My boy died at 3 yrs old. To get a another?

[bluedoor4]

We've had a brother and sister with us for 3 years, since they were 12 weeks old. Gorgeous and quirky cats, loved by our whole neighbourhood. Very sadly my boy died a few days ago due to a feline aortic thrombosis and I'm missing him badly.

His sister is extremely perky and confident whereas he was a bit awkward and would only sit on my lap for cuddles when no one else was in the house They rubbed along together very well though and could often be found curled up together on the bed.

I do like the thought of getting another- but does anyone have any suggestions of what to look for? I was thinking a kitten so my girl doesn't feel threatened, and another boy? Will a new cat ever get on with an established one, and will I resent this cat because he's not my first boy? (Who I imagined being with us for soo much longer)
Thank you..

Whether she gets along well with another cat really depends on her.

I'd suggest going with a kitten (male or female) or another adult female. IME, sometimes females have a harder time getting along with adult males, unless the male has been with them since he was a kitten.

I'm sorry for your loss .

I have read that females generally take better to a male as a new addition. I've introduced males/females three times and they've all settled down eventually. My latest cat was a 9 month old boy, and he's actually become friends with my 7 year old girl - they play together and rub noses.

Taking the introduction slowly is key, and keeping the cats separate at first, followed by supervised and short interactions. Getting to know each other's scent is important, so swapping bedding around, stroking them one after the other, and swapping their areas while separate will all help.

Look for a cat with a complimentary personality. If your girl is outgoing, a shyer boy will be a better 'fit'. An added bonus is that shyer cats can be the ones left behind at rescues in favour of friendlier ones.

I'm so sorry. I've lost a young one too, he was paralyzed after an accident and though we tried surgery with insurance he wasn't getting better. Something happened to him outside (he was the kind of cat you simply couldn't keep indoors, 'out' was all he thought about). I rescued another quickly - then she turned out to be extremely sick! But I got her well with much time and expense and it turned out to be healing for me so I'm in favour of getting another. I now have two spayed females who go no further than the secure garden.

Maia was only 8 when she died. I was going to wait, but Cheddar appeared and I bought her home very soon afterwards. As soon as I bought Cheddar home I saw magic visibly relax. And I just let them get on with it. Magic established that she was the boss and the rest is history. Cheddar has been really good for Magic. She's blossomed.

Mine was four months when I rescued her and my big girl cat loved her like her own. They still get on well together.