Should I Get Another Cat? Cat Lovers Speak Out

We posed a question to our wonderful Petplace.com cat lovers.

QUESTION:

I have an 8-year-old cat that lost his cat companion about 2 months ago. The cat had been with him since day one (died when he was 14 years old). Should I get another cat?

Most cat owners said yes, you should get another cat.

We further asked for comments on why the responders felt one way or another. This is what they told us:
1. Give the cat some time to adjust, if he seems very unhappy adopt an adult at from a shelter, not a kitten
2. Maybe…is this cat sad or ok? Maybe a younger girl kitten if he seems to miss companionship.
3. Get another cat, but be sure that the new cat is younger and smaller than the remaining cat so that dominance is clear.
4. adopt a cat or puppy
5. Depends on how the cat is accepting the loss. If the pet appears depressed, you may want to get him another companion. If the cat is alright, leave things alone.
6. Your kitty needs a friend.
7. How is the cat acting? I have cats that were glad to see thier companions go much to my surprise-they apparently wanted to the ONLY cat
8. Wouldn’t that depend on if the cat is lonely and seems to want another companion?
9. But possibly an older cat who likes other cats.
10. A companion would be great, do you want another cat?
11. this depends on the cat; is the cat lonely without the friend? if the cat is fine, then I’d say no to another cat. At this age, some cats really enjoy being the only one. But some love and thrive being with another cat friend.
12. It depends on your elder cat. A kitten may be a little much for the elder survivor to handle.
13. Give your cat loads of love and attention to the point that he/she will be glad not to have to share.
14. Cautiously introduce another CAT (not KITTEN) into the home.
15. Try introducing a shelter cat with the understanding it can be returned if your cat does not adjust.
16. Take your time before chosing a new companion for your cat. Depending on your cat’s character decide whether you want a kitten or another adult cat
17. if you think your cat will get along, and you are prepaped for another 20 years, go ahead!
18. Have a trial introduction.
19. Wait and see. When my cat lost her brother, she became much closer to my husband and me. When we brought a neighbors kitten inside, she responded very negatively. We decided not to get another cat and she seemed happy and content with just her human companions.
20. if your kids little brother dies you just going to go pick up one from the localfoster care center, seeings as, you know theyre all prety much the same . . . w.t.f.
21. Try to introduce it to another cat. If no luck, then the cat will be ok.
22. adopt a cat that is cat friendly, the same age, and opposite sex of yours
23. If the cat has adjusted fine, then no. If it is lonely, maybe.
24. If the cat seems sad then get her another cat. If she seems fine, leave it be.
25. It depends on your cat. The older the cat, the less likely the cat will welcome new companions. I think, if he’s starting to go into a depression over it (like refusing to eat), then I’d think about getting a kitten, since older cats understand when newcomers are kittens.
26. Do you really want another cat?
27. I really don’t know
28. wait a while then get a kitten (less threatening)
29. Consult an animal communicator to ask the cat his preference.
30. does your remaining cat seem to be mourning and/or lonely? If so, then you might consider a kitten. Or you might spend more quality time with your remaining pet to see if that helps
31. Does the cat seem lonely or enjoy being an only cat? Some cats like companions, some prefer to have the undivided attention, but this cat seems young enough to tolerate another companion.
32. Not right away anyway. A single cat would probably be fine.
33. But don’t get a kitten, adopt another older cat.
34. companion ship. You cant replace loss, but you can add new.
35. older cats love young kittys,he will take him under his wing
36. Carefully.
37. If your cat is alone alot it may be a good idea to get another, but it may take awile for them to get along. If your cat doesn’t seem to be missing his friend too much I wouldn’t worry about it.
38. sorry about loss, but very silly question, depends on circumstances
39. they may not get along
40. The memory will dim in time if you prefer to have no other pet.
41. Gradually introduce as it may be difficult for them to bond
42. Consult with your vet what is best for your now solo cat
43. You will not replace his buddy. My Luke has been so sad since our Earl ran away 2.5 months ago. We ended up taking in a stray that needed a home desperately (it would have been put down had it gone to a shelter- that’s how bad of shape she was in), our Luke didn’t take kindly to her at first, but they are slowly becoming friendly and playful.
44. it depends if he is ok or not. behaviour problems?acts lonley? are you home during the day? do you have time to integrate the two cats so they get along????
45. you can try to introduce him to another cat. i would recommend a kitten but i think thats still kinda “iffy”
46. That is a very hard and complex questions. The answer depends on many things.
47. Shelters, many times, can recommend cats that are “cat friendly”.
48. Don’t get another cat right away. Groom and love on the remaining cat. My last cat grieved for about a year before she adjusted.
49. Iwould wait
50. that is hard to say, I have that right now, 3 yrs after companion cat died.
51. but not right away.
52. I’d wait awhile.
53. Get 2 kittens that won’t displace is rank or aggrevate him with too much activity – but entertain and entice him.
54. only if the cat seems lonely.
55. Depends on the surviving cat if it misses the companion get him another
56. I t depends on the cat and if he or she would adjust to another new cat
57. an adult cat
58. wait awhile and then get a friend
59. Depends on whether owner wants and will care for another cat!
60. wait a lil while for the cat to finish grieving they are like

