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Cat likes people but not other cats. How to keep her from being lonely indoors? (beehaw.org)

submitted 4 months ago by Alice@beehaw.org to c/animals@beehaw.org

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I adopted a stray cat outside my apartment a few years ago. She was originally aggressive both to cats and people, but after I started taking care of her she warmed up to the neighbors, too. Since she'd lived outside for about a decade, I let her out in the yard (supervised) and she came to love lounging and waiting for passers by to give her scritches.

Unfortunately, I've had to move. No more outdoor time for the foreseen future, partially because she's in a completely new town, and partially because there are so many birds around here I don't think I'd be able to keep her from running off.

There isn't even a window facing the walkway where she can interact with people through the window, which was another thing she liked doing in our old place. It's just me to entertain her, and I can be gone ten hours a day.

She has lots of toys and beds and things to climb, but since she loved the neighbors so much, I'm worried she needs a companion. Anyone else been in this situation? How do you help your cat adjust?

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[–] Devi@beehaw.org 2 points 4 months ago (1 children)

You can add lots of toys and treats to keep them amused. Remember at a rescue place each cat has much less space than a room, sometimes a glorified box. It would be really sad if you have to send them back, but I will say I've adopted a lot of adult cats and it's never happened to me. There's a chance, but I think it's fairly low.

Have you considered fostering for a rescue? That way you can save a cat and you can get a better idea how your cat will react.

[–] Alice@beehaw.org 2 points 4 months ago

That's reassuring, thank you. I actually have plenty of extra toys because I learned it's slightly cheaper to add extra cat toys to my order and get free shipping whenever I refill my kitty's flea medication