It's a cat one - should I adopt another cat?

[Meangirl6]

Hello,

I need some advice as I am very conflicted. I know the right answer but my heart is saything something different.

I have a four year old cat who has a virus that is a lifelong thing. It can cause severe health issues however, she has it under control and lives a very good life. Over the years she's had numerous vet visits and two operations on her mouth.

My vet has previously advised against adopting another cat.

However I've fallen in love with a rescue kitten. The rescue have said they're OK to adopt to us with my cat but 2 other rescues previously said no.

It is a highly contagious virus.

If we get her my cat may become sick with the stress of having a new cat in the house. When she's stressed she can sometimes have a flare up but they're usually mild and is manageable.

What do I do? It could all be fine but my gut is saying no.

No. Please do not do this. If you love the kitten, do what is in the kitten's best interests.

I know. Thank you.

I love my girl too and wouldn't want to stress her out.

I wouldn't, it could cause a lot of stress for both of them, sorry your cat is unwell, what's the virus. I'd it's highly contagious won't another cat be at risk of it.

Hmm - I wouldn't - it is not fair to the cat you have and you need to consider what happens further down the line. We have had 2 since they were 8 weeks old. One we lost earlier this year due to cancer, his brother is still with us - they were/are 19 years old. A cat is a very long commitment and with old age there can be additional age related illnesses. My remaining boy is deaf, also has a thyroid condition which is treated twice daily. I've attached a photo of him - his name is Pink Nose for obvious reasons!

If the kitten hasnt got the same virus im presuming FIP Or FIV or calcivirus, then it wouldnt be fair on the kitten as he/she will get the virus and will spend a lifetime with it, another idea is to look for a rescue cat/kitten with the same virus i work for a cat charity and we do get kits in with these then it wont be a problem as the new kit will already be in the same position

Thank you very much.

It is calichivirus. When my cat is stressed she does have a flare up.

I'd have to keep them separate until the kitten has had their 2nd vaccination too which I doubt I'd be able to do as my cat REALLY doesn't like being apart from me.

I'm sad but I think it is for the best. I'm very lucky with my girl she truly is my best friend.