Is this a good idea?

Some of you may already know that my 1 1/2 year old cat was diagnosed with disk disease the other week. He is not aloud to jump, climb or rough-house anymore. I feel kind of bad for him and I know he gets lonely when I'm not around. I'm also expecting my first child in a month and a half, and I'm worried that he'll feel left out.
I have been thinking about getting him a companion. He loves my sister's cat, but unfortunately won't be able to see her anymore since he's not aloud to play. I was thinking that it might be a good idea to get another cat (preferably a little older) that is either blind, or has difficulty walking as well. This way Zorro will have a companion for when I'm not around, and the new cat won't encourage him to play either.
Does anyone think this is a good idea, or should I just leave him as the only cat. (He is used to other cats, and while it does take him some time to get used to them, it appears as if he likes their company) Where would I possibly go about getting a cat like this?

Cats are territory oriented, and unless they're "ambassador" kitties, they almost all take a while to get used to a new companion sharing their space. There are many things you can do to help this transition.

I think it sounds like a lovely idea. And I'd adopt a handicapped kitty - there are plenty of special needs kitties out there. A blind kitty really needs stability - no moving things around, and with a baby on the way, it seems as if that might be much to ask.

A really good place to look is on www.petfinder.org. They list shelters in Canada. I don't know where you are or in how rural an area you live. But you can also search for local shelters, humane societies, call around to local vets, and I'm sure you'll find a kitty in need.

I think this would be really helpful to both your kitty and the kitty in need. Special needs kitties, especially if older, can be difficult to place, and they need people like you looking for them.



Laurie

Thank you for the info. I guess a blind cat wouldn't be the best. I'm sure I;ll find something though. I looked on petfinder, but there was absolutely nothing that fit what I'm looking for.
I'm going to call around to all the vets in the area(there are a ton!) and let them know what I'm looking for. I also posted an add on kijiji. Hopefully I'll find something within the next month and a half.

maybe do a Google search or contact some local rescues - thye may know of a special needs cat that might not normally be on a regualr adoption list.

Also, not sure where you are in Canada but http://www.meowfoundation.com/ourcats/catalogue.asp

I didn't read through all of them, but what about Mariette?

I think your kitty would love a friend.

I called all the vet clinics in the area, but no one knows of any cats fitting what I'm looking for. They have my name and number, so if they know of any cats looking for homes, they're going to call me.
Another idea I just thought of today was maybe getting Zorro a rabbit. We had a Flemish giant (they are the size of large house cats) last year, but had to