What is the best way to introduce a new cat to a 10 year old deft, female cat who seems lonely.?

Question

My 10 years old cat seems very lonely after the death of her brother two months ago. They grew up together and were never separated until Prince died of heart failure . I am thinking of bringing home a young kitten to make her company but I wonder if it will be welcome by her. Since she is deft, she lives in her own world most of the time and is becoming very needy. She is very loving and affectionate, also she has a very short temper. I would appreciate any suggestions. thank you

Answer 1

I do not think it will hurt anything to get a new cat. Cats get over heart break sooner than we humans do and he will not be lonely eventually. I have 6 cats and had to introduce them all at one point or another. I just basically brought the new cat home let the old cat know hes there and then just let the new cat hide which is what he will prolly do for as long as he wants. It could take as long as a month for them to get used to each other ( do not force it!) and there will be some hissing and bended ears but I KNOW that they will learn to love each other eventually because all 6 of my babies love each other (young and old both) but maybe I just got lucky.

Answer 2

If your brother died would replacing him with a new baby work out well for you?

Cats develop attachments to specific people or specific other cats. By getting another cat this soon you'll probably just be adding stress to her life rather than companionship. Try treating her like a grieving person. Spend a bit more time with her and give her more loving from someone you know she already loves - you.

If she has a short temper then I'm pretty certain getting a new kitten would be a HUGE mistake. It might be world war three inside your house with the innocent bystanders (you, your family, the house) getting caught in the crossfire. What you could expect is territorial urination from the older cat as well as aggression directed at the kitten with lots of hiding going on by both cats. The time to introduce a new companion animal for your cat is when the cat is already in a good mood, not when she's upset.

Answer 3

Cats tend to be a bit more difficult than these things with dogs are. She probably will not welcome the new kitten in a nice way, at least not for a while. It becomes different when she's grown up with this one cat since she was born, and another to introduce a different cat after the one she was close with passes. She may seem lonely, but she might be aggressive towards the new cat as a result.

I think it would be best to get a nice cat from the animal shelter, one not too young that will tire her out. Of course, you'd have to make sure the cat from the shelter gets on well with other cats, and is well-behaved, and all those things.

Answer 4

Bianca -

Please don't subject your older cat to a kitten. The kitten will bug her to death with its relentless energy and she will have no peace. The poor kitten will not be able to understand her rejection and be unhappy too. If you must have a kitten you should get two so they can play off one another and not bother your older cat so much.

She may not "need" a companion at all and I wouldn't be inclined to force one on her. Some matches go well, others do not and it is impossible to predict.

A flower essence you could consider is Honeysuckle for "letting go of the past, coming into the here-and-now so that life can go on after death or loss." Wild Rose promotes "will to live, joy in life" Flower essences are easy to use, you can just put a few drops on the fur between the cat's ears. I am not an "expert' on prescibing them and they cannot do any harm at all. If a particular one isn't appropriate it just won't have an effect.

I would be inclined to wait another four months to see what develops with her before considering adding another cat.

Answer 5

I would not get like a 5 month old kitten because the 10 year old cat probably does not have a lot of energy. So maybe go to your animal shelter and get a 3 year old and up cat. I had a 10 year old cat once and I got a 5 month cat and the 10 year old did not have a lot of energy so they did not get along great.

This is my Answer

Answer 6

A younger cat could inspire your 10 year old to become more playful and energetic. The main thing is not to bring in a hyper cat, but one who is kinda laid back so your older cat does not feel threatened. Make sure the new cat has her own litter box, since litter box sharing can take a few days to happen. Just bring in the new cat, let them see each other and get ready for the normal cat posturing ritual. Chances are one of them will go off to hide out for awhile, but eventually they will happen across each other more and more until one day you'll find them snoozing together in a sunny spot! Good Luck, and BTW I think its wonderful of you to provide companionship by opening your home to another cat.

Issy

Answer 7

I think an old cat would not enjoy the company of a younger cat. I would find one that is closer to her age. I can't really solve your problem though, and maybe my advice isn't good, because I don't know your cat. If she is truly affectionate but short-tempered, don't get a kitten. You can't expect a tiring cat to enjoy the company of a tiny, energetic kitten.

Answer 8

i'd get him yet another male cat. From adventure, they have an inclination to bond greater desirable than lady's to a dominate male, exceedingly if there is going to be an age distinction. With any animal introduction, you will would desire to observe and in basic terms confirm you do not have territorial themes, which may well be the only con of having 2 male cats. in the event that they are the two fastened this would be much less of a topic. in case you bypass with the female attempt an older lady, those tend to be much less moody. wish I helped.

Answer 9

i think an older cat who is used to other cats would be better than a kitten for your 10yr old.

my cat was an "only cat" until she was 15. i got a kitten 2 years ago, and while my kitten has lots of fun, the older cat hates her and they fight all of the time. now my old cat is 17, and still hates the 2 year old. getting a kitten might be too much stress for an older cat.

Answer 10

Well usually older cats don't get along with younger cats, because younger cats are full of energy and they always want to play, but if I were you I'd just come home with the kitten and put her/him on the floor and let things go from there.