Should I get a second cat?

[Snailhaterz]

I know the sensible answer to this question is "yes!" but I'm trying to look at it logically. I've just had my older cat pts, leaving me with a 4 year old cat, who doesn't seem to like other cats very much. I know she only meets them outside where its all a bit territorial, but her first response is always hissing and bad language. She's not exactly pining for the other cat either. She might get on better with a kitten as it wouldn't be direct competition for a while, but I'm now 60, so I'd be risking getting a cat that would outlive me, which doesn't seem fair. Also, much as I love kittens, they're quite hard work, and there are many more adult cats looking for homes.

I'd say unless your cat wants a friend I'd leave it. But if you do want a cat there is nothing wrong with getting one. Don't let your (young) age stop you! Many elderly cats are desperately looking for a home, and I do agree kitten is a lot of work (but really really cute work it is too!).

My old boy is probably going over the rainbow sadly and we will be left with a 2yo rascal and I deffo plan to get him a friend despite the fact that he is a monster from hell that terrorizes everyone and everything (but my cats are indoor only and always will be so it's a bit different).

I wouldn'tas if she is territorial outside surely she will be worse inside. Kittens stay kittens for 18 months at least, yes eventually they may become friends but you could be looking 2 years down the line.

1 of our 2 db's died .. Lone one was miserable... Visible sad..
We got a dkitten. Within 2 weeks they were inseparable..
You know your dcat op.. Is it sad?

@30degreesandmeltinghere My dcat is showing absolutely no signs of sorrow whatsoever!

I would say to take the sensible option and get a kitten.

We have a brother and sister that we've had since kittens. They got on well for around a year, but now they spit and hiss at each other. It's all show though, and they have never injured each other or properly fought in 8 years.... sometimes come together when all is calm .

MN will tell you that all cats hate company and should never be introduced to kittens as they'll hate each other for life

However we have three unrelated cats and they get on just fine. They sleep together, eat together, share food, treats, water and litter trays with no problems whatsoever.

Do it

Our dcat wasn't eating and was sat howling regularly in the garden. I went against all guidelines and shut dcat and dkitten in dd's bedroom together! Bowls and litter tray each. Hissed a few times and then he was smitten. She was less than 1.5 kg and adorable though!
If you want kittens op get 2. Then dcat can ignore or not but they will have each other!

Slightly different situation. My big ginger beastie is very territorial outside, but a soft arse indoors. We got a kitten and he loved having someone to play with. Kitten moved out with my daughter, but comes to stay for holidays. Beastie lies on his side and chirps as soon as she comes in. They're chasing each other within an hour.

Cats usually aren’t that interested in having another cat but that shouldn’t stop you. They will get used to it and tolerate each other, best case scenario they actually rub along nicely but wouldnt count on it!

Hmm. I was in a similar position: old cat died, 5 year old cat left. He does seem to like cat company though and definitely missed the old cat.

I got 2 kittens recently. Turns out my 5 year old cat is afraid of them! It is early days yet, but that reaction was not what I was expecting.

As an aside, I am nearly the same age as you and am shocked by the idea that you might not outlive any kitten acquired today. That thought has never occurred to me.

I had my lovely 6yo cat pts a few months ago, she had failing kidneys and was very ill. I adopted her with her kitten, who was still nursing at the time. Her kitten, now fully grown, doesn't miss her momma at all. She seems quite happy as an only cat, and has become much more bolshy with neighbouring cats since her fiercely territorial momma passed.

I still want another cat. The house seems weirdly empty with just the one. Fortunately I will be moving in with my partner soon, who has 3 cats of her own, so that will be quite enough to be getting on with. still want a kitten though

I think at 60 it's OK, timings wise - you're not exactly elderly! Unless you've got a health condition, hopefully the cat won't outlive you :)

My cat is different with different cats he encounters outside so I think it’s all about chemistry as it is with humans. My cat has been nose bumping one neighbour’s cat and fighting to the death with another. Unless you have a few examples of your cat being friendly towards strange cats I’d probably say no, unless you could get a rescue on ‘sale and return’, or how about fostering to see how it goes? An older cat might relieve your concerns re outliving it. Kittens are far easier to integrate as they can’t physically threaten the adult, but if they never get on you could be looking at years of anxiety from one or both cats, eg urinating inside, fur pulling.