61. wait awhile and see how the cat does
62. if cat is alone while you are at work, think about getting another one
63. is the cat unhappy alone?
64. if you are ready, and get an older kitty that needs a home.
65. Decide if the cat is lonely. If so, the shelter will allow you to “try out” or foster a cat for a week, to see if it’s a good solution.
66. the sooner, the better. If they are used to having a companion, then it isn’t fair to them to be alone especially when you are away.
67. Think this through thoroughly, we got another cat and it is a disaster
68. If the cat seems lonely and you think it would accept another cat, get one. If the cat seems contented being an only child, don’t.
69. I let mine pick.
70. Get one that is close in appearance of the cat that died. One that is a “little” younger and you know has lived with cats before. Go through the recommended introduction process and try Feliway to smooth the way.
71. try foster sitting for humane society for a while
72. that depends on your circumstances and the remaining cats personality
73. Wait awhile before getting another cat, pets grieve and need time to adjust then think about getting kitty another friend
74. from a shelter in honor of his companion, makes sure to follow proper cat into
75. It really depends on how the cat seems to be acting, if he’s lonely or if he’s all right….
76. Please read up on how to introduce the new cat
77. It depends on the remaining cat. I’ve lost kitties and the others truly mourned. I’ve also lost a couple and I swear one or two did a happy dance on the dining room table. How much one-on-one time are you able to spend with the remaining kitty? Is the kitty depressed? Is it due to your sadness or because (s)he misses the buddy? It all depends on the cat!
78. It depends. Cats mourn when they lose their playmates. If he seems lonely, you can try to get another. Some cats like being an only cats, others do not. Be careful when picking one — maybe get an older one as well?
79. If he’s lonely why not see about getting another cat who does well with cats
80. wait awhile and see how it goes – it might thrive being an only child now
81. Go to shelter get one very socialized already about same age.
82. Get a younger cat but not a kitten
83. Talk to your local shelter and describe your cats personality so they can best match someone to him.
84. then let them get to know each other slowly
85. The cat may not readily accept a new companion, you need to spend time with the remaining cat until it settles and then decide on a 2nd pet.
86. If he’s used to other cats, he should adjust, as long as he knows he’s number 1 cat. Also helps to get a female or non-alpha male (like from a shelter) who has a good history with other cats.
87. TRY LETTING A KITTEN THAT BELONGS TO A FRIEND COME FOR A VISIT. LITTLE DOSES AT A TIME. ADD TREATS FOR BOTH DURING VISITS, AND YOURS WILL LOOK FORWARD TO VISITS. THEN ADD THE ONE YOU WANT TO KEEP IN YOUR HOME. YOUNG KITS ARE FORGIVEN MORE BY OLDER CATS.
88. Depends. Work with an animal organization to try out cats to see if your cat will accept a new cat.
89. The cat is greiving her loss, so wait a few months and she will let you know when she is ready to accept another companion
90. Only get another cat if your cat seems to miss his companion. Many times, the surviving cat will revel in the one-on-one attention, food dish that does not need to be shared. A new cat may create unwanted competition…
91. Either way, your 8-year-old will adjust in about 2-3 weeks.
92. well how is the cat reacting without the cat? is it moping around looking like he’s lost his best friend? either way i think u should give it a couple months. getting another cat right away may not be the answer.
93. another cat would be too stressful for the current cat to deal with
94. Give the cat that is alive more attention
95. have a friend bring a cat over to see if your cat wants to socialize first.
96. If you don’t want another cat pay more attention to the remaining cqt, I have same problem with my dog, her sister died 2 years ago and now she sleeps with me , If she wants, and I try not to leave her alone ,also spend over an hour every morning walking her.(with a cat the time could be spent brushing and playing with him.
97. Depends on the cat-give it a try, but have alt. plan in case it doesnt work out.
98. depends on how the cat is acting and whether the owner feels that it is suffering without a playmate. if yes, find a cat similiar age that has a suitable temperment.
99. Try a kitten or a mellow adult cat. It may take awhile for the older cat to get along, but most of them time they will welcome another one.
100. Get another cat but introduce them SLOWLY and properly to avoid cat fights.
101. I have this problem and don’t know what to do.
102. try bringing in some cats and see if your cat likes, if your cat likes the company, find a suitable companion cat if possible of similar personality to the one that died
103. Cats grieve the loss of companions. Get a new kitty but take time to do the introductions gradually and get some info on doing it right!
104. Depends on the cat: is he depressed? Do you want another cat? Don’t get a young cat that would over whelm the older one.
105. only if you want another cat,your cat still has you.
106. Introduce the cat’s very slowly. Go to petvideo.com to learn how. My 16 year old cat lost her 13 year old companion. I got 2 kittens that are litter mates. It took a while but they are all living together happily now.
107. Cats this age don’t adjust well to a new kitten or cat. I give my remaining cat more attention and treats from my hand twice a day.
108. It depends on the personality of the cat.
109. If cat seems lonely, see if you can get another cat on a “trial” basis to see if it gets along with yours. Or, you could try getting a rabbit that has it’s own space away from the cat so they can become accustomed slowly.
110. Spend more time with the one left until he is okay with being alone.
111. if the cat seems lonely get another one, but some cats like to be the only one so it depends on how the cat is acting
112. After a while, foster a cat to see if the 8-year-old will accept another one.
113. Take a cat on a trial basis to be ssure they get along
114. Depends on the personality of the cat. If this cat is very social (and it sounds like he is), another cat might be a good idea. For many cats, however, a new cat will make a bad situation worse.
115. Wait for awhile before getting another companion
116. depends on how the cat is doing w/o companion – it could live another half of it’s life with or without a companion
117. but I would avoid getting a kitten, and do a sample visit to see if the cats will get along
118. if the cat seems depressed then yes or try to give it more attion
119. This one depends on the cat, but I did get another cat when one of mine died, and they became best friends.
120. I think this would depend on the cat. If kitty is left alone a lot, it might be a good idea (being careful to introduce them properly and force things too quickly); if kitty has lots of human companionship, kitty might be o.k.

