Good idea or not to get another cat?

[dippymother]

In October 2005, we got two female kittens from Cats Protection, both 5 months old at the time. They had great fun together but then in July 2006 when the cats were 14 months old, one of them went missing. Despite notifying everyone I could think of and displaying posters, we never found her. The thing is, my other cat, while missing her twin initially, now has the run of the house and seems pretty contented. But my daughter keeps on asking for another cat. Do you think it is a good idea? Should I get same sex? younger? older? Have I left it too long?

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

You could ask the cats charity for advice; they usually want what is best for the cats.

I would think a lot depends on the personality of your existing one.

if you did get another one it would have to be a kitten for the most successful chance of them getting on.

I introduced a young cat (under 1) to our 3 yr old cat after her sister was run over (and we'd moved to a quieter road) didn't get on ever - covert war until 1 died 9 yrs later.

I'd say yes, maybe get a male instead? usually male + female gets on better than m + m or f + f.

A kitten would be best - adult cats don't see them as a threat

Thanks very much for your comments. It looks as though we will be looking for a male kitten!

Our 3yr old Bengal cat had the run of the house also most of last year.
Then a neighbour gave us a free torteshell kitten which was only 6 weeks old (the mother had stopped feeding her).
For the first 3 months we kept them apart but they could see each other (in the conservatory).
We kept her out there as she had no toilet training at all and she just messed everywhere!
Introduced them properly when she was at least 3 months old and at first the Bengal (male) just hissed at her and ran off!
Then he would pin her to the floor and make to bite her neck (like she was prey), so we used to shoo him off.
Now they are best of friends (she is now 8 months old) and she beats him up all the time but he pinnes if she won't play with him.
Hope your kitten gets on with your cat, just take it slowly with the introductions.

Many thanks Ripeberry - will certainly take it verrrrrrry slowly!