Cat Knowledge?

[zimzum42]

Anyone on here know much about cats?

We have a 17 year old female Abyssinian. We've not had her long, we inherited her from the old lady upstairs after she went mad and they took her away.

She is really old, so am concerned she will die soon. This will be quite an upset for my Mum, so was thinking it might be an idea to get another cat now so that when the old lady does pass away (the cat, not my old lady) there's already another cat there and it won't seem so lonely etc.

Anyone got any suggestions as to whether this is a good idea, and if it is, what kind of cat should I get? Would a kitten be too disruptive for the older cat? Should it be a male or female? What breed (if that makes a huge difference)?

Thanks guys...
p

 

[Aperitif]

Hi Paul - welcome back! I know nothing, but Tim O is one of the usual suspects who know about cats, although he's in Berkeley at the moment, spaced out (not in your usual terms I might add). Have you resumed 'cycling lessons' with your neighbour too?
See you soon.

 

[upsidedown]

If you can find a Siamese cross they make great pets. They're proper lap cats and don't really go out so not much risk of them getting run over.

 

[MattHB]

I'm afraid I'm something of a cat physiologist!

It's very stressful on an old cat putting another cat with them. It'll likely stress her out to levels that could be dangerous.

Best thing is just provide the calmest care for her you can, nice quality food, clean water every day, clean litter box every day. Shell appreciate it.

Cats are extremely territorial and she will see another cat as in invasion to her private space.

 

[marafi]

Anyone on here know much about cats?

We have a 17 year old female Abyssinian. We've not had her long, we inherited her from the old lady upstairs after she went mad and they took her away.

She is really old, so am concerned she will die soon. This will be quite an upset for my Mum, so was thinking it might be an idea to get another cat now so that when the old lady does pass away (the cat, not my old lady) there's already another cat there and it won't seem so lonely etc.

Anyone got any suggestions as to whether this is a good idea, and if it is, what kind of cat should I get? Would a kitten be too disruptive for the older cat? Should it be a male or female? What breed (if that makes a huge difference)?

Well if its been alone for 17 years bringing another cat might just annoy it. I have my cat for err 2 years and she loves all the attention from us to herself. To be honest not a good idea. Though, what do you think? It seems like one it would be disruptive for the older cat. Male or female i dont think it matters. On breed i really dont think that matters at all. Why not get a cat from a RSPCA or cats protection. Especially during christmas loads of people get cats and then all of a sudden do not want want them anymore.

Thanks guys...
p

 

[xxmimixx]

I'm afraid I'm something of a cat physiologist!

It's very stressful on an old cat putting another cat with them. It'll likely stress her out to levels that could be dangerous.

Best thing is just provide the calmest care for her you can, nice quality food, clean water every day, clean litter box every day. Shell appreciate it.

Cats are extremely territorial and she will see another cat as in invasion to her private space.

I agree with this, this is possibly the time when she needs more attention yet no fuss, calm environment. Putting a new cat in the house regardless of its age or temperament will stress and unsettle her. Cats can also get jealous. I love cats, wishing her all the best x

 

[Globalti]

May we see a photo of the Abyssinian? I would really like one of those cats.

 

[zimzum42]

here's the moggy!

 

[zimzum42]

.

 

[dellzeqq]

Zimmers - I know this is a touchy subject, but I'd spend a little time asking about the local vets. Some small animal vets are a bit gung-ho, repeatedly fixing up elderly cats that have come to grief when, really, the kindest thing is to let them go. Here's hoping your mog never requires a vet, and passes away with a smile on her face, but it won't hurt to ready for something else.

She's a looker!

 

[Keith Oates]

Hi Zimmers, I would agree with letting her keep her own patch for now and when she does go then following the RSPCA route is worth consideration!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[asterix]

Zimmers - I know this is a touchy subject, but I'd spend a little time asking about the local vets. Some small animal vets are a bit gung-ho, repeatedly fixing up elderly cats that have come to grief when, really, the kindest thing is to let them go. Here's hoping your mog never requires a vet, and passes away with a smile on her face, but it won't hurt to ready for something else.

She's a looker!

Yes ours was kept going a week too long altho' I'm not sure I can blame the vet for trying.

 

[Globalti]

Beautiful cat. She looks well enough - what makes you think she's near her sell-by date?

 

[fossyant]

Our older cats were 10 when we introduced a kitten - took them a while to settle down, and having a young looney about put's their backs up a bit. They are 14 and 4 now, and the 4 year old keeps trying to be top cat, but one of the elder ones (who has no teeth) gives her a good 'battering' if she tries it on. I wouldn't stick a kitten with a 17 year old cat though.

 

[SavageHoutkop]

It depends very much on the cat as to whether she'll take to a young one or not. What is her personality like?