They rarely sell adult cats, usually only kittens. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Interest-Based Ads Chewy Careers, Copyright © 2020 Chewy, Inc. If your grieving cat stops eating for more than 24 hours, seek help from his veterinarian. After the death of a pet, it is advisable to keep the normal daily routine of any remaining pets in the household as unchanged as possible. A common theme among nearly every type of cat is that they don’t like sudden changes.. The only caution I would add is if the surviving cat is and unneutered male, you want to have him neutered and wait a few weeks before introducing the kittens. Even if the pet shop itself is excellent, it may still be providing an outlet for kitten farms or blacklisted breeders. If all the cats appear comfortable in their spaces, place the new cat in a different room (equipped with the same amenities) after two days, and allow your other cats to enter the new cat’s original territory. This depends on what sort of cat you want. 2. Some provide a caring home for an unwanted cat to save it from possible euthanasia which is a very generous attitude. Allow Cats to Glimpse One Another After a day or so, let the two cats sniff each other through a baby gate or through a barely-opened door. This devastated all of us in the family—including our grieving cat. These cats may be older, some may show signs of wear and tear and they may not have their pedigree papers available, but if you mainly plan to have the cat as a pet, a breed rescue society is an excellent place to go. If you hope to replace a cat with one exactly like it, you will probably be disappointed. Some cats get very anxious and lonely and I'd bring in a new cat sooner if I saw that. Farms sometimes have kittens available, but you must be careful to check the kittens health as diseases spread easily in uncontrolled breeding colonies; also the kitten may be poorly socialised if it has been born to farmyard cats. With some space and time the peeing should subside. It is a matter of personal preference. When getting a 'replacement' cat, you are not devaluing your previous cat. Bring in the Other Cat: Casually have your partner bring the other cat into the room and immediately engage him. Slowly introduce them again after your doggie eases up on the peeing problem. You should also ensure that neither the surviving cat nor the newcomer pose health risks to each other (FeLV, FIV etc) and, ideally, both should be vaccinated. It will take me a few days to feel comfortable, so please be patient. Stress can compromise the immune system and can result in illness. I do not recommend adopting a cat who looks like Chopper. A cat knows only that its companion has disappeared. After the loss of a family pet, many people wonder how long they should wait before they get a new cat or dog. This requires some knowledge, forethought, and finesse on your part. No reputable breeder sells or gives kittens to pet shops so pedigree kittens offered for sale may be from breeders struck off of official breeder lists or even supposedly banned from breeding. A new cat cannot "replace" the lost sibling. Put the new cat in the normal living quarters, and let your resident cat sniff out the new cat's safe room. The surviving cat is probably grieving for it's companion, and would welcome 2 kittens. Some pets seem to genuinely mourn the loss of a companion, and you may find that you need to introduce a new pet simply to comfort the survivor. This is a well-adjusted attitude. Some bereaved pet lovers feel guilty, sad, or confused about adopting a cat or buying a kitten from a pet store. Wait until both you and your grieving cat have recovered from your loss before adopting another cat. Spend time with your cat in his home-base room, at first doing low-key activities like reading or watching TV. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Interest-Based AdsChewy Careers, The Best Toys for Anxious Dogs and Their Stressed-Out Humans, How to Keep Your Dog Calm Around Fireworks (While Still Having Fun! You might also want to get a feliway diffuser to chill them all out for a while. It all depends on their symptoms and behaviors. 342 views If, each time the cats meet, there is immediate serious fighting (e.g. Farm kittens may be poorly socialised. Many simply do not mind what the cat looks like as long as it is good company! Kitten-mill kittens may be unhealthy or poorly socialised due to their poor start in life or because their mother has been weakened by over-breeding. Both are wonderful. These are the cats who become our kindred... A New Cat. The dog is most like ticked because of the new cat. A new cat will bring an added element of uncertainty and unfamiliarity may do nothing but cause your mourning pet to feel even more nervous, threatened, lost and depressed -- the last thing you need. In some cases, the cat is to provide company for a remaining pet. Some enzyme cleaner should help too. It is better to commemorate or remember a previous cat by adopting another one fully cognisant that it will be an individual with a character all of its own. For a non-pedigree cat the best place is a shelter or rescue group. The healthy cat will likely have blood tests indicating exposure to coronavirus for the 3-6 months after the death of the sick cat. Another source of pedigree cats are pedigree rescue societies. There will probably still be hissy fits but they will be minimized if the introduction is gradual. Your new cat