Daily Kitten Chat Forum » Cats & Kittens

1. 

   Hi, I currently have a 7 month old neutered cat. I adopted him from the local kill shelter when he was about 4 months old. While I have tried to provide a stimulating and safe environment for my furry friend, he seems really needy at times. I work at home, so he has always had me around to take care of him.

   Lately though, I feel like I can't match his playing energy level and I wonder if another cat might be good for him. I'm not sure if I am ready for another lifetime cat though, so I was considering fostering to see if a) my cat enjoys another cat's company and b) if I can handle two cats. Also, I live in a small studio apartment so I'm not sure if this will be enough space as well.

   Can anyone give me advice about fostering? What should I expect? Are there any advantages & disadvantages?

   Posted 2 years ago by ohai #

2. 

   I would not suggest that you foster - I dont mean to offend you, but your motivations aren't right. I foster kitties all the time, and it's REALLY hard, because you know you have to take them back at some point, so emotionally you try very hard not to bond with them. The cats pick up on this emotional block, so they dont always try to be affectionate or nice to you/your cat, so it will look like the cats doesnt want to be with you. Your kitty is at an age now where he's going to have extremely high energy levels any way. Especially if he's an indoor-only cat, he would be really bored as well. No amount of toys can make up for hunting bugs and leaves (venting their energy in a natural way) and birds. A friend would be a good idea for your cat, simply as company for him. Its natural for them to play-fight with each other, so its also a good way of getting rid of exess energy. I would suggest you get another male, I find girls are always b*tches to each other, regardless of gender. Good luck!

   Posted 2 years ago by Skyron #

3. 

   Thank you for your reply! It's okay, I'm glad you are honest. I really felt bad about having such selfish reasons to foster, but somewhere on the web I picked up this suggestion for lonely kittens and I started thinking about it, but I wasn't sure if I should for aforementioned reasons. I didn't realize how difficult it might be for me and for the foster cat. I will definitely reconsider this.

   Posted 2 years ago by ohai #

4. 

   I'm not sure why you don't think you can handle two cats. I didn't think I could handle one. I got two kittens - two brothers. They are now 13 weeks old. They almost don't want anything to do with me - they love each other and play with each other CONSTANTLY. I read somewhere that a lot of people think two cats is twice the work but it really cuts your work in half. The expense would be the only thing that doubles, I guess, oh and of course the amount of littler that needs scooping ;-)

   I have to basically beg my two babies to play with me. They come for some lovin' at 4am, 3pm, and 8pm which are feeding times and when they crash they like to lay near me :-)

   I think a buddy would be great!!!

   Posted 2 years ago by wolcar #

5. 

   Another cat for him to play with is a good idea if you can afford it. Space is not an issue. If you get another male make sure he is already neutered if he's not little or you'll have territory issues.

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

6. 

   Wolcar is right - if you can afford the extra vet visits, two cats are less trouble than one. You might want to call your vet first and see if he/she would be able to offer any type of a discount if you bring in two kitties at one time. The shots probably can't be discounted, but a regular check-up might only take 1.5 times longer rather than twice as long.

   Posted 2 years ago by CheetahBoysmommy #

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