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Cats/My Cat's Happiness

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Expert: - 2/4/2009


Question
I have a 2yr old Main Coon named Tink. I got Tink from a friend when she was about 6 months old because my friends boyfriend was abusing her. I am gone most of the time at work and am afraid that Tink is bored and lonely. I would get another cat to keep her company but my landlord won't allow it. I found someone that will take her that has a cat and a dog so Tink would have company during the day. This person volunteers at a no kill shelter so I am confident that Tink would be taken care of very well. My concern is that Tink won't go to anyone but me. When I have people to my house she hisses and bats at them if they try to touch her. I'm not sure if this is because she was abused or because she spends so much time alone. She is very attached to me and when I am home follows me around and will curl up with me for hours. My question is do you think she would be happier in a household with other animals to keep her company or do you think the adjustment would be too tramatic and she would be better off with me who she feels safe with and bonded with. The thought of giving her up kills me but I truely want whats best for her.

Answer
Chandi,

It sounds to me like Tink is content where she is. Cats are solitary creatures unlike dogs, they don't need a feline companion to have a complete life. It sounds to me like Tink's bond with you stems from the fact that you rescued her from a horrible situation, she sounds as though she loves and trusts you so unless there's something I don't know it sounds to me like you are already doing what's best for Tink by loving her unconditionally. You can work with her on her abuse issues and I can offer some guidance in that department if you would like.

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Ali

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I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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