Advice please....new companion for young male cat recently bereaved

[Lillyludge]

Hi all, I'd just like to know what you think about my current dilemma.

I've had two 18 month old neutered brothers since they were 14 weeks old. They adored each other (played, hung out, even slept hugging each other). Lovely natured. The best natured cats I've ever known in fact.

Unfortunately I've just lost one of them (road accident)

I'm not sure what to do now. Should I get a companion for my lovely lonesome boy (kitten maybe?) or just keep him as a single cat? I think he's going to miss his brother so much, but I might be projecting my own feelings

I deliberately got siblings this time as I thought they'd be lifelong friends. In the past I've had cats that weren't related and even though I've had them both since they were young, they've hated each other their entire lives!

He's such a lovely boy...I don't want him to be lonely but I also don't want him to be stuck with a cat he hates! What should I do???

[EnriqueTheRingBearingLizard]

I don't think you can know unless you introduce a potential new companion because every relationship is different. Maybe a rescue cat on trial might be an idea so you can return if it doesn't work out for either of them.

From experience my DD had an adult female cat and later introduced a younger male. They had a friendly relationship, but she also met with an accident. I said it would be better to leave him as a single but DD got a young female kitten, very young, and they're getting along really well, playing and keeping each other company. He's been neutered so no worries on that score, they just seem to be companions for each other.

You just never know how it's going to go, but as a rule I think younger cats do prefer to have a friend if their character seems that way.

[RubbishMantra]

Like Enrique said, you can never really know until they're introduced.

MCat seemed to hate MKitten at first, lots of hissing and growling that went on for weeks. MKitten's a very gregarious and friendly type, so wasn't put off by this and was determined to make friends. He never once hissed back at MCat. Now they're brothers in arms, thick as thieves.

Some breeds are friendlier and more even-tempered than others - MKitten is a Devon Rex, known for their easy-going extrovert nature. So perhaps some research into breed types?

Sorry you lost one of your boys.

[Lillyludge]

Thanks for the advice. I think I will try and get a littler one and see how they get on.