough. To be fair the garden kept him busy in the summer, but now he seems bored with it, particularly as the weather is changing and wildlife is disappearing so is looking for new adventures unfortunately.
I have to say that you are confirming my worry that he just won't accept another cat, as he has no history with them at all, but he just seems so lonely sometimes.

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NuffSaidSam · 27/10/2024 12:21

How long does he have left?

Maybe just let him go outside? You could try one of those cat leads?

If he doesn't have long left he may as well live life to the max.

Original poster
Puppylucky · 27/10/2024 12:44

@NuffSaidSam that's a good point. No-one can say definitively how much longer he has but realistically we are talking months not years. We have actually considered a cat harness before so maybe that is a better solution.

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helpfulperson · 27/10/2024 12:45

What about YouTube videos for cats? You can get bird ones, fishtank ones etc.

Original poster
Puppylucky · 27/10/2024 12:48

Yup he watches those sometimes but nothing really holds his attention for long. He's like a teenager who's just desperate to get out there and see the world. 🙄

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TheLongRider · 27/10/2024 12:54

Could you foster-to-adopt for a rescue? I foster kittens and cats for a local rescue and it can be a great way of finding out if a cat is compatible with your other cat and your household. It usually takes a couple of weeks for cats to adjust to a new companion.

When it works well there are advantages for both sides, you get to try life with an extra cat and the cat/kitten gets to live in a home with people and another cat and it gets a break from a small pen in a shelter.

TomatoSandwiches · 27/10/2024 13:00

I would always get indoor cats in pairs but wouldn't add to an already established older cat unless they are particularly friendly and are already well socialised with children and other pets in the house.

Toddlerteaplease · 27/10/2024 13:05

I would also let him go out. Make his last month's happy ones. .

Original poster
Puppylucky · 27/10/2024 14:00

Yes I think you're right - I will measure him for a harness and see how he takes to that then we can open his world up a bit more.

OP posts:
CallYourselfAChef · 27/10/2024 14:01

Let him out, even if only on a harness.

AllLopsided · 27/10/2024 16:38

I would hesitate to introduce another cat, as it could be a lot of stress for him if he is already not well. Fostering is not a bad idea as a test, although fosters can be a lot of work.

Cautionary harness tale: we tried our 11-yo terminal cat with a harness and he either refused to walk or wriggled out. We can't cat proof our garden and were always wary of letting him out because we were afraid he wouldn't come back. He treated the place like a hotel for most of his life! The last time we tried the harness he managed to detach it from the lead and ran away with it still attached. Came back four days later minus the harness! DH gave up after that. So be careful if you are leaving the garden with the harness 😸

Our boy has been PTS now (he lasted 2.5 years after receiving a 'weeks, maybe months' prognosis). He eventually lost the urge to run away and was able to enjoy some days outside in the sun before he left us. Good luck to you, living with a terminal diagnosis is so hard.

coffeesaveslives · 27/10/2024 18:16

Honestly, if he only has months left (and I'm so sorry if that's the case), then I would just let him go out. The risks would be 100% worth it to me. Make his last months happy months.

Original poster
Puppylucky · 28/10/2024 07:14

Thanks all we are definitely going to try the harness route. We can't just let him out as we are very close to a busy road but we can try to give him some more freedom. Also thanks for your kind words as living with a terminally ill pet really isn't easy.

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