Better to keep two cats or re-home one?

[amberj]

I posted a little while ago about the fact that our cats are really not loving having our child around, and its come to a point where I would like to make some changes for them if I can. But I don't know what is best to do and would appreciate some advice.

Briefly, I have two cats. Jersey is a big orange cat who I've had for years. He is very sensitive and people-shy. Bailey is a small fluffy cat who is fairly friendly and very cute, but not the sharpest knife in the block. Ironically, Jersey actually copes better with having Peter around. Jersey and Bailey don't really get along. Jersey pretty much ignores Bailey.

I am thinking about re-homing Bailey. She's cute and nice and would adjust quite well to the right home. Jersey would never adjust and I'm significantly more attached to him anyhow, and he is generally coping a bit better than Bailey. But my question is, would it be even harder on Jersey if we get rid of his only feline companion, even if he doesn't really like her? I has just Jersey for several years, but I didn't have a child then.

Are cats really dependant on each other??

[Kazbah]

Hard to say really - I know that one of my cats *needs* company whether its feline, canine or human. He yowls if he's by himself. My other cat is a definate loner and is happy to just come inside and cuddle occaisionally!

If you are going to rehome your cat, please drop me a line if you're having problems, as I have a few links to rehoming organisations. Please don't rehome at the RSPCA!

[jackrose]

In my experience some cats are more dependent on eachother than others. Generally speaking, cats who have grown up with eachother would find it difficult to be separated (but it is not impossible) and cats who have been introduced later should be fine being separated.

My DH and I both brought a cat each into our relationship, each cat was about 2 years old at the time. I had a sooky, soft cat who loved peoples laps (Female) and he had a tough, independant cat who loved a good pat and then out the door (Male). My cat happily tried to bond with his, but DH's cat only ever tolerated mine! We had to move to temporary accommodation for a year or two which was not appropriate for cats and re-homed them with 2 different lovely friends for that time and after a period of adjustment, the cats were really happy. (They always loved a visit from us though!). Then about 2 years after we got them back we introduced our DD. Our cat did seem to cope and although they ignore DD and still tolerate eachother - they are very happy cats in general.

I guess what I am saying is that if you have your cat's best interests at heart, I don't think you can make a wrong decision. I think by the sounds of it Bailey would be better re-homed for everyone's best interests. Jersey should be fine without him - more than likely much happier to not have another feline around.

I hope you work something out. It is lovely to have pets with kids, but better to have happy pets!