grief takes a physical toll

[bmccasland]

RR - first BIG HUGS for the loss of your fur baby. Many TE fur babies will be at the Rainbow Bridge to meet him.

I adopted a young cat last winter, she wasn't quite a year old, a few months after my ailing older cat Erin died. New kitty, Calypso, pretty much leaves one of my cats alone, and focuses all her attention on my other cat. Interestingly, the cat she leaves alone was best buds with Erin. I guess Herald isn't ready to love another cat again. Meanwhile my other cat, Bonnie, is not entirely happy with the new attention from an energetic bundle of fur that outweighs her. Although after 6 months, they can be next to each other peacefully. I haven't caught Bonnie or Herald in the act of grooming Calypso yet. Bonnie does come to groom Herald on occasion - I think Herald is still in mourning.

So, short answer - current fur kids will work out whether or not they accept a new kid in the house. Just make sure you give your older kitties lots of love and attention. It might be easier adopting an adult cat, especially if that cat has been in a home with other cats.

[redrhodie]

Thanks, Beth. I think she'd react similarly to your cats--standoffish at best. I'm now leaning away from getting a new kitty right away. I'm getting the sense she's not lonely for another cat. She has been extra affectionate to me, so that's been the good thing this week. A new personality to deal with may be too much for her just yet. We'll see how she's doing in a month or so.

As for me....I went for a ride last night, and it felt really good. I'm taking today off to recover some more.