I have been giving more and more thought to getting a companion for Miss
Cruizer but I'm not sure if it is a good idea. And my boyfriend is a
complicating factor. Here's my issues, please let me know what you all think:
My boyfriend could not handle taking in a sick cat (meaning that we know a
cat is positive for FELV or FIV when we take it in) - - he wasn't crazy about
getting any pet but my cousin talked him into it because Cruizer was a stray
that was going to get hurt if someone didn't take her home.
He is an incredibly emotional person. He is not good at dealing with the
loss of a pet - - let's leave it that he had a traumatic loss of a pet as a
child and it haunts him and scares him. He does love animals. I've taken
him to a petting zoo because he just loves animals so much. Odd combination,
I'm sure. Anyway, he is totally uncomfortable taking in a knowingly sick cat
- - he's afraid it will get sick and die sooner than normal. I've told him
all the facts but he still feels that way.
In order for him to be OK with the idea of another pet, that means 1) a dog
or 2) a healthy cat
Due to work hours I don't think a dog is an option PLUS a dog requires much
more attention and Cruizer is obsessed with getting attention so getting a
dog could depress or stress her or something.
That leaves the option of a healthy cat.
Obvious concerns: protecting a healthy cat from getting FELV or FIV - Cruizer
has both.
Protecting for FIV is reasonably simple: don't let Cruizer bite healthy cat.
It is the FELV that I am worried about.
I have heard about vaccinations for FELV - - does it work? any
thoughts/suggestions/ opinions?
Now, I also want to be sure that this would not create a problem for Cruizer.
Cruizer is a total lapcat and I will not dethrone her for a new cat. That
makes me think that a kitten or young cat might be acceptable to her. BUT,
is a shelter going to think I'm a nut-case if I specifically ask for one that
does not seem to be a lapcat? I figure a non-lapcat might be acceptable for
Cruizer.
Also, I want a cat that can teach Cruizer how to play. She doesn't know how
and when I try to get her to play I sit there playing with the toys while she
curls up and starts purring in my lap.
Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated. If based on this and my concerns
you think another cat would not be a good idea I am open to that as well. I
just think a companion might be good for Cruizer since she spends a lot of
time home alone.
Thanks for letting me air my worries with all of you . . .
Rachel
