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Question
We've had 2 male ferals (trapped & neutered)as part of our family for the past 5 years. The older 18 year old, has been with us for 10 years, then 5 years ago, the other showed up (at that time, he was est. to be about 5 yrs old). Simba, the 18 yr old, took immediately to Ricky (the 5 yr old) and they became inseparable. Simba never leaves our yard (we've built them condos out back), but Ricky would split his time outside with Simba, and inside with us. Recently, after a year of treatment, Ricky passed away due to kidney failure. Simba is showing signs of depression and loneliness but being that he is the one that is not domesticated, our company does not comfort him. Are we foolish to be considering getting him a replacement companion? The last thing we want to do is introduce another cat that would challenge his domain and threaten him, but he seems very depressed. We'd actually been hoping that he'd go out and bring home a friend one day, but so far that hasn't happened. Any suggestions? P.S. We have an indoor cat that does not do well with other animals, so letting her outside as company for him does not work.
Hi Marcia,
Sorry about Simba. It's tough to lose a companion. Ricky will do better with a companion. However this is a little tricky because he is an outdoor cat. What are the chances of you making Ricky an indoor cat? At about his age cats are very easy to make them indoor cats. They are feeling the weather changes a bit harder. And the competition from other critters outside is a bit harder as they get older. Outdoor cats have a life expectancy of only 4-5 years so you would be doing him a big favor by taking him inside.
Here are a couple of links that explain how to do this. And this is also a perfect time to get him a companion. Make sure it is a male kitten.
Get him neutered when he is ready. Neutered male cats get along so good.
http://www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/policy/cats/materials/outin.pdf
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/cat_care/keep_your_cat_safe_at_home_hsuss_safe...
Doing this will extend his life. And make you and him very happy. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
Karen Craft
Expertise
I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!
Experience
I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care.
Some thoughts to carry with you.
A Cat's 10 Commandments
My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you.
Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you.
If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong.
Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.
On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.
Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.
Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.
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