cat missing his friend

[puffinnuffin]

Out two cats aged 8 and 9 had grown up together since kittens. Sadly the younger cat was very ill and we lost her a month ago. They were very close cats. Our older cat is clearly missing his friend (she was also his niece) and seems very lost without her. He is extra cuddly and attention seeking and has even taken to going up to the dog and trying to talk to him. He hated the dog before we lost our other cat and wouldn't go near him before.

Do you think it would help our cat to get him a friend or would it confuse him more? I have been thinking for some time about getting a rescue cat. Is this a silly idea? If not would it be best to get a much younger cat so he remains 'top cat'? Or is it best for him to be an only cat and bond with our dog?

Thanks.

[cozietoesie]

Myself, I'd leave it a little longer. Many cats enjoy being an only cat (dogs usually don't really count much to cats in my experience) and while he got on with the younger cat, through long acquaintance, there's no guarantee he would appreciate a stranger cat taking her place.

Sure his behaviour has changed with her going but are you sure he's unhappy? A month is hardly anything in these matters.