121. At least right away. Let the cat and you get over the companion before chosing another.
122. Adopt another senior cat. Don’t get a kitten.
123. it depends upon the cat, is the cat lonely or depressed? Can you give it extra attention?
124. Only if he seems to be missing the companion. he may like being the only cat and getting all your attention
125. Wait. Consider another cat after time has passed.
126. if he wants another one get, if he does not want another don’t!!!
127. Get another cat after a few months to allow the cat to grieve and forget
128. You can find great cat companions at your local no-kill shelter. Some of the rescues work on a foster care basis and they can tell you which cats get along with other cats. And you can pick the age you want your 8 year old cat may not want a kitten driving him nuts.
129. after a mourning time possibly another older cat from a shelter
130. Take the cat to the local shelter and let him pick a new friend
131. We lost a favourite cat, who had been a companion to our other cat. She wandered around like a “lost kitten”, meowing, not eating etc., so we decided that besides giving our little boy a lot of affection, that we would get another cat. It was a match made in heaven. They play, sleep and eat together, and it didn’t take long for our baby to get used to the new kid. Yes, Snuffmuffin is younger, but he needed love as well, so he now has a forever home, and a forever companion to be with.
132. Not yet. Let kitty grieve for awhile
133. wow dont know if the cat would take to it
134. Depends on how the cat is adjusting. I lost one….my 3 others acted like no big deal. Cats are hunters, survivors….the strongest one lives…they adjust.
135. Try to introduce another cat, kitten would be easiest.
136. But get a kitten – if you got another grown cat, they might not get along.
137. Eventually, you might want to consider another cat, but in the meantime, give this cat alot of loveand comfort. They also mourn and need comforting.
138. I had the same quandry. When one died the other went into a lifetime grief. She was never the same after that. Now I have a 2 year old and her campion just died. We both went into depression. The odd thing is that Pamfer seemed to understand what I was feeling because I’d say to her, “I know Pamfie , I miss Foona too.” She’d jump up on me and let me cry on her fur and put her paws around my neck and nuzzle. I didn’t want her to end up like my other cat, so I went to the Humane Society and selected a younger cat with the same temperament. I put him in isolation for 10 days and they started playing pawsies under the door. Then I put my older cat in the bathroom and let the little guy have the run of the house for two days to get his scent all over the house. Next I put the little one back in the bathroom and let the older one out again. Now I put the little one in a carrier and periodically put him out where the other cat was. Then, when I was home to supervise all day, I let the little guy out. After two days of hissing. things settled down. They chase each other and indulge in typical cat play. Pamfer cleans Simbas ears and Simba cleans up the Pamfer. They are now fast friends. I think it’s just a matter of knowing the one cat’s personality, selecting another similar and then introducing them the right way. It takes time and patience and yes, some inconvenience at first. But in the end, what’s important is to do what’s best for the animal.
139. But let him get used to the new one SLOWLY
140. Only get a new cat if you want one. Cat will be ok.
141. TRY ADOPTING AN ADULT CAT, AS A KITTEN MAY BE TOO MUCH FOR AN 8 YEAR OLD CAT.
