We had two cats - a big, black, personable and precocious male, and a small, awkwardly-built, generally skittish, but infinitely sweet, female. We adopted the female, as a kitten, about a year after we got our boy and have had them for over 8 years together.
Here's the sad part: in early January, our boy was diagnosed with kidney failure, and he died within a few weeks. It was heartbreaking for us to say goodbye.
Our girl has been very needy since then. She has become very vocal - chirps (at us or at walls) and cries. She foregoes eating dinner right away in hopes that I will play with her as soon as I get home from work - then waits and wanders around the livingroom, crying occasionally (the play area) until I do play with her. She's also become braver - sounds that always scared her don't scare her quite so much, and she's not so nervous around my husband (who is louder than me, and is often wearing shoes, which are also too loud). During the day while we are at work, I think she stays under the bed, or in the closet in the bedroom (her "safety" spots), and doesn't creep out from those spots until we come home. I could be wrong - but I don't get the impression that she's out and about the house sleeping in the sun or lounging in the livingroom unless we are around.
My question is: should I get another cat?
I'd really love to, but I don't know if it is the best idea. She has always lived with other cats (she was from a fostered litter before we adopted her) and then lived happily here with her big brother, but now that she is older - 7 years - might she dislike a new cat in her life? How do we decide?
Someone suggested getting TWO kittens if you have a single, older cat. That way, the kittens will play with each other, and leave the older cat alone. I think that might be too much for her (and us!), but am thinking that if we do add a new cat, that a kitten - not an adult - would be the way to go.
I'd be interested in knowing if anyone has any thoughts - as I am completely torn and only want to do what's best for our girl. Any thoughts would be appreciated...
Here's the sad part: in early January, our boy was diagnosed with kidney failure, and he died within a few weeks. It was heartbreaking for us to say goodbye.
Our girl has been very needy since then. She has become very vocal - chirps (at us or at walls) and cries. She foregoes eating dinner right away in hopes that I will play with her as soon as I get home from work - then waits and wanders around the livingroom, crying occasionally (the play area) until I do play with her. She's also become braver - sounds that always scared her don't scare her quite so much, and she's not so nervous around my husband (who is louder than me, and is often wearing shoes, which are also too loud). During the day while we are at work, I think she stays under the bed, or in the closet in the bedroom (her "safety" spots), and doesn't creep out from those spots until we come home. I could be wrong - but I don't get the impression that she's out and about the house sleeping in the sun or lounging in the livingroom unless we are around.
My question is: should I get another cat?
I'd really love to, but I don't know if it is the best idea. She has always lived with other cats (she was from a fostered litter before we adopted her) and then lived happily here with her big brother, but now that she is older - 7 years - might she dislike a new cat in her life? How do we decide?
Someone suggested getting TWO kittens if you have a single, older cat. That way, the kittens will play with each other, and leave the older cat alone. I think that might be too much for her (and us!), but am thinking that if we do add a new cat, that a kitten - not an adult - would be the way to go.
I'd be interested in knowing if anyone has any thoughts - as I am completely torn and only want to do what's best for our girl. Any thoughts would be appreciated...