Lonely cat

[NoseringGirl]

We adopted our Tabby cat 11 years ago when she was 3. She's always been very people orientated and chatty. Likes to be where the people are and wasn't keen on being home alone. When she was 6 we adopted a 7 year old calico. At first the Tabby and the Calico didn't really get on. It was touch and go for a while but they learnt to live with each other. Mostly as the Calico was very patient with the Tabby. She'd let the Tabby be the bossy one but every couple of months, when it went too far, put the Tabby back in her place.
They went from not getting on, to always being in the same room and even happily sharing a lap. The Tabby got much better at things like grooming from watching the Calico. She was generally less clingy with people (though still liked a cuddle) and was happy enough when we were out for the day as long as we were back to feed her etc.
Sadly, last July, our beautiful Calico had to be put to sleep after a short illness at the age of 15.

We were all devastated but especially our Tabby. She spent days going from room to room and shouting. She still does this sometimes now. She's also become very, very clingy. Constantly wanting a lap and howling on the window sill or at the door when we're out. If I'm out for more than 2-3 hours, I get someone to pop in to see her!

Sorry, this is a very long post but wanted to give as much background as possible because I'm struggling to decide whether we should get another cat. On the one hand, I feel like our Tabby needs the company. On the other hand, she's quite old and set in her ways. It took a long time for her to accept our Calico and I'm worried another cat would cause her stress.
We also have two children (aged 2 and 6) and I'm not sure where that would leave us with rescue centres? We were childless when we adopted both cats!

WWYD?

Try a smaller rescue. They might be more willing to consider you with young children. They might have a better idea if their cats temperaments.

Your cat is ‘old and set in her ways.’ It took ages for her to accept your Calico. You are absolutely right to worry that it might really upset her if you introduce another cat. If it doesn’t work out, you will be trying to fix a problem which doesn’t need to be created in the first place. And which may be really traumatic for both cats. Let your old cat live in peace. I would advise you not to do it

I think I would keep her as an only as she is more senior. A new addition could be stressful for her.
Cats can get a type of dementia which can cause loud mowing. Might be worth a vet check in case anything else is up as howling could be something else unless she's had one recently.

I don't think it's a great idea. It could cause your older cat a great deal of stress and confusion; in fact far more likely this than a positive outcome of a new best friend. You have to accept that elderly cats need more attention and looking-after than young ones - just as elderly people often need extra help.

Thanks everyone, I think I agree with the general consensus of not getting another one. I felt like I was leaning that way but there was the worry of her being lonely at the back of my mind.
She definitely gets lots of love and attention from all of us. She's currently napping in her favourite chair next to the fire and just enjoyed a fussing from the kids before they went to bed.
I will mention the meowing to the vet as she has her annual appointment soon. She's always been a chatty cat, it has ramped up since our calico died though. Hopefully just her personality rather than anything sinister!!