Advice for Prospective Cat Owners 133
As company for an existing cat
Despite being descended from an animal that lives a predominantly solitary exist-
ence, the domestic cat has developed the ability to be social with members of its
own kind. They can certainly form close social bonds with other cats and cats in
such a relationship do appear to benefit from it. However, there are many factors
that can influence a cat’s acceptance of another cat within its home (see Appendix
5) and sharing home and resources with another cat can be a source of stress
rather than comfort for many. Correct introductions (also see Appendix 5) can
increase the likelihood that a new cat may be accepted, but even then it can never
be guaranteed that the cats will develop a relationship that is beneficial to both
of them.
The same is true of cats that have lost a close companion. In a survey conducted
in 1995 (cited in Caney and Halls, 2016), 217 owners of cats that outlived a feline
companion reported on how the remaining cat reacted to the loss. The majority
reported that the existing cat appeared unaffected, whereas some reported a positive
reaction and others reported a negative reaction, describing behaviours that could
indicate that the remaining cat was grieving.
Providing a new companion for a grieving cat may therefore seem like the best
thing to do but, even if a cat has previously lived with and had a close relationship
with another cat, he or she may not be so accepting of a ‘stranger’ and the intro-
duction of another cat that could be regarded as a potential rival, or a lively and
boisterous kitten that may be seen as a threat, can actually add to, rather than
reduce, the stress associated with the loss of a close companion. See Appendix 6
for advice on how to help a cat that may be grieving the loss of a feline or human
companion.
Making the Right Choice
Once you are certain that a cat is the right pet for you and you are aware of all that
cat ownership entails, the next step is to make the right decision in finding the right
cat for you.
Adult cat or kitten?
Rescue centres are full of cats looking for good homes and an adult cat can be no less
of a rewarding and affectionate pet than a cat acquired as a kitten. Adult cats can be
especially suitable for elderly people or anyone who may be less able or willing to
cope with a lively and boisterous kitten. Taking on a pet also means taking on the
responsibility for that animal’s care for the rest of its life. If taking on a kitten, this
can mean a commitment of 14–15 years or more (it is not uncommon for a cat to live
into its early 20s). Adopting an older cat reduces the likely length of this commitment
and so can be preferable for anyone who might not be able to commit to such a long
duration of dedicated pet care (Fig. 9.1).