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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Thoughts on getting a kitten for senior cat

2 replies

WelshCakeLover · 15/06/2026 10:31

Hi All,

I have a lovely 15 year old tortie and our friends cat has just given birth to a gorgeous litter of kittens and asked if we would like one in about 16 weeks time.

Ive gone back and forth about the idea as I do not want to stress my girl out as I understand a kitten is totally different from a senior cat but I have read that cats are better in pairs.

My girl lives a very sedentary life (house cat), likes to play on her terms which isnt very often. She came to us 6 years ago during lock down so we've had her from an adult. She can still be spritley at times ie, jumping from heights still, running around post poo zoomies.

I just worry she is lonely during the day at times. Ive worked from home since she came to us (previous owner died and owner before that too 😫) and shes quite content to relax next to me but when I am on a call she can meow because shes not the centre focus of my attention.

Has anyone introduced a kitten to their senior? how did it go for you? I wont even entertain the idea of getting one if its going to cause her stress as shes had a tough life as it is let alone a kitten coming in and ruining things 😫🤣

Id love to hear your thoughts 🩷

OP posts:
Phineyj · 15/06/2026 10:44

We've done this and it went reasonably well. The book "Cat Confidential" (Vicky Hall) has some good tips.

Beamur · 15/06/2026 11:33

I probably wouldn't tbh. Your cat is very used to her life and in my experience, mature female cats don't particularly like sharing their homes or their people.
If you must - get a boy cat.
Make sure your tortie can get away from the kitten and make sure they sleep apart and are in seperate rooms until they are fully used to each other.

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