Xmas present for Mr Cory the fat tabby...a kitten?

[Corygal]

I live in a small flat with my partner and friend, a large tabby rescue cat aged 10 called Mr Cory. He is adorable, very laid back, with HIV so indoors most of the time. He sleeps with me and sits on me in the daytime, a highly intelligent, affectionate and loving friend.

I want to make the best life for him - but he does sleep quite a lot and gets bored with games. Should I get him a kitten?

My worries are a) he likes being top cat b) the flat is small c) I could never work again with two demanding cats to care for. But if he'd like it, I'll go for it.

I got my beloved cat a feline companion after we'd moved house and he seemed miserable and lonely.

It wasn't a success really: think difference between being lonely and having an immensely annoying little brother there all the time. Not better, just differently annoying.

My two don't fight (much) but 7 years on and they haven't bonded or anything. Both are wonderful individually and I love them both. But when the "new kid" went missing for 6 weeks earlier this year the oldie was delighted and loved being centre of attention. The night the "new" one came back, the oldie sat and positively Glowered under the table. He was Not At All Happy.

If you want a kitten, get one, but after this experience I wouldn't recommend getting a new cat as companion to the old.

Cats will live happily with another cat or dog if known from young but an old solo cat could find it very stressful. He really isn't lonely. He's got you and yes he likes being top cat!

I bear the mental scars of trying to run a two cat household with Seniorboy being one of them. He despised The Lodger and is now happy as a sandboy being Top (and only) cat. I'd be cautious if I were you.

d)he will probably infect the kitten so no unless you get an FIV kitten

Sometimes it works brilliantly, and the two will end up as best friends, and sometimes they only come to tolerate each other.

However I have to disagree with sashh saying that your existing cat would likely infect the kitten. This really isn't likely at all. FIV is passed on by biting/mating. So unless they end up having really big fights that draw blood then the kitten will not get the virus.

FIV information here: www.celiahammond.org/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=14&MMN_position=21:21

Thanks all - today MrC has a) slumbered fatly on me till breakfast b) got me up by ripping off my bedsocks c) achieved 2 breakfasts d) kipped on my legs while I worked e) enjoyed a large lunch and supper f) stolen some liver.

He is now purring, in a warm simmering heap, near my head. I think he is happy on his own.

I would have got an FIV kitten,incidentally.

Sounds like a fine life to me for an older cat.

He is stealing a bit more liver now! My heart swells with pride. Thanks, cozie.