Dear Critter Corner: My cat Leo meows a lot when he sees other cats or dogs in the neighborhood outside. When they come up to our front door he continues to meow. I think he might want a furry sibling. Is there anything I need to think about when adopting another cat or dog?
That’s great that your kitty might be interested in a sibling! There are plenty of dogs and cats available for adoption at Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS). Feel free to browse the PHS website to view the available animals and learn more about their backgrounds and any adoption requirements. PHS adoption staff are also available to help with determining which animal would be a better fit for your kitty, based on your cat’s temperament, daily routine, home environment, and lifestyle.
When bringing another animal into the home, it’s a good idea to have a solid understanding of your cat’s preferences and daily routine. Does Leo have a lot of energy and like to play, or does he prefer to sleep undisturbed? Is Leo younger or older, and would he prefer a sibling near his age? How big is Leo? Would he do better with a smaller sibling or one larger than him? It’s really helpful to understand what Leo’s preferences are in general by looking at his behavior and daily habits to then understand who he may enjoy living with, as opposed to just tolerating the other animal.
Also, it will be helpful to consider your own lifestyle, habits, and work schedule in the context of caring for your animals. If you work during the day, will you be able to take a dog out for a potty break midday or hire a dog walker? Do you prefer quiet evenings and weekends or more active ones hiking or going to the park? Does your tendency to travel for work require hiring a pet sitter? The answers to these questions are important in allowing the adoption staff to better match you with a dog or cat that fits your lifestyle.
Fostering is another great way to test whether Leo truly wants a sibling or is just curious about the animals outside. Based on Leo’s temperament and your lifestyle, PHS staff can help match you with a potential foster cat or dog and you’ll be able to see how Leo does as well.
Mary-Ann Fernandes is a Trainer for the Behavior and Training Department at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. For more information, please call 650-340-7022 or email behavior@phs-spca.org.