Should I get another cat?

Milo, who is 2-1/2 years old, is now an only cat; his roommate, Teddy, died on 12/17. I'm wondering whether I should get another cat or kitten soon in order to keep Milo company. Milo never got to play with Teddy as much as I think he wanted to, since Teddy was older and in rather poor health. Usually Teddy would respond to Milo's play attempts by either hissing or ignoring him. But now that Teddy's gone, Milo (who has always been intensely friendly) has turned into a 14-lb. blob of Velcro. He follows me everywhere and howls or throws himself at my torso if he thinks he's being ignored. I'm on vacation this week but I'm worried that when I go back to work on Jan. 3, Milo will be unhappy and lonely in the house by himself all day. On the other hand, it's now his house and he rules it completely.

So I'm wondering whether it would be worse to disrupt his total rule over my (his) house by bringing in another cat, or to let him reign in solitary (and possibly lonely) splendor? Am I being too anthropomorphic to assume an animal that is solitary by nature would be happier with a companion?

Any advice? Another cat? Two cats? Kittens? No more cats? Some other kind of animal (that he can't eat)?

It sounds like you had Teddy first and then introduced Milo. If that's the case, I would get another sooner rather than later. The longer he is the "ruler" of the roost, the more difficult it will be to introduce another animal and, if he's never really been alone, he may not like the position of ruler so much.

If you can handle it emotionally, and Milo hasn't been the sole animal for any real length of time, I'd think bringing in a new kitty would cheer you both up. (And get him off your case. ;) )

I say get Milo a playmate.

Quinn is a much cooler kitty when he's got Althea to play tag with. He's mellower when it's time to be mellow, and he's friendlier to humans when he's allowed to burn off his excess energy running around and beating up toy mice with her.

if you have the love to share and a home, wouldn't it be a great thing for all?

look here what I have, and Charley had to WALK IN to my home!

my Miro (far right of my sig line) grieved horribly after my 15 year old half Turkish Angora Peewee passed away in 03. He also turned into a (20) pound blob of velcro, howling and calling for his old friend. I searched everywhere for another Turk or half Turk (they have unusual personalities), but they are so rare that there were only a handful available in the country-even mixed breeds on Petfinder were scarce. I ended up getting Oberon when I went to look at an older TA who was available for adoption at a cat show (you can often find LOTS of rescue groups offering cats at larger cat shows). I didn't intend on buying a purebred kitten, but something told me that Obie would be just the tonic Miro needed-and I was right! They ADORE one another, and groom and snuggle together every afternoon. I finally did get a Turk as well, but threw in the towel on searching for a rescue and ended up getting a purebred (not something that someone who does pet rescue wants to do)! I have a very happy household now-well, except for Ashiki the serval mix!

Go to several shelters and look at what they have, without having a preset idea of what you want. I'm sure that the right cat or kitten will "speak" to you. As a general rule of thumb-it's easier for an older male cat to bond with a male cat that is somewhat younger than he is-but if an older cat strikes you as being "the one", then go for it! And if two kittens seem ideal, then consider them as well. Three isn't much more trouble than two-but four starts to become a bit more work.

Good luck, and so sorry again about dear Teddy :hug:

I also agree that you should get another. I have two and really enjoy watching how they interact with each other. Cats are more social than we give them credit.

play rough with Milo, but big enough not to get beat up too badly. Also, get out the Feliway and other soothing remedies. Good luck to you and Milo and his new sibling.

considering Milo's age a kitten would transition better - avoids the alpha-cat fight for mominance.

I you do opt for an older cat - look for one that is on the submissive side. Your home is MILO's turf and he's the king

But I would also suggest sooner rather than later while he is still in the adjustment stage.

Milo needs a bud. A kitten would probably fit the bill. Use the 3 day intro technique. Keep two separated for at least three days, let them sniff through door. Alternate putting the one in the others' room for a period of time each day so they can sniff. On the third or fourth day you should be able to introduce with minimal amount of fireworks. If you have problems, Bachs' rescue rememdy or feliway works wonders. But I think it would be a great thing for all of you. :hug:

Best of luck! (PS. SPCA kittens rule!)