Josie Sees A CAT for the FIRST TIME! (PIC)

[CatMama78]

Aww Josie, who is that outside?

I also have two and it is a great comfort to know they have each other during the day when me and my fiance are gone (even if they are fighting half the time ). It's play fighting, the kind I cannot provide them. The only increased expense is the annual vet trip. But food, litter box, toys etc, they all share. It's really worth it!!

[Equus217]

I too vote for a friend for Josie! I adopted my two troublemakers together a couple of months ago, and this is the first time I have had more than one cat at a time. Really, the cost difference isn't significant.....just vet bills. But if you adopt from a shelter *wink wink* they cover spay/neuter and initial vaccs. I really can't imagine not having the two together....they are absolutely inseperable! I think probably going younger would be easier, unless the shelter tells you there is a certain older kitty that just adores other cats.

It sure looks like Josie would like a furry friend though!!
Such a pretty girl!!

[jazzcat]

Awww, look at that picture. Josie does need a buddy. I think the fact that she was purring and not switching her tail and getting riled is an excellent sign that she would love a buddy.

I would go with close in age or younger. If you went with younger, as in a kitten, the intros would probably be a little easier.

I have to agree, having three has been no more trouble than just one and I had Ripley for 10 years before I got another cat so I really would notice the difference. All I see is a little more cat hair, I have to clean the littler boxes a little more frequently, but still just once a day, and there is always someone available to pet or play with when I'm ready! The cost increase in cat food isn't that much and since they are inside we don't have lots of vet visits needed.

Oh please really consider it. You'll be saving a life if you adopt from a shelter or rescue and trust me, it will be worth it!!!!

[mruffruff]

I thought that more than 2 or three would be a problem, but now that I have seven (!!) I hardly notice the difference. A couple extra litter boxes and another bag of food is small payment for all the entertainment.

Josie will love a companion. Go for it!

Mary

[christa]

I think I'm just a little scared of getting another one . . . now that I've got Josie in perfect health . . . when we adopted her from a shelter, she had so many problems. Intestinal parasites (which she's still on a special diet), FLEAS (and lots of 'em), and worms. I had so many vet bills, I thought we were gonna have to start eating dirt. So I guess I'm a little leery about adopting from another shelter. But maybe it was just that shelter, or just her litter???

You all are so convincing . . . if I knew I could find one in good health . . . annual visits wouldn't be a problem financially. It's all that special stuff that we can't afford right now.

[jazzcat]

Maybe you should look into a rescue group that fosters, you know like Jen does. That way you know the health of the cat and it seems most in foster homes are already healthy and flea and parasite free. Plus the foster mom can tell you about their personality and behavior so you will make a good match for Josie. Just something to consider.

I understand your fear about the shelter. The shelter I adopted both Jazz and Scout from tends to be extremely overpopulated and even though they may have treated the cats for fleas and other things when they first came in by the time I adopted them they were infested again. Jazz came to us so sick with fleas, tapeworms, ear mites, ringworm and a URI that I was terrified I'd have to go through it again with Scout but luckily she just had fleas and earmites. Whenever I adopt again I'm planning to go through a local rescue group who only houses the cats in foster homes, I think.

[Equus217]

Originally posted by jazzcat
Maybe you should look into a rescue group that fosters, you know like Jen does. That way you know the health of the cat and it seems most in foster homes are already healthy and flea and parasite free. Plus the foster mom can tell you about their personality and behavior so you will make a good match for Josie. Just something to consider.

I think that's a great idea jazzcat.....Vegas and Reno were pretty sick when I adopted them, but that's why I took them. But matching personalities would be much easier!

[mruffruff]

All of mine were trapped right on my street. They each cost about $135 for all the medical care----spay or neuter, shots, de-fleaing, and a couple had abcesses. After a year, 2 developed UTI's. Fortunately, not at the same time.

If you adopt from a shelter (Please do!) the cat should have been seen by a vet before adoption. Their health isn't guaranteed, but the shelter should have some idea if the cat is relatively healthy. An older kitten or cat would have more history to go by.

Good luck!

Mary

[christa]

Originally posted by jazzcat
Maybe you should look into a rescue group that fosters . . .

Jazzcat: I think this is ideal for us. There is actually a shelter not too far from where we live that puts their animals with fosters. That is probably where we would adopt from this time.

I've got a lot of thinking to do.

[CatMama78]

Also, I know the no-kill shelter we went to, pays for all the things needed to get them healthy. Like if they came in with ear mites, they will clean those right up and they are up to date on shots, etc.

[Edwina's Secretary]

What a touching photograph! Makes me think of "The Little Match Girl!"

I wish we had gotten a second kitty earlier. Pettalk convinced me to do so.

[christa]

Originally posted by Edwina's Secretary
Pettalk convinced me to do so.

They're good at that!

[rg_girlca]

Awww that picture is absolutely adorable.
I agree with the others Christa, on getting a companion for your sweet Josie. It doesn't have to be tomorrow, or the next day, or even a month from now. When you feel the time is right, then you can decide when and where to get one.
Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
But when you go to sleep tonight, just repeat after me; must get a friend for Josie, must get a friend for Josie.
No pressure here Christa. Nope none at all.

[christa]

Originally posted by rg_girlca
Awww that picture is absolutely adorable.
I agree with the others Christa, on getting a companion for your sweet Josie. It doesn't have to be tomorrow, or the next day, or even a month from now. When you feel the time is right, then you can decide when and where to get one.
Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
But when you go to sleep tonight, just repeat after me; must get a friend for Josie, must get a friend for Josie.
No pressure here Christa. Nope none at all.

You crack me up, rg.

But seriously, I've always thought that if I found one "accidently", like on my door step or something, I'd get it. I'm definitely going to take it slow. I do want a companion for Josie, but I'm not sure about the timing. Maybe in the next few months.

But believe me . . . this morning, I had no intentions of doing this . . . ALL YOU PETTALKERS HAVE CONVINCED ME! I know Josie needs a companion and will definitely be keeping my eyes open.

[sirrahbed]

Originally posted by rg_girlca
Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
But when you go to sleep tonight, just repeat after me; must get a friend for Josie, must get a friend for Josie.
No pressure here Christa. Nope none at all.

This SO reminds me of last December when I mentioned that I was *thinking* about getting myself an orangie!! No pressure...RIGHT!

Seriously though - I have always had at least two cats. You have had the same advice I would offer as far as considering a younger or similar age cat and only shelter cats who have been fostered in homes. Folks are going to be careful about the health and flea, parasites, etc when they keep pets in their homes and like others have said - you can talk to the mom and get an idea of the kittie's personality, etc. If the kitty is not already altered, most places will refund a portion or all of the cost to have it done. Most already have their vaccinations and have been wormed, vet checked, etc. You are more likely to get a healthy kitty from a foster home. No hurry - you will know!!
Now, repeat after me.....