Hi,
This is my first post on this pet forum, I've just found it.

Hope you can give me advice on what you think would be best for my 10 year old male neutered cat.

Last year I had a brother and sister neutered cats and a the cat above, 3 years younger. In June the eldest male was killed on the road. 2 days ago the female died after a short illness. They were both 13.

I'm worried that my existing cat is going to pine for cat company he's always been around other cats. He was the dominant cat of the 3 but not aggressive. He got on with the male more than the female. Though they never curled up together or washed each other, more the elder two's fault than his.

I would like to get another cat, but want to put his interests first. Does anyone have any experience of introducing another cat to a 10 year old? Would a kitten be too much for him?

Any advice will be appreciated,
Thanks

Frange

I always got my cats from kittens and was very happy BUT

I recently got two older cats and have never been happier. I would rescue an older cat or two from the Cats Shelter, our two new additions are just Perfect x x x

I have introduced both cats and kittens to much older cats. With kittens, the older cat tends to be a bit suspicious and either get out of the way of the mad furry whirling dervish or swat it every now and again. Eventually the cat recognises it as a potential ally (why on earth they don't recognise kittens as being cats, I will never know). The oldest cat I have introduced was an 8 year old to a 14 year old. After a month or so of hissing and spitting, they adopted a pattern of mutual tolerance. Mozart who was three came into a household with a 1 year old, an semi feral 5 year old and a 6 year old and a 15 year old. He was accepted by all but the 6 year old female. They tolerate each other but pretty much keep to their own space. To be fair, Robin, who is now 13, was a rescue and known to be a bit of a jealous cat. Of the lot, I would say that introducing a young cat is easier. The best advice I can give though, whatever you get, is to shut the newcomer in a room for a day or two, allowing the original to hear and smell through the door. Then leave the door open a crack, so that they can investigate each other in safety. Eventually open the door a bit more, allowing the newcomer to come out but still have a bolt hole if necessary. Try to be equal in the amount of fuss you make of each cat and don't worry if they spend a lot of time trying to kill each other! It is natural and they are only sorting out the hierarchy problem. I would only separate them if it really gets out of hand. In my experience this happens a lot less when it is a kitten though.

Many thanks for the replys.

Parcher your answer is very informative, I think I will start looking for a kitten soon, we're still grieving at the moment, but our cat looks so lonely and the house seems empty after having 3.

Thanks
Frange

A large dog cage can sometimes be of help for introductions

If you adopt a cat from RainRescue she will be able to lend you a cage for this purpose :)