Cat Companion?

[Roccos_Mom]

Last spring, I adopted a black long-hair male cat named Rocco, who had been adopted from the Humane Society by the person I got him from..they've estimated his age to be around 3 years old. He is neutered and healthy.

I am totally in love with this guy. He is so incredibly affectionate and loving - I've gotten very attached to him. However, I do need some advice.

In the neighborhood I live in, it would not be safe for me to let him outside; I've not let him out at all since I've had him, although he does have access to several windows where he can sit and watch. However, one time he did sneak out and was gone until morning, in spite of my best efforts to find him. Since then, he roams around the house at times, maowing (the howling sound - not the usual meow) loudly. Nothing seems to placate him. My guess is that he wants to be outside. One of my concerns about this is that I live in a multi-unit house, and I don't want his loud noises to disturb the neighbors. My biggest concern is just not knowing what's causing him to do this so that I can fix it.

Also, I work and have a fairly active social life, so I'm gone quite a bit, and when I come home, he insists on cuddling, and often when I'm working at the computer, he'll do whatever it takes to get my attention so that I'll hold him and love on him...sometimes to the point of annoyance.

Based on all of this, I've wondered if it might help to get him a companion. My only concern with this is based on past experience - I don't want him to start spraying to mark his territory. So, my question is this: if I got another cat, what are the odds he would start spraying, since he's neutered, and would he be more likely to do so with a male or female? Also, should I look at getting a kitten, or an adult cat? I have no idea how he gets along with other cats, but he does fine with dogs and is so laid back, I can't imagine him not getting along with another cat.

I'd greatly appreciate any input on this.

[kathyjo]

My male cat P.J. does this too. It is a mournful sounding meow that breaks my heart, but with access to windows, I know that he can watch the goings on, safely and protected. I live in NYC and the cars are the enemy here.

As for spraying......according to my Vet, a neutered male cat will not spray unless he has already gotten into the habit of doing so prior to being neutered.

I take in cats, mostly kittens and try to find them homes so P.J. has seen many come and go and I have never had any problems with him.

Your cat sounds a lot like P.J. and will probably welcome a playmate. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Kathy Jo

[Theresa219]

I cannot give advice about getting a new cat, because I am having issues with my male cat since I brought home a new cat. What we do is let our cat out on a leash, he rolls in the grass and watches the birds for a while and before you know it he is at the door ready to come back in. It works out great for us since we have cyotes out back who have gotten at least two other cats that we had.
Good luck