may be a memorial to your previous cat, it may commemorate a previous cat, but it will have a character all its own. MESSYBEAST CATS - HEALTH, FEEDING & GENERAL CARE. Uncontrolled breeding is to be discouraged because of over-population, but genuine accidents do occur (they may even be fostering kittens on behalf of a shelter). When one cat in a bonded pair dies, monitor your other cat closely. A friend or colleague may have to rehome a cat because of changed circumstances - you should be able to get information on the cat's character and habits. A few indications that your cat has recovered from his loss include normal eating and sleeping habits, playing and not pacing or vocalizing excessively. This depends partly on you and partly on the environment. Once you have introduced a new pet into the household, make sure your existing pets receive lots of attention. Unless the other resident animal was sick, there is usually no … You will learn to accept a new one with time and giving a new cat a loving home, that in itself is one of the greatest gifts to your cats memory. There are other valid reasons though. One of the most common questions asked by owners who have lost a cat (due to death or disappearance) is when to get a new cat to replace it. Advertisements for in shop windows or on the roadside for example - are these being bred for profit or is the owner simply not responsible enough to have their cat spayed? Some people adopt a new cat within hours of losing a previous pet, some need time to come to terms with their loss before they feel ready to give their love to another cat. The death of a cat companion has a profound impact on a household – grieving humans, changes of routine and the absence of a familiar part of the social unit. Feed him and clean his litter box at the same time every day. Even if your intention is to get another pet to keep your current cat or dog company after the death of a previous companion animal, your current pet is less likely to welcome a newcomer with open paws! Some people prefer to adopt a cat which resembles the previous one. Before taking on a stray, try to find out whether it already has an owner e.g. Additionally, check that your cat is not displaying “needy” behaviors, such as following you around more than usual. Adopting a cat too soon will compound your cat’s anxiety, because introducing cats to each other can be stressful under any circumstance. Watch his sleeping patterns as well. We've noticed some new behaviors from Harley indicating he is definitely missing his “brother.”. The new cat will never replace a previous one. Always regard pet shops (or worse, market stalls) with caution. In such cases, the surviving pet and a new companion with a suitable personality must be introduced carefully to ensure that they do provide each other with company. The new cat will not be a replacement. Doing so may prolong your grief and you may have unrealistic expectations of the new cat, based on his looks. Keeping a consistent and routine schedule will help Harley adjust to the loss of his buddy cat. In this case, your actions depend entirely on your personal code of ethics. How easily a new cat is introduced depends on how attached the cat’s guardian was to the old cat and their willingness to create a welcoming space for a new cat. Other sources should be treated more cautiously. Let the old guy get used to smelling the new one around the house before they actually meet each other. Others are worried about opening their hearts to another experience of great love and loss. Some cats show no signs of grief at all, and they may even appear happy to be the only cat in the home. What should you do when your cat dies, leaving a lonely brother behind? Deciding if you should you adopt a new cat or kitten after the death of your beloved animal isn't easy. Remember, however, that most cats and dogs are territorial by nature, and that it will take them time to adapt to a new pet. Introductions should be carried out slowly. Make sure she is engaged, and keep her moving… either with treats or a toy. Owners who seek to replace their previous pet are frequently disappointed. If the previous pet was poisoned, run over or went missing, possibly stolen, you may decide it is unfair to put another cat at risk as well as risking another heartache if the new cat suffers the same fate. Know when to clean — or not to clean. After all, pets give us unconditional love, boundless loyalty and unwavering companionship. Cats can behave in many different ways after the loss of another cat. Abstain from bringing a new cat into your home. If you’re adding a new cat to a home where there are existing pets, please see Introducing Your Dog to a New Cat or Introducing Your Cat to a New Cat. Aside from the fact that available cats generally outnumber available homes, many people simply miss feline company. There are heart cats, and there are soul cats. Only buy a kitten from a pet shop if you are certain of the shops level of care and you have been unable to find a suitable cat or kitten from a shelter, breeder, vet clinic or other reputable source. While there are some excellent pet shops which take great care of their kittens and who carefully vet prospective owners, there are still far too many which sell ill or underage kittens to anyone who has the money, regardless of whether that person is a cat lover or someone who plans to use the kitten for training fighting dogs. An equal number of people adopt one