A one-cat household-here's the "scoop"

[slick]

I know I don't post in Cat General very much....I'm sorry but I just don't have enough time to respond to everyone and it's so hard to keep up. I do read and appreciate all of your stories and "awwwww" at the pictures.

Anyway, my thoughts about living in a one-cat household.
- I only have to scoop and flush once a day now. Two pee pods and maybe one tootsie roll and that's it.
- I save money on litter.
- I save money on food.
- I don't have as many food and water dishes to wash in the mornngs.
- I only have one litter box to clean and not as often as before.
- I only have one kitty who demands my attention and says when and where.
- There is only one kitty on the bed at night.

...and yet, I would trade it all to live in a two-cat household again. I miss my Speckles so much. At night she used to crawl underneath the blankets and cuddle up to me and keep me warm. Now, I only have Max who demands to take up half of my pillow.

I admit, these past few days I have thought about getting another kitty, but I really think it's unfair to Max. He's will be 13 in April......was and will always be the alpha and really doesn't like other kitties. Speckles was stalked on a daily basis until about a week before she passed. I think I'll wait until Max makes the trip, then go to a rescue and adopt two together...maybe siblings or best friends that can't be separated.

Anyway, just needed to get this down in writing. No need to respond. Thanks for listening.

[wolflady]

**hugs**
It's always hard to lose a beloved furbaby, and I'm sure another lucky feline will make his or her way into your heart and home. It will happen when the time is right.

Much love,
Karen

[Corinna]

HUG to you and Max.

[Killearn Kitties]

It must be so difficult at night when your little "hot water bottle" isn't there. You can only do what you think is best for you and Max, and I know you'll make the best decision.

Hugs to you and snugglies to Max!

[jazzcat]

I just want to offer (((HUGS))) to you.

[RICHARD]

I think you should talk to Peanut and CJ.....

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I think you should talk to Peanut and CJ.....

Yep, I think so. All you need to do is find a nice laid back kitty that isn't going to fight for the alpha spot. An older kitty, but not too old, so when Max wants to stalk the kitty can handle it. And maybe Max's stalking will actually turn into play if he has someone who will play back. CJ has been here a little over a year now and I really believe Peanut enjoys having another kitty around. She was on the bed the other morning and CJ was going goofy killing a mousie on the floor. She immediately stopped what she was doing and went to the edge of the bed to see what the commotion was. After he was done and sitting calmly about a foot away from the mousie, she jumped down and went to sniff at the mousie, batted it a little with her foot, watching him warily all the time. He made a slight move and she took off, with him in hot pursuit. It's very hard for me to believe she didn't know that would happen, and actually planned it by getting so close to him and batting the mousie. Of course it ended with her hissing at him and daddy yelling at CJ to stop it, but again, I think she knew exactly what she was doing, and was enjoying herself.

Anyway, all that was hopefully to show that even though at first it might seem like a bad idea to get another kitty, I think in the long run Max will be happy to have a friend again.

{{{hugs}}}

Counter-thoughts on living in a two cat household:
-double the love
-double the snuggles
-double the entertainment
-when one is "in a mood" you can still snuggle with the other
-double the love

Just take your time and don't write it off just yet. Either you'll find another kitty, or better yet, another kitty may just find you.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I think you should talk to Peanut and CJ.....

Richard, I think you need to talk to Peanut & CJ......

Edster needs a friend.......

[moosmom]

You got some wonderful advice here!! I always keep a couple of extra around just for that purpose.

You'll know it when the time is right.

((((((((HUGS))))))))))))

Donna and fur (and non fur) kids

[AlleyCat]

I admit, these past few days I have thought about getting another kitty, but I really think it's unfair to Max. He's will be 13 in April......was and will always be the alpha and really doesn't like other kitties. Speckles was stalked on a daily basis until about a week before she passed. I think I'll wait until Max makes the trip, then go to a rescue and adopt two together...maybe siblings or best friends that can't be separated.

As much as I love multi-cat households (I have 4 myself) I can completely understand this. Our eldest cat, Rascal went to the RB nearly 2 years ago. It was not until her journey to the RB did we consider getting more cats in addition to the other one we already have (Onyx.) I do believe some cats are meant to be "only" cats and that sounds how you're feeling about Max. We all know how much you must love Max, and maybe waiting is the right thing to do. And getting two (or more !!) hint .. more !!! is a great idea. In the meantime you have all these kitties on PT to look at !! I sympathize with the loss of your Speckles.

[orangemm]

I'm sorry you lost Speckles and I think we are all especially sensitive after a loved furbaby crosses over to the RB. It's probably wise that you wait and think about it for a while; there are plenty of sweet babies waiting out there and I'm sure there will be lots when you make a decision.

Hugs to you; I'm sure you miss her a lot.

[slick]

I've spent quite a bit of time on Petfinder today. No, I have not made up my mind but just look at this sweetie...her face just jumped out at me. Maybe because she reminds me so much of Speckles.
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/...?petid=5705458
Thank you all for your words and advice. I really appreciate it. I also called a local friend who knows Max intimately and she thinks that Max would like a roommate but won't make it easy. I'm still not sure. If I choose to introduce another kitty, he/she will be an adult or a senior. Those poor little ones always get overlooked.

Then there is Mae...
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/...?petid=4866601

[krazyaboutkatz]

Slick, Only you will know when the time is right. I think it's wonderful that you may want to adopt a senior kitty. Both Perrin and Mae sound like sweethearts. ((((HUGS))))

[Barbara]

I know what you are talking about. Our Filou may make the trip during the next years, having kidney failure, and Tigris looks as healthy as can be. Filou is the one who comes under the covers and warms us. Tigris sleeps on the pillow (or on my knees ). I have no idea what to do in case... I must admit without Pet Talk I would feel like it would be too difficult to introduce another kitty but here there are some good stories: Peanut and CJ e.g.

I am sure Speckles at RB will give you advice.