Lost one of our two cats - should we get another?

[SensiblePeanut]

Hi cat people,

Looking for some advice.

Last year we rescued two kittens who were very bonded. They've stayed that way and have truly been a wonderful pair - one male, one female.

This week, we had to say goodbye to our boy. He had been very poorly and was eventually diagnosed with Feline Infectious Peritonis and we had to make the hard decision to euthanise because it was going to be fatal. He didn't suffer at the end.

We are all devastated, but his sister is really pining. She is only 10 months old, full of life and extremely playful.

Is it wise to consider getting a new companion for her, or would that cause her more distress?

Any thoughts?

Sorry about your car. I got another one after one of mine died. It's worked really well. I knew as soon as I met her that she would be right for my remaining cat. I saw her visibly relax as I plonked the carrier down in the hall. They aren't particularly close, but get on well and are very protective of each other. It's given my remaining cat the chance to be queen bee. Go for it!

Your situation is a bit more complicated because FIP is also very contagious; it's likely your other cat is now a carrier of the virus as well and could infect any other cats she lives with in the future. Have you spoken to your vet about this? Has she been tested for the virus?

Other than that yes, I would always say a young cat who likes other cats is the perfect candidate to adjust to living with a new companion cat.

Hi @viccat - yes, our vets have said she's at no additional risk of contracting FIP or infecting another cat, as a huge number of domestic cats get coronavirus (a very mild condition) which is some cases mutates to FIP. The thought had crossed my mind, though.

I would get another cat. I have had various cats over the years and have never had any that didn't get on. Maybe I have just been lucky. A rescue might have an older kitten that might be suitable.