You cannot put money issues aside, I'm sorry, but you really can't. I wouldn't advise getting another kitten.

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Yaazmahn, my kitten is a lone kitten and was taken away from her mum at 4/5 weeks of age and we got her at 7 weeks. She was a bit (and still is a bit) bitey, but only when she's playing and she's over excited. You just have to let them know when they overstep the mark (and in my case nag the husband about using his fingers to play with her!)

Hi Yaazmahn,

Allie is a beautiful little kitten!
Have you and your family looked into getting pet insurance for her yet? I know it's something extra to pay when money's tight, but it might save you all from having to make a horrible decision one day.

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Dan

Step-daddy to Philos the tortoiseshell cat
Daddy to Riah the Pyranean mountain dog
Daddy to Kaloi and Hercules the ferrets
Daddy to Pablo and Orion the kittens

To be honest I really wouldn't recommend getting another kitten and I wouldn't try and convince your parents either. Your Mum sounds pretty sensible to me.

It is not a decision to be taken lightly and treatment is not something you can 'put money aside for' as chances are you dip into the savings thinking you won't need it and then, sod's law, you will!

If Allie needs to be covered by PDSA then that already shows you can't afford the treatment for one cat. It is therefore somewhat cheeky to then get another cat and suddenly be able to afford the insurance.

A lot of cats that were separated young can learn to be cats without the help of another. 37 years ago my childhood cat was taken home at 6 weeks and he intergrated with humans and never bit or scratched. I was always amazed going to other peoples houses with vicious cats as our Ringo was so gentle.

A lot of patience and the right discipline is needed. No shouting or aggression. Try and meet all your cat's natural needs like climbing, a quiet place to observe, scratching its claws, playing etc and it will adapt to be happy and cat-like. Try going to the library and seeing if there is a cat behaviour book there. They can be really helpful.

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Not all cats need a playmate.. Alfie is a lone cat and an indoor one at that and he is fine.

I understand your thinking with another cat to learn from but this may not be best under the circumstances. If you look on line at cat training and behaviour sites you may be able to find some things you can do to help Allie. Have you tried teaching her tircks and rewarding them?? If she does the bit scratch thing... walk away..... leave her and then reward her when she does something good/cute.

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Please don't even think of getting another cat. Remember cats live for upto 20 years or more, its a big decision. When you meet someone and want to rent a house , most won't even let you have cats in them. Think beyond the next few weeks and months. Train your kitten, please don't think getting another one will make training yours easier.
My cat was sick a few times I went to the vet and the bill was £700, you are saying you can't even afford basic injections and as far as I can see still haven't taken the kitten to the vets yet for a check-up. Also with your mums illness two kittens mean twice the chances of her getting sratched or bitten. And don't think she won't get bitten or scratched because she will.

Perhaps you should be getting your kitten insured - see other posts about cats getting injured in accidents, can you afford £2000 vets bills if she gets run over like other peoples did in other threads.?

And please don't start letting her outside the house ATALL, thats very irresponsible, as one day she will scarper, run off and she'll be gone, you haven't had her injections done and she hasn't been neutured, Be patient and wait until she is 6-8 months old before she ever goes out the house.

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Kizzi's Mum

I've changed my mind about getting another kitten, I think I posted that after Kaz's last post, maybe it didn't go through. but thanks for all the advice!