142. My cat lost his friend of 12 years, got diagnosed with lung cancer. We did not treat the cancer. Bought 2 kittens. Over a year later, cat is still alive, cancer in remission. I am convinced it’s because I bought the kittens–he was lonely and grieving himself to death.
143. get an older cat from a shelter, not a kitten
144. This just happened in my home. I’ll leaving shortly to pick up a kitten for my three year old cat who just lost her best friend (it was a 16 year old cat). The other cat in the house could care less, but the younger one is heartbroken. Cats need company.
145. I’d love a complete answer to this one myself (for my 14 year old in the same position). I would say try a new cat unless the remaining cat is over 10 years old
146. The cat already has to deal with grief, don’t give it more grief with a usurper coming to live with you and getting your attention
147. Definitely get your cat another companion. He is used to the companionship of one of his own kind. I would say get a kitten, maybe a little older kitten, as they are more adaptable and the older cat will soon join in with a kittens antics.
148. Just as with humans, when one passes on, it can not just be replaced. They are not interchangeable. Try spending some extra time with your cat and watch how the cat is dealing with the loss. If the cat is acting depressed or lonely, you may want to get another one. If not, and the cat adjusts to just you and the cat, it may give you both a closer bond with each other.
149. Try bringing home a kitten and see how your cat reacts.
150. Give your 8-year old a little time to mourn the loss first.
151. Give your kitty extra attention, some interactive games, cat videos, etc. Have someone visit your cat during the day and give him some attention.
152. depends how the cat is dealing with the lost of his friend
153. If your cat seems lonely, yes. Otherwise, its up to you.
154. Get him a girl kitten, that will snuggle up to him. I ahve found that opposites attract, especially if the new comer is a little one.
155. one dies the other will usually follow, adopt an older cat 3 or 4(kittens too hyper)
156. If the lone cat seems to be suffering, get another friend for him. Be very selective and get a cat with similar personality and be prepared to return the newest cat if it’s not a good match. don’t stress your older cat by getting a rambunctious kitten!
157. Unless YOU really want one, not because you think your cat needs a companion.
158. But introduce slowly. My female cat still fights with my tabby and its 7 years.
159. Depends on whether or not he misses him. If he does, get another cat. Some cats are happy to have you by themselves. So depends on how he is.
160. thats a hard one–if the cat likes other cats it may work but if the cat only liked the one it may be more upset by the new cat
161. see if the cat is showing signs of wanting another cat around, take the cat to a shelter and see if it picks a companion
162. When you get the kitten, take an old piece of something with the scent of the cat and rub it on him – may help in the transition to a new kitty
163. Only if you can find a cat of the same temperament.
164. try to introduce another cat
165. Save a life. Adopt a shelter cat.
166. get a kitten and give the older cat time to warm up and take charge!
167. Depends on the cat – if he seems lonely or depressed he may benefit from another cat
168. depends on how your cat adjusts to being alone, might prefer it over adjusting to a “stranger”
169. This would help the grieving cat and fill the void left by the deceased pet. Go to an animal shelter. So many animals need to be adopted.