Daily Kitten Chat Forum » Cats & Kittens

1. 

   I had two cats for 12 years, and one recently passed away. Oscar was my lovey cuddle bug. My 14 year old, Charlie, is independent and only gives me affection if I have milk or he's hungry. I really want to find another lovey kitty who will cuddle me.

   But my 14 year old doesn't like cats. He lived peacefully with Oscar for 12 years, but he didn't LIKE him, he only tolerated him. He often tried to wrestle Oscar, sometimes bopping him on the head with his paw. Oscar would sit and take it for a while, then eventually get up and take Charlie down. Sometimes they'd chase each other too.

   So, I know getting a new cat would make Charlie mad, and he has asthma so I hate to stress him out. But, his coughing is under control now with meds.

   I'm torn whether I should get a kitten or an adult cat. I've heard that it's easier to intro a kitten, BUT, a kitten will also bother Charlie and try to play with him. Charlie likes to play, but only on HIS terms.

   I could try to search for a fostered cat who I know is docile and submissive and likes dogs and cats, but that might be hard to find.

   A kitten might stress Charlie out less than an adult cat his own size initially, BUT a kitten will have more energy down the line.

   A kitten might be more pliable in taking the submissive role, or maybe not.

   I know whoever I get has to be separate in his own room for at least a week before they even see each other, so I'm not really needing intro advice.

   Posted 2 years ago by leighangela #

2. 

   You'd be surprised how many fostered cats are good with dogs and are docile. When I started looking I found many that were fostered with dogs and small kids and were ok with other cats. I'd just call up a shelter and ask them, the volunteers always seem to know what a good cat is for you based on what you tell them (at least that has been in my experience). Or they might recommend other organizations for you.

   Having said that it will take a bit of digging to find an organization that does that in your city maybe? I live in Vancouver, in Canada and there are at least two or three organization whose cats are only in foster care and not homes.

   Posted 2 years ago by iliketea #

3. 

   My Cato sounds similar to Charlie. I tried to introduce a rescue cat that was cat friendly for him in an effort to bring him indoors (he has terrible allergies). Cato refused to even acknowledge the other kitty. He just moved out of the house. This went on for three months. I talked it through with the vet, who said he would eventually get used to the other kitty. I finally engaged a behaviorist to help. Cato stopped coming inside at all, although I did manage to teach him to "sit" and to "shake" as part of his therapy for him to obey me more often.......Finally they started having out and out battles and I realized that I needed to take the kitty back to his rescue situation. It was awful to return the kitty whom I loved. He was much more affectionate than Cato and much more lively......but I am loyal to Cato and felt he would be better off by himself. He is very happy now with an empty house :) My advice? Let Charlie live a nice life all by himself! Elizabeth

   Posted 2 years ago by Cato1730 #

4. 

   Oh Cato..that is so upsetting, not sure what i would do and having a loving kitty for three months :( sad.

   Posted 2 years ago by iliketea #

5. 

   Maybe Charlie would be okay with a small dog instead of another cat.

   Posted 2 years ago by CheetahBoysmommy #

6. 

   We have a big 70 pound dog. Charlie used to live with a whole pack of dogs. Once in a while he'll rub on my dog for one second, but more often he stays away. The other day he punched the dog on the nose for no reason! I think that was partly because Charlie is alpha, and partly because he is on a steroid pill temporarily right now.

   Posted 2 years ago by leighangela #

7. 

   At Charlie's age I would not upset him, especially with asthma and being on steroids. I had an asthmatic cat also but she was a Persian and very docile. A kitten is definitely out---an adult cat will have it's personality developed and you can get one that's submissive. Most good shelters/foster homes know the personalities. Good luck and prayers for Charlie.

   Posted 2 years ago by Sheba's Mom in Raleigh, NC #

8. 

   I agree with Sheba's Mom... I know you want a cuddle bug, and there is no guarantee the next kitty would be that, but Charlie, at his age, should probably be allowed to live out his days in peace. JMHO.

   Posted 2 years ago by Jetta and Boo Boo's Mom #

9. 

   I actually think Cato would be better off with a dog, particularly a playful dog, unfortunately, I don't have time for a dog..........I love Cato, but he is a prune sometimes...Good luck with your kitty! Elizabeth

   Posted 2 years ago by Cato1730 #

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