Household Changes With Maggie the Cat

[kybearfuzz]

It's been over three weeks since Murphy the Cat took off for the Rainbow Bridge and it's been something of an adjustment in the house for both me and for Maggie the Cat.

Maggie has always been the aloof, skittish kitty that would scramble the moment someone new came into the house. She would get in my lap on occasion, but usually was quite content to park herself on the back of the couch. She wasn't very vocal. She usually wasn't much for being petted. I always referred to Murphy as my buddy and Maggie as my roommate.

Since Murphy passed away, Maggie's behavior has done an almost full 180 degree change. It's almost as though she knows that she's now the top cat in the house with all the duties and obligations that come with the title.

Now she wants in my lap all the time. She meows at me when I come home, happy chirp sounds sometimes. She sleeps next to me in bed and doesn't mind being petted (usually). She follows me from room to room sometimes. Even when aceofspace was here last weekend, she rubbed up against his leg when she normally would scamper away at the sight of him.

I'm happy with the change in her behavior, but it's making me wonder if getting another cat, or even a kitten, to keep her company during the day is a good idea. I suspect she'd likely accept a kitten over an adult, but I also worry that the kitten's high energy would not be compatible with her low-key (and often low-patience) nature.

It's something to think about. Meanwhile, I'll try to take cute photos of her now that she's acting cute.

Comments

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

It's a tough decision. Maggie's become more social now that she's the only cat. The introduction of another cat or kitten could go either way. Good luck!

[dr-tectonic.livejournal.com]

Aww, she's a beauty!

Sounds like she's happy being top cat, so I think if you get another, you want to maintain that situation. A young cat or kitten would probably be good. If you go to the shelter and explain your needs, I bet they can make some good recommendations about likely candidates.

(Skeptical Cat is not actually skeptical of this post, he's just my only kitty icon.)

[labeartorycub.livejournal.com]

I'm of the opinion that another cat might make an otherwise improved socialness in Maggie go wrong. But, as the previous poster said, perhaps the shelter can give you better input.

[putzmeisterbear.livejournal.com]

I would wait a bit before getting a kitten. Let her new more social personality take over. A lot of it is probably her insecurity due to such a big change in her life.

[mikiedoggie.livejournal.com]

I'm looking forward to seeing Maggie this weekend! If Maggie seems to be doing ok, socially, throwing another cat into the mix might upset that. Hard to say, cat behavior is very erratic to me!

[dendren.livejournal.com]

I sometimes wonder what Sophie and Max will be like when the other one is gone. They have such distinct personalities and they have been together since they were born. I have no doubt when one goes I will get another cat, or maybe another pair of twins that can bounce off each other but still be company for their older sibling LOL

But I do agree with the others, give it some time to let Maggie's new found personality flourish a little bit.

[dendren.livejournal.com]

yes, only you... nobody else finds cat behavior erratic at all. ;)

[pudgybloke.livejournal.com]

I've always been curious about how a pet reacts to the loss of another pet...more so with dogs. Sounds like she prefers being the only cat in the house; I'd give it some time before deciding on another one.