Sad Cat

[tootiredtobeinspired]

Hi, we recently lost our elderly cat and our remaining cat (6 year old male) has been noticeably sad. He is off his food (ive tried all sorts of brands including the very fancy stuff) but he will just eat a bit then lose interest.
We're working from home so he is never alone but I am not sure what else to do for him? Any advice? Would getting another cat/ kitten help? (Not sure how the humans will feel about that just yet?!)

Getting a new cat may definitely help. My cat was so much happier, when I got a newcat after her sister died. I saw her visibly relax as Cheddar was plonked down in her carrier. However she's very placid and chilled out. So I new she'd be fine. Before I visited cheddar I gave my self a strong talking too, that if she wasn't right for Magic, then I would t do it. Fortunately the stars aligned!

Thanks @toddlerteaplease, I am a bit wary about how he would react? He loved our old girl and followed her everywhere, snuggled in bed with her etc but he's really not a big fan of other cats outside! He can be quite territorial and goes mad trying to get out when he sees a stranger in the garden! Do you think a kitten would be better or a calm older cat? Its so hard! I wish I could chat to him!

He needs a cat that will allow him to be the boss.

He will almost certainly find it easier to accept a kitten, in particular a female kitten. He would probably find a male (or older cat) a bit too much 'competition'.

But unfortunately there is no predicting whether he would accept any incomer. I've had cats for many years and have done a lot of these introductions - usually they go well, but occasionally they don't.

If it doesn't work out, one of the cats can be bullied, one or both can go on a weeing spree to mark territory (indoors) and they may both be miserable.

I've found girls easier to introduce than boys - I can't remember any female kitten who was not accepted by my incumbent cats. If you do decide to go ahead, have the kitten neutered asap.

My cat is territorial outside but he absolutely accepted a kitten. She lived with us until dd moved out and even now if she comes to stay, they're good mates.

We had three cats and one of them went off her food completely when we lost one. She also started weeing in the old cat's sleeping spots all over the house and then sleeping on the wet patch. She was very attached to both cats so she still had a friend around but it wasn't the same. The vet ruled out health issues and said she was most likely trying to mix her scent with the old cat to make herself feel better. We didn't find a magic solution but with time she got better. It was at its worst for the first 3 weeks and by about 8 weeks she was her usual self again.