One of my cats died last month. We are all broken hearted, including our surviving cat. He's become quite clingy and doesn't bounce around like he normally does.
Our surviving cat, Midway, well he's strange. He has never met another cat that isn't (in his mind) a new friend. His whole body displays friendly and he will try to approach with a question mark tail. It doesn't matter if it's their territory, neutral territory, or (one time) stranger in his kitchen. Everyone is a friend and new playmate, even if they need some persuading (like a good game of chase). Needless to say, it doesn't usually end well and then he gets the same puzzled face and body movements like when the red dot disappears and he can't figure out where it went.
So I think he likely will need a buddy far sooner than a typical cat will. My husband isn't ready, I'm not even though I'm fighting the urge to kidnap every cat I see and teach them to sleep on my pillow at night like Montressor did, but we also have to think about his needs, especially as he's usually alone quite a few hours in the day since we all work.
To be honest, I'm not sure another cat would be ready for Midway. He's seems a bit aggressive from reading your other posts. I think he might be too rough with a kitten, and an adult cat wouldn't find his roughness one bit amusing. I would say, if you have your heart on getting another cat, I might look around for a youngster about a year old who himself is a bit rambunctious and could stand up for himself.
Probably a younger cat, yeah. I want to find an old cat, just to rescue a cat that no one else wants, but too old and Midway will likely be too rough.
I don't know that magic cat age though. May, before Montressor's 20 year old immune system caught up with him, the vet said he'd not have known Montressor was 20 because of how good he looked. Three years ago, it was the same, my baby Shadow died 2 years ago at 20, the checkup she had several months before the vet said she wouldn't have thought Shadow a 19 year old cat because she was good weight, good appearance. I don't know when the typical cat is too old to enjoy a play buddy and should instead have a cuddle buddy. I haven't had a different cat in 22-23 years.
That is one thing, after Shadow died Midway slumped into a depression for several weeks and was more redirected aggression after, less likely to listen to a feline no with his play aggression. The vet that saw him wasn't surprised, compared it to a young child whose sibling died and had a personality change after.
My suggestion is that Midway would likely be compatible with a cat about one year old, more or less. If you can find a shelter cat that has a similar "never met a cat I didn't like" personality would be best. Some shelters may allow you to foster a cat to try out as a companion. I would be more inclined to seek once sooner than later before he gets too settled as a single cat. Playful cats take one out of a depressive state quickly. I still miss my "Alkee" who died 3 yrs. ago, but I believe I will see her again in the spiritual world, as she came back to me in spirit after she died.
I don't think I'm going to get a younger cat, unless one happens to wander into my life (such as walking in through an open door and lying under a table like Shadow did). If I get a cat that is 1 or 2, then when Midway is 20 that cat would be only 8 or 9 and I would have the same problem, maybe even worse since the other cat would still be pretty young.
In his youth, when he tried to play chase, he would chase the other cat until the other cat stopped and turned to face him. He'd haul past at full speed, and then a moment later trot back to the cat and immediately turn and bolt. And back and run again, clearly trying to get the other cat to chase him. None ever did though and he gave up on trying to be chased.
I like your idea of adopting a senior cat. They often need homes and are overlooked by others, and who else would be a companion for a 20 year old cat?
If they fight, it might be like old people fights, without much energy, just a lot of yelling from wherever they are sitting. The only thing I'd worry about is peeing, but if you can establish multiple litter box areas, they might be ok.
The question is, are you ready for another old cat and all the issues that come with that? My Otis has had failing health for years. They told me to prepare to put him down 6 years ago. I had always thought I'd bring home a senior cat after he passed, but when it came time, I couldn't do it. My heart couldn't take another sick cat.
I adopted a couple of kittens. I am still waiting for them to arrive. Will let you know how this goes.
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