Thoughts/advice please

[AccordingtoSteve]

Thoughts about getting another cat please... I lost my baby very suddenly recently after she was run over. She was only 18 months old. I still have my boy here, he is 6.5 (7 in August) even though my baby came to us as a surprise as she was a stray. We went to considerable expense to get her back to health after she arrived and loved every minute of her life with us as short as it was.

My boy had started warming to her and I felt happy he had some company during the day when we were both out at work.

I have been looking at our local rescue sites recently, so so many babies needing good loving homes. I know I have one right here, I have always been owned by cats for over 20 years now and adore them. The most I ever had at one time was seven, I know the expense and needs of cats and am fully prepared for this. I work and am on a good wage, prepared to cover vets expenses, get insurance etc

Do I take the plunge, in memory of our little girl and get another companion for our boy? I think he misses her, he has been a lot more vocal recently and especially loving and seeking affection.

We have one of the people from the rescue centers visiting us on Saturday for pre-adoption checks but I feel I am wavering. I would sincerely love to give an unwanted cat a good loving home, at the same time I wonder if it is too early, or not fair to my boy

Will I be doing my boy some kind of disservice adding yet another feline into the household, if he is actually really enjoying being the only cat here again? I still wonder if he would like the company?

We have had him since he was born so he doesn't know any other care than from us, and in this he is very secure.

Thanks in advance all.

I think if there wasn't obvious animosity with your other cat then he is not desperate to me an only cat. i would go for it. Probably at best they will end up as friends and at worst they will tolerate each other.

What you need are for the rescue to point out cats that like other cats and that have road sense.

the cat thank you and yes to the road sense thing. My little girl was a maverick in so many ways, totally feral when she arrived and young enough to be keen to explore, more than she should have as it worked out

My boy has never shown animosity to other cats at all, he has always been interested, "adopted" a neighbours little male kitten a couple of years ago. I'll never forget that kitten worshipped him. I was sad when we had to move away as I know that little cat missed him so much, they were a right pair together. I am still in touch with those neighbours :)

We were thinking of a younger male cat, so he can still be king of the castle here, I honestly think the baby girl, when she arrived un-neutered and did her little thing before she got spayed, spooked him entirely LOL

He was brilliant with her though.

Thanks for the insight [smile}

Maybe a male kitten then?

Our young cat worships the elder one. Sort of like looking up to an older brother.

IME males are more easygoing than females.

Hmm, going against the grain here, but from what I understand your cat is not too uspet so if you want to wait t while, just give him plenty of attention when you can.
There will always be kitties wanting a new home. I'd suggest take your time before getting a new one if you feel it is too soon. Losing a loved cat is hard and the time it takes to go though it is different for everyone. Take the time to assess how you feel about and see if you are ready for a second cat.

Maybe look at an older male but not too old.

Somewhere around the 2-3 year mark?

Well, we adopted a little boy who is 18 months-2 years old from our local rescue. He was hard to adopt out as he some ongoing medical issues that are going to need some attention in the future.

But, he is totally adorable, very cuddly and affectionate. my older boy took three days to get used to him but they actually touched noses today when it was feeding time. A great sign!

So with many thanks to the local rescue for the brilliant matching they did with my older boy, we have two very happy contented boys now

Thank you for the advice people :)

Bless you for adopting a cat with medical issues. I'm glad it's going well. Any pictures?

pinksparkly for your viewing pleasure, here is a pic of my new boy all snuggled on our sofa. The second picture is the only one of the two of them I have together to date.. they are getting closer and tolerating each other now. Its made me very very happy :)

That's lovely. For such early days it's going really well.

thecat they seem to be living alongside each other really well so far, as I said in earlier post.. brilliant matching by my local rescue.

Adore both my boys so much and feel happier they will keep each other company now when I go back to work next week. I have been off work all this week to settle my new boy in but so glad they have just fallen in together :)

Thanks for the pictures, they are both gorgeous. What a fine tail he has!