Should I get a younger cat?

[PTW1234]

We have an oldish cat (11?) and a small youngish dog (4.)

The dog and cat get on beautifully, does help that the cat is bigger than the dog and was here first! They even share a bed by choice.

However as the cat is getting older I feel like he is becoming less tolerable to the dogs energy!!

I am thinking of getting a younger cat, as a companion for dog. I would get another dog but they are a much bigger commitment and think this will stress older cat out more.

I am aware they will be some short term pain introducing a new cat, but ultimately thinking of getting a younger cat to companion with younger dog, so older cat can slink off into the background.

Is this a bonkers idea?

[Toilenstripes]

I wouldn’t do it. Your cat would most likely hate an energetic young cat and Why would you want current cat to slink off into the background? What an awful way to think. 😠

[Roo1000]

It quite possibly is bonkers. If they get on so well i personally wouldn’t introduce another animal. The chances are the new kitten/cat will not get on with the dog or older cat and will be isolated by itself instead. I have both cats and dogs and experience of this. The older cat won’t just slink off into the background...my 20 year old cat is still as dominant as ever!! I would seriously consider not doing this for the sake of the new cat.

[Wolfiefan]

I wouldn’t get a cat as a companion to a dog! 11 isn’t old.

[PTW1234]

We don’t really know how old he is, this is best guesstimates from the vet. He is very grey and just wants to sleep these days. He was very obese and I don’t think treated very well before we homed him, so his 11 is probably old for him health wise.

I have noticed in the last 6 months he is declining the dogs offer to play, a few swipes have been made (just warnings nothing genuinely aggressive).

Good point on the new cat not liking the dog, I have confidence my dog will like the cat as he is desperate to play with next doors (they run away!)

[SlightDelay]

Thats sweet. I vote yes because i read on cats and getting opposite sex or younger is supposed to be ok with existing cats. I would get 1+ years old not a kitten though.

[PTW1234]

I agree not a kitten, my dog would probably be too enthusiastic with a kitten play mate, I wfh so can keep an eye on any introductions.

I am really 50-50 on the idea. I love our cat and he has had a few health scares, so I do think he would like to just retire now.

I was thinking getting old cat a new bed that only he is allowed to sleep in, possibly one of those radiator beds, he is currently on my lap with dog by my feet