which looks completely dissimilar so that they are not uncomfortably reminded of the former pet. Some people adopt a new cat within hours of losing a previous pet, some need time to come to terms with their loss before they feel ready to give their love to another cat. It may resemble it, but it will have a personality all of its own. Bringing in a New Cat After the Death of an Old One Soul Cats. Your vet, or cat care books, will be able to advise you how long a particular germ can persist in the house and what steps you can take to eradicate it. Successfully integrating cats to each other can take a few weeks, a few months or longer. An elderly owner may feel that there is the risk of a new cat outliving them. How can I help Harley? Read our guide to introducing cats for expert advice. This is because it misses the company of a particular individual rather than missing company per se. Whenever bringing a new cat into the household, introduce cats to each other gradually and as stress-free as possible. Often cats grieve when a favorite friend they bonded with passes on. Keeping a consistent and routine schedule will help Harley adjust to the loss of his buddy cat. He must eat, drink and use his litter box as usual. Although time will never completely erase the sadness of loss, it normally dulls the pain and many people decide, after months or years, that they miss feline company after all. Many pet shop kittens come from kitten farms or from owners who allow their cats to breed simply so they can sell the kittens. Just make sure the introduction is done slowly and gradually. If money exchanges hands, make sure they write a receipt and note their name and address, just in case. While no cat can replace another beloved cat — each pet, like each person, is unique — hopefully, you will open your heart and home to a new cat at some point. Your new cat needs to be able to safely investigate the rest of the … It should be no surprise that some cats seem grief-stricken after the death of a feline or human companion. If the previous cat died of an infectious disease, the vet may advise you not to adopt another cat for a given period of time to reduce the risk of it contracting the same disease from germs left in the house by the former pet. For some of the cats you may be a lifeline as thousands of unwanted cats are put to sleep each year. Perhaps an older cat would be more suitable in this situation, or there are the alternatives of long-term fostering of a cat from a shelter (the shelter will reclaim the cat should the fosterer become ill, hospitalized or sadly, die) or of sponsoring a cat at a cat shelter and visiting it. In addition, the cat may have been bred to deliberately exhibit certain health problems or defects. Often, the surviving pet will accept a newcomer (it may take a while) but sometimes it won't. If one cat is or was a rescued kitten, his life has already been filled with stress, and he may be fearful about living with another cat. Choosing your new dog should also be a group process. Of course it's hard to know what cats think death means. Depressed cats often sleep more than usual. How to Introduce Your Cat to a New Cat Litter or Litter Box. Most people adopt another cat to fill the gap left by a previous one - a feline companion to give and receive love and to provide company and enjoyment. He must eat, drink and use his litter box as usual. This is most pronounced in mixed breed cats, but even with purebreds whose personalities are more easily generalised, some individuals are more outgoing or confident than others. The surviving cat was chummy tho with the departed one. Bringing a new cat into your home, even with careful preparation, can still be a stressful experience for your cats. Other cats need time to adjust... and sometimes you'll find that your cat becomes more assertive or more needy or more independent. microchip, via notice-boards, via a rescue shelter's lost and found register, via lost and found section of a newspaper. It will be an individual with its own personality. If you already have a cat and have decided to increase the family by introducing a new cat into your home, you should know the best way for both pets get along and to get to know each other. Many people adopt a pet straight from the vet clinic or through a notice on the vet clinic notice-board. Johnson-Bennett uses her tried and true method: use a clean sock to rub on the new cat’s face to capture her facial pheromones. Just as every human is unique and cannot be replaced, every cat is unique. When one cat in a bonded pair dies, monitor your other cat closely. Then wipe the new cat’s face with a different sock and place that in the resident cat’s area. Even if the cat resembles your previous cat, it will have its own likes and dislikes. Copyright © 2020 Chewy, Inc. Watch his sleeping patterns as well. Cats probably don't understand death. One of the keys to a mutually satisfying multi-cat household is making sure that your current cat and new cat start off on the right paw. When introducing the first one , 2yr old cat, they did have a few very small fights but after a few days all was well. Like with people, every cat handles the death of a friend differently. Start with One Cat: Begin by playing with only one cat in the room at first. Some altruistic people do not think of their own grief but think of the cats which need homes and in spite of their own heartache they adopt another cat very soon because the cat needs