Kitten advice?

[WDW Poly Princess]

I have a kitten that's about 3 months old, and I love her to death Originally, I adopted her and her sister when my sister's cat had kittens. However, her sister has been missing for a couple of weeks now (We just started letting them stay outside about a month and a half ago). I'm losing hope that she will turn up, and I feel really bad that my kitten no longer has a companion. I think the company was really good for her, since my 10 year old cat has no interest in playing with her, and I cant give her as much attention as she is used to having from her sister! I think its very healthy for them to have another cat to learn with as they grow up. Therefore, I've decided I want to get another kitten to keep her company.

Personally, I want to call a few local shelters and see if they have any kittens around her age up for adoption. Our local shelter includes shots, worming, flea treatments, and spaying all in their $40 adoption fee, which I think is *very* reasonable. However, my sister's cat is about to have kittens AGAIN!, and my mom has already asked her to save one for me. I love the idea of having another young one, but I cant help but think that one closer to Lula's age would be better for her.

Any advice? Thanks!

 

[kejoda]

Your best bet is to pm Rajah. she is quite knowledgable about cats.

 

[catsrule]

Rajah knows alot about kitties. It sounds like they won't be too far apart in age if you get one from your sister. The 3 month old may enjoy grooming the little one.

 

[Rajah]

First off (and sorry for getting on my soapbox, but this is a touchy point with me), I wouldn't let the kitten(s) run around outdoors. Especially that young. There are way, way, WAY too many dangers that cats get exposed to outdoors to make it worth letting the cat run wild. If you want a list of them, I'll give you a list. It was more than enough to make me decide that all cats I own will be indoor only. (unless you count the stray we're still trying to catch, but she's no longer "mine" anyway, she'll go to a couple in the next building over who are also trying to catch her)

But, anyway, as for the thing you are really asking about -- an age difference of a few months won't be a problem at all. Blaze (11 months) and Skye (5 months) get along wonderfully and play together all the time. A few months makes no difference.

If you could afford to do *both*, that's what I'd do, but I have a soft spot for kitties

On the one hand, by getting a shelter kitten, you'll be saving a kitten's life. Especially if you get him/her from one of the kill shelters. That's a very noble thing to do and worth $40 easily.

On the other, if your sister is already having another litter, you can get one there for free. Which is also a plus.

One more question -- is your sister breeding them on purpose? If not, then <i>please</i> ask her to get her cat spayed. There are way, way, *way* too many homeless cats and kittens out there already. The number killed in our city every year is in the 10's of thousands, and that number isn't unusual. By getting *her* cat spayed, she decreases the chances of health problems for *her* cat in the future, doesn't produce more kittens who could potentially end up homeless, *and* has the effect of saving other kittens who would otherwise die at a shelter because by not providing a source for kittens, people who otherwise would go to her might go to a shelter and save a life there. If your sister is breeding the girl for the purpose of breeding, that's another matter, but if she's just ending up with a pregnant cat, she'd be doing everyone a favor by getting her cat spayed. (Okay, so that's two soapboxes, sorry )

 

[DocRafiki]

A) That kitten had no business being outside.

B) Your sister needs to spay her cat... I think you know that. Even if she's doing it to purposely breed, she should spay her.

C) A responsible rescue wouldn't give you another cat if you told them what happened to your last one.

 

[helenabear]

I agree with Rajah. I think the age difference won't be a factor at all. Even my 9 year old loves to play with my almost 2 year old and when I brought the baby in they seemed to enjoy playing together right from the start (I admit my 9 year old is quite playful though). So I think getting a new kitten would be fine. I also agree if you can do both, then do it I also agree with Rajah in that I would never let the kittens outside alone (ever). The thoughts of what could happen to them is just sad to me. I will suggest that if they like sitting outside (as mine do) to get a harness and a leash. Both of my babies love to sit outside in the summer sun with a leash on and they are well behaved with it. Just a thought. No matter what good luck with the kittens.

 

[sammi]

Please keep your kittens (and cats) inside your house where they'll be safe from harm,diseases etc! They live a longer and happier life that way and they won't run through and mess your neighbours gardens. I feel so bad when I see cats roaming around outside. We've been cat lovers and owners since we married 31 years ago and never, did any of my fur babies go outside and they were still happy contented kitties!

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

Thanks to those of you who gave me suggestions on my question

I agree that my sister needs to spay her cat, I've discussed it with her several times actually. However, I'm guessing that most of you live in cities or suburbs where outdoor cats arent as common as they are here. We live far away from any roads that cars aren't a problem, and since they aren't outside at night and there's always someone around during the day, the risk of any predators is very, very slim. Most people have cats to keep mice out of the barns, and the cats hang out in the barn most of the time- quiet, cool, hay to play in, lots of shade.

Out of 20 years of having cats outside, this is the first one I've ever had come up missing (and we're still pretty sure she's at a neighbor's house, but we wont know for sure for a few more days).

Anyway, thanks to those who answered my questions, I'll let you know how things go!