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Cats/Is my cat lonely?

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Expert: - 5/27/2007


Question
We have had two adopted cats for about four years. They are nine years old and litter mates.  My son was in a serious car accident and I truly believe the cats, especially the little the little female, played a vital part in his rehabilitation. At any rate he really wanted to take both cats but the male has a serious heart condition which means he has to have pills twice a day. Max,the male, never like sharing us with Sam, the female. My work hours vary, I'm a college professor,and now that I am living alone with a lot less traffic in the house, I'm wondering
is Max lonely? The only change in his behavior is clawing the carpet and getting on the table.

Answer
Hi Loretta,

This is a hard question to answer. Some cats get very lonely but some do not. If he was with the female for 9 years then I would say yes, he is lonely. Usually cats will sleep with each other and will groom each other at times. If his behavior has changed then he is showing his loss. If you are thinking of bringing back his littermate it may be too late for that. Cats get territorial and he may not recognize her as being his sister but a rival. When you leave turn a radio or TV on. This will help him cope. Quiet music will make it seem that he is not alone. Try this and see how he is. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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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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