Should we get our cat a friend? Similar age or older?

[blossomsarepretty]

Hello
We have a 1-1.5 year old cat who came from a rescue ~6 months ago. She was an indoor cat in her previous home and still only goes out to our little garden when we are there as well, but she doesn't got out alone. She's quite clumsy for a cat (her legs are shorter than usual) and we live near a busy road so would've trust her outside.

She is very playful and I don't think we play with her enough, she would just play for hours. We were therefore wondering if we should get her a friend.
We would go through a rescue again, but was wondering if we should look for a calmer older cat who is used to other cats and kids, or another playful young cat? Or is it a bad idea altogether?

Also thinking if we ever go away in the future (obviously not travelling anywhere anytime soon) we could just get someone to feed the cats and they would have each other for company. Our cat hates closed doors so don't think she'd do well in a cattery. She is very sociable and usually spends her time in the same room with us.

I was always told cats should be alone or with litter mates from birth.
So she'll be fine on her own, that said lots of people get an additional cat and sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't.

I think after about 2 yrs of age it can be difficult for an only cat to adjust to living with another cat so you will need to make your mind up in the next few months if you're going to do it. Personally I wouldn't do it on your cat's account, most cats are pretty happy on their own, but if you'd like to get another cat, now would be the time to do it.

I disagree with above. I was told the same that cats prefer alone but having had lots this does not appear to be true. We currently have one we fostered and adopted and got him a rescue playmate for when we were away weekends. He's much happier with another cat, they curl up and cuddle! Id get one still young if yours is playful but meet at catery to make sure similar personality to yours

Cats don't really do 'friends'.

The vast majority are happier on their own, or with their human staff.

The answer to not playing with her enough is to play with her more

OP,
Alot of cats do not want a 'friend' and introducing another cat into this situation might make your cat unhappy. They are solitary creatures and really prone to jealousy. I have two, the second turned up and has been with us for five years. They can't be left alone together and would each be delighted if the other disappeared.....

I’m going to go the other way.
We’ve always had multiple cats. Some have come as litter mates, some have been rescued from bad situations, some have walked in the door and stayed. So long as they have had some where of their own to settle/sleep/daydream they have all got along. Ages have varies from months to years apart age wise.
They have all played, slept, fed together at various point depending on moods.
Here is one of my 5month old and a 13 year old. Fast asleep together.

Another kitten and much older cat!

I wouldn't.

Or rather, I did, and it has NOT gone well. 45 years on and they still hate each other. Sometimes quite violently.

Every time we’ve had 2 cats together, (not related) they have hated each other.

Having said that I think it made life a bit more interesting for them in terms of planning ways to jump out and attack each other.

@KiposWonderbeasts 45 year old cats?!

@Bargebill19 - fat fingers! 4 years on.

Although they they are kicking 7 bells out of each other and I'm hoovering up clumps of fur most days, it feels much longer.

Thanks everyone.
When we first got her we were planning to have just the one cat, but before she came to live with us she spent some time living in a foster home and over there she got on brilliantly with one cat (older female) but hated another one (male). The two girls apparently played together all day and got on well, so the fosterer suggested we could consider another female in the future.
We of course want to do whatever is best for our cat. We would love to play with her more but unfortunately work/school just gets in the way and she is just so incredibly playful and would play for hours no end.

If she's been used to living with other cats she may well appreciate another cat to play with. It's definitely lovely having two cats that get on and play chase around the house. You can never be certain how it will go but I don't think there's anything particular about her age or history which would make a second cat unadvisable. I don't know whether a similar age or older cat would be best, but if you adopt through the same fosterer or charity I'm sure they'll help you find a good match. Best of luck!

My cat is much happier with another cat. She hated being on her own when her sister died. I saw her visibly relax when cheddar came home.

I would get a younger friend. If you live near a busy road you might want to cat proof your garden though.

Thanks again for your replies. I am not broody for another cat, simply want to do what's best for our existing little girl and your replies certainly help with the decision.

Hi Blossom we were in same position as you earlier and decided to get a second cat. Our girl was 1ish too and so we got another cat around the same age/temperament from the same rescue. Took our time introducing over about a week, and while they aren’t exactly besties they do play together a lot and get on fine - they are like siblings really! I would go for it - I find rescue cats a bit more relaxed about these things.

Pics

I would go for a significantly younger female cat (even a kitten), so that there's a clear pecking order and your current cat is less likely to feel threatened.

In general cats don't naturally have "friends" unless they've known each other since they were kittens (same litter, or two litters kept together at a cat rescue centre or something). But they can get to know each other as older cats too, if the introduction is very gradual and carefully managed. A lot also depends on their personalities... we've had some hits and some misses!

Incidentally, your cat is still extremely young and she probably won't always be this playful - I've found it reduces a lot as they get older. Even one more year will probably make a big difference.

Thanks again for the responses.

I spoke with the rescue that our cat from. They are absolutely overflowing with cats and suggested we would come and take a look next weekend. If there is one we like we can take the cat with us on the day as we have already been home checked. And if it doesn't work out we can bring the cat back.

I'm not gonna be able to leave without a cat am I..

No ! Or maybe two!

I'm in the same situation. My failed foster came from a hoarder with 35 cats and he is incredibly friendly to the visitor cats. And he's definitely bored and lonely imo even though he adores me. So I'm thinking of getting him a girlfriend. Younger than him but not a kitten. Fingers crossed. Let us know how you get on OP :)

No pic @blossomsarepretty? How rude 🙂