Getting a kitten

[Northernlurker]

So we are going for it and getting a kitten later this year. We have a cat already, she will be 14. She's in good health, a gentle and caring personality who we got from rescue as a young adult after she had kittens. We don't expect her to be thrilled initially but our house is a little quieter now older daughters have moved out and we do think another cat in the house that she can grow to accept will actually be helpful for her. I know cars are mostly solitary but she usually seeks out company. She's wary of most adult cats. We spoke to our vet who felt a boy kitten would be best fit. Dh works from home often and we have a teenager at home too. Was hoping to go through a rescue again.
We are experienced cat owners but it's decades since either of us had a kitten. What do we need to know?

Old cat might never bond with the new one. Mine didn't.

mIne sulked for the rest of her days

My boy was 3 when we got his little brother. They became best mates but I think it was because big lad was still up for a bit of rough and tumble and baby boy was bold.
When we first brought him home there were many face offs and baby boy used to do his biggest, scariest meaow (which was tiny). It was so cute.
If your older one doesn’t like being pounced on, make sure you give him lots of space.

A friend followed his vet's advice when he lost his male cat to cardiac arrest, and got 2 male kittens to join his existing female cat.

Initially the cat really didn't appreciate the kittens - think lots of hissing & growling, and the odd swipe if they approached her. So kittens, being sociable active & playful animals played with each other & mostly left her alone. With a bit of effort on my friend's part e.g. separation when he wasn't there to supervise & overnight, feeding them separately, they now rub along together OK. If he'd only got the one kitten as he'd initially planned, we think open warfare may have broken out.

You do have to bear in mind as well that your existing cat is now elderly, and not only may she not appreciate a hyperactive playful kitten pestering her, but you're also likely to have to go though it all again in a few years when she passes.

Thanks but I should have been clearer in my op, I wasn't asking should we get a kitten? We are. Was just hoping for kitten hints and tips.

I did understand, I was just suggesting that 2 may be a better idea 😁 for both your existing older cat and for the kitten(s).

If you have an existing elderly cat please, please consider getting two kittens.

They'll have each other to play with and pester and it should make things much less stressful for your old girl.

I’d also suggest two (if you have the space and finances). Kittens can be relentless little pests to an older cat.

Hmm 2 kittens, I can live with that.

Another vote for 2 kittens. Mine are rescues, nearly 1 year old now and adore each other. They entertain each other and one of them is always up for a cuddle.

We got 2 kittens to join our 16 year old cat. There were a few hisses/bats to start with, but it has all settled down now. Older cat is definitely the boss, the kittens have each other to playfight etc with. And seeing them all curled up by the fire together is one of life's greatest pleasures. A resounding vote for 2 kittens, OP!

Another vote for two kittens! A young kitten will be bored without an equally playful mate and your older cat will most likely feel pestered and overwhelmed by a lively youngster. Also boy cats often prefer quite rough, physical play whereas female cats tend to favour toys over play-fighting.

2 kittens = double cuteness, so what's not to like?! Attaching a pic of our kitten boys. We both work from home and spend a lot of time entertaining them, but they'd probably be little terrors if they didn't have a playmate to tire each other out.

What a gorgeous pair @RedCatWhoGotTheCream !
OP are you going for two kittens after all? Sorry no advice just hoping for more kitten pics😻