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Advice re: a lonely cat please

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StarFaerie:
Hi all.

My BF used to have 2 cats, but a few months ago one went missing and has not returned. Since then the other cat, Linus, has changed personality a lot to become a lot more pushy, about everything. He also has become a lot more vocal and walks around the house meowing for seemingly no reason. It has occurred to us that Linus may be lonely. BF does not want to get a new cat. One is plenty, having 2 meant fights between them.

Other items that may be useful,
a few weeks ago we went on a holiday and Linus was much worse when we got back, though he has settled down again.
BF spends about 3 nights a fortnight at my house (so Linus is alone those nights)and I spend about 7 nights a fortnight at BFs house (So Linus has 2 people around on those nights).
Linus seems to like me and is very insistent about lying on my lap not anyone else's so I don't think me being around is the issue.
Linus seems to be in perfect health. He eats his food as usual, has no hair loss or other problems.

So my question is, does anyone know enough about cat behaviour to give some ideas on how to help Linus to be a happier cat?

Thank you for any help :)

Lorelei_Evil:
He's just a little lonely.  Talk to him more.  Play with toys with him.  Make sure you greet him when you come over and say bye bye when you leave.  Da Bird is an awesome interactive toy. 

Spoiled?  My cats?  You're absolutely correct!   ;D

wolfie:
He's lonely. 2 cats does not mean fighting. I have 8 and for the most part they all get along. If you go to a good rescue/shelter and give them info on Linus's personality and living situation they should be able to match you up with another cat who would do well with him.

Sirius:
His behavior is similar to that of my aunt's cat.  Max was one of four pets when my aunt passed away - two dogs and another cat.  One by one the others went to new homes, and Max came home with me.  When he first got here, he wouldn't leave the living room area where he would hide in the front coat closet, and when I came up to the living room to spend some time with him he'd be pushy and vocal but then settle down. Linus sounds lonely.  Having another cat around doesn't necessarily mean fights, if chosen carefully; for instance, my two females, Daisy and Minnie, have gradually been getting used to having Max around.  There hasn't been any fighting, although there's been some yowling and hissing, but they're gradually getting more and more used to each other.  Today Max and Daisy were actually napping on the same bed within a foot of each other.  I would suggest that the BF get another cat, one who is old enough to defend themselves, because introducing a small kitten to a male adult cat can be fraught with difficulties unless carefully supervised.  Or, if it's an adult cat, try to pair males with female (making sure that everyone is spayed/neutered before any introductions take place). 

If BF really doesn't want another cat, s/he needs to spend more time with Linus and see if that helps.

Here's a questionnaire from the website belonging to the shelter where we got Daisy and Minnie that might help show what type of cat Linus would get along with:

http://catadoptionteam.org/adopt/meet-your-match/

JoW:
Bringing in another cat does not necessarily mean cat fights.

I just got 2 cats to be companions to my 13-year old obese male cat and to torment him into being more active.  He got really fat when his previous companions died (age related).  The humane society suggested 2 young adult females. 

I've had the panther girls for a month now.  There has been exactly 1 fight, and it was more a hissy fit than a fight.  The first night the girls wanted to sleep with me and Dax got territorial.  I threw the girls in the sewing room (I had food and a cat box in there, just in case) for that one night. 

All 3 slept on my bed 6 days later.  Now, at 4 weeks, Dax lets Sam play with his tail.  Sam is trying to get Dax to play fight with him.  Sassy gets a thrill out of stealing Dax's food, and Dax puts up with it.  The all drink from the same water bowl and use the same cat boxes.  They all sleep with me, with the girls at the foot of the bed, Dax sharing a pillow with me. 

(Sam and Sassy are both all-black.  Thats why I call them panthers.)

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