What's With the New Guy?

When bringing another pet into your home it is important to make sure your family is ready for the addition – and that means the pet who has been an only pet for all his life with you. 

My client has a cat named Homer, he is approximately 16 years old and was rescued 10 years ago.  He has been a single pet, although she tried to introduce other cats in the beginning, and he reacted badly. 

Lately she has befriended a cat, whom she named Dusty, who appeared on her hillside, and she’s been feeding him. He is now limping badly and she’s keeping him in a bedroom, separate from Homer. He is being neutered and his leg treated.

Here is my conversation with Homer:

Frances:  Hi Homer – how are you?

Homer:  I’m ok, why?

Frances:  Your mom asked if I would talk with you, is that ok?  

Homer:  Yeah, I suppose so. What about?

Frances:  You know she loves you very much, right?  

Homer:  Yeah, so?

Frances:  So, she would like to bring another cat to join your family.  He is living outside, and it isn’t safe for him due to the coyotes – the big mean dog like animals.  They eat cats and other animals as they don’t have a loving mom like you do.  

Homer:  So why are you telling me this?

Frances:  She would like you to accept the new cat and be kind to him.  There is plenty of food and love for both of you, you know that, right?  

Homer:  Yeah, I get that, but aren’t I enough?

Frances:  Yes, of course you are – you are more than enough.  But there is so much love for more and more kindness to share too.  He needs a safe place to live, and your mom would like you to be kind and accepting to this new cat. 

Homer:  Oh, I suppose so as long as he doesn’t get into my stuff.

Frances:  He’ll have his own stuff, but it would be nice of you to share some stuff.  

Homer:  Yeah, I suppose so.

Frances:  Thank you, Homer.  Would you like to tell your mom anything?  

Homer:  Please tell Mom I love her very much and sorry I’ve been making such a fuss over other animals coming inside.  I guess I was being kind of selfish.  I know what it’s like not having a loving family to care for you.  Thank you for all you do for me, and I guess we’re expanding the family – at least by one more.  I know I’m getting older and won’t be around forever so this might be a good fit to have another be there when it’s my time to go.  Not planning on anytime soon, but you know, thinking ahead as I don’t know when I’ll have this chance to talk to you like this.  

Frances:  Thank you, Homer – I know Mom will appreciate your change of heart.  Bye for now. 

Homer:  Bye and thank you for talking with me.

Frances:  My pleasure, Homer.

For the Love of Animals,

Frances