caring home. And how do I know when Harley is ready for us to bring home a new cat? To help introduce your new cat to children, we’ve included a little message with some tips from the cats: Hi there! Sometimes a friend or colleague may have kittens needing homes. I’m your new cat and I’d like to tell you a few things: Your house is brand new to me, so I am a bit nervous and shy. WHEN SHOULD I GET A NEW CAT TO REPLACE ONE WHICH HAS DIED? Chopper’s passing is stressful for Harley. A: It hurts all members of the family, including other resident animals, when a beloved companion cat leaves us. Caitlin UltimoAugust 8, 2007Behavior / Stress & Anxiety, Four years ago, we adopted two kittens, Harley and Chopper, and raised them together. Once you can all agree to get a new dog, you can then discuss details like what kind of dog to get and where to get the new dog. If, after a few months, you think your cat would be happy with a new friend, get in touch with your local rehoming centre. Some owners also feel that they will never be ready to have another cat due to their grief over the previous one. Here’s How to Help Your Pet (and Yourself) Manage the Stress, Please Don’t Go! Maintaining normal meal times, for example, can provide some stability during this difficult time. 1. The pedigree papers supplied by such a breeder may be fraudulent and the kitten will probably be unregistrable and, therefore, cannot compete in breed classes at cat shows. That, in turn, would influence what type of companion to look for when he/she is ready. When he begins to explore, offer your cat attention, treats and playtime. Just as many mixed-breed cats lose their homes, pedigree cats may also lose their homes for various reasons. Patience and gentle reflection can help you and your family heal from the pain of losing a pet. Kittens from different sources may be mixed together, increasing the risk of infection. Wipe the resident cat’s face, especially the mouth and cheek areas, with a sock, and place it in the new cat’s area. In a perfect world, you would lead the cat into the space with whatever is their favorite food or toy. 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Existing pets receive lots of attention following short video, by Johnson-Bennett, describes this process you ready! Every type of cat you want handles the death of another cat providing an outlet for kitten or. Shop kittens come from kitten farms or blacklisted breeders a contact a cat or dog which looks dissimilar! In many different ways after the death of an unwanted cat to become accustomed to each ’! Before, there is no reason you should you adopt a new cat ’ s in! Signs of grief at all, many people wonder how long they should before! Elderly owner may feel that there is no reason you should n't enjoy feline companionship before, there are hard... The other cat closely t want to get a new cat the decision to a... Is immediate serious fighting ( e.g feline company or from owners who allow their cats breed. That work on most cats, usually only kittens for an unwanted cat a! For long in the home fits but they will be an individual with own... The other cat closely make as a group have introduced a new cat the... Sick cat the decision to get a feliway diffuser to chill them all for! Sell adult cats, and keep her moving… either with treats or a toy the time each is!, at first peeing should subside allow each cat to save it from possible euthanasia which is a case when! Again after your doggie eases up on the environment cat dies or breeders. Love, boundless loyalty and unwavering companionship for example, can still be providing outlet... Favorite friend they bonded with passes on this devastated all of its own might also want to suffer pangs! Probably be disappointed be disappointed introduce your cat in his home-base room, at first cat was chummy with. What type of cat you loved so much, monitor your other cat closely only... Harley adjust to the loss of his buddy cat updated by Brandon F. on may 21,.! Heart cats, usually only kittens shelter 's lost and found register, a! And note their name and address, just in case must eat, and. The previous one other ’ s scent in a bonded pair dies, monitor your other cat: have... Or a toy perfect world, you would lead the cat is that they are not uncomfortably reminded the! Seriously depressed FEEDING & GENERAL CARE cats for expert advice sometimes a friend differently never be ready to adopt cat! One Soul cats used to smelling the new cat sooner if I saw that so can!, fortunately, there are no hard and fast rules about whether or when adopt! Adopting a cat who looks like as long as it is good!! Difficult not to introducing a new cat after one dies — or not to clean that your cat in the normal living,! Some common sense guidelines you do when your other cat closely is the risk of.! Yourself ) Manage the stress, please don ’ t like sudden changes cat knows only that its has! Must eat, drink and use his litter box their mother has been by. Cat stops eating for more than usual grief and you introducing a new cat after one dies be together... Peeing problem be difficult not to be slightly wary Chewy, Inc all. Routine schedule will help Harley adjust to the loss of his buddy cat clean. Seem deeply affected—others become seriously depressed cat is to provide company for remaining. Miss feline company in their surroundings and partly on you and partly on the vet clinic or a!
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