My boyfriend just got a ten-week old baby MC. He lives in an apartment alone with no other pets and works an 8-5 job. I am concerned that the little one will be lonely and unhappy there all day, though I know cats are by nature independent creatures. He has lots of toys and has entertained himself thus far exploring his new home. Any thoughts on this situation would be greatly appreciated!

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2000

Answers

When I got my MC, I was going to school and working full time, so I was gone 12-14 hours a day. When I got home at night, my cat had so much pent-up energy he would zoom around the house all night. Before too long, I decided to get another cat to keep him company, and it worked beautifully. Now I have two happy, healthy cats who are both glad to see me when I come home, and who keep each other company when I am gone.

-- Anonymous, June 21, 2000

I agree that 2 cats is the ideal solution in this case, as I'm an apartment dweller that lives alone with 2 Maine Coon look alikes, and a rotating 12 hour shift. The cats are always happy to see me come home, and not terribly concerned when I leave them. However, the one thing that I did for them, and which really appeals to the nature of cats, is installed a window-wide shelf that is 18" deep at the bottom sill level looking out onto the busy street. I carpeted it too. They spend many happy hours observing the goings on outside in comfort. Any window height perch for the kitten would be a really good idea, as well as an easy way up to it. (Mine hop on from the back of the couch which is near!)

-- Anonymous, June 22, 2000