What can I do for a lonely cat when I can't afford a second one

[charlie and algernon]

I'm thinking Esther is lonely when I'm at work all day. The people in the upstairs house say she meows at the bottom of the steps when they get home and she recently started not eating unless I'm there watching her. I fixed that by moving her food into the main room of the apartment where I spend most my time, so she's eating regularly again. But what else can I do? I really can't afford a second cat. Anyone else have only 1 cat?

[TZ]

1. You should post this in the Pets group

I have two so I can't say..maybe you can buy her a little cat tree or something to climb on play with while you are out?

[charlie and algernon]

3. problem is, she has yet to show an affinity to climbing

She's a big girl, so agility isn't quite her thing. She does have a cat scratch tower, and feather attached to a hanging string, plus an assortment of balls and mice.

[VenusRising]

2. Do you have cable?

We always turned the channel to Animal Planet when we left the cat alone. He was able to hear human voices that are loving and kind toward animals. I don't know if that really helped him, but it's a possibility.

[charlie and algernon]

4. hm, I may try that.

[SOteric]

5. I have only one cat,

and I'm fairly certain he's not interested in company. In fact, I'd hate to see what he'd do if I asked him to share his attention and personal space.

I make sure he's got lots of interactive toys to play with when I'm not home, -and warm, snuggy places to curl up for a nap. Before I leave, I always refill his water dish, put down fresh food, scoop anything out of his litter box and turn the radio station to a local University driven Jazz station where there are many soothing voices and sounds to keep him company.

[charlie and algernon]

6. Esther does have a chihuahua upstairs, but wants nothing to do with her

every time we've introduced the two of them she's run away back to the apartment. The dog can't come down, but the cat is free to wander the whole house. She came from a shelter where all the cats played in a communal area together, but she kept to herself mostly. I like the idea of playing music or keeping the TV on all day so she at least hears a human voice.

[Maraya1969]

7. I've had plenty of animals and I do not think 2 cats cost much more than

1. You have to pay the initial cost at the shelter but many are very cheap and that way she'll be spayed or neutered and have all her shots. I think if you tell them that you are hard in the money situation they may be receptive if you agree that you will find the money to take the cat to the vet if need be.

I really wish you would get another cat for her. My cats have strange relationships but I really think they like having the others around....even if there is the occasional hissy fit.

[charlie and algernon]

10. I have the money for a second one, but right now I need that money for car issues

so I have it, but not for another animal.

[Sanity Claws]

8. Do you keep regular hours?

If you do, the cat will gradually adjust and sleep while you're away and be awake when you're home. That's what my single cat did, when I had only one cat.
How long have you had Esther?

[charlie and algernon]

9. i work regularly from 9-5 M-F

I've had her for just under a month, so she may just be adjusting yet

[Sanity Claws]

11. Cats really do sleep a lot

I heard they sleep 16 hours a day, leaving just 8 hours awake. She'll be awake for a couple of hours in the morning when you are getting ready to go to work and up again several hours in the evening. That doesn't leave much awake time for when you're out.
Another thing, my pets always crashed on Mondays. They usually slept less on the weekends trying to keep up with me. By Monday, they were ready to crash for the day.
So I guess my advice would be to keep regular hours as much as possible so she gets used to the rhythm of your life and she'll adjust. Also don't let her sleep much when you're awake, so she is tired and ready to sleep when you're gone.
Good luck to you and Esther.

[applegrove]

12. Does she like catnip? leave a tiny pile of catnip somewhere each day

so she can have a little fun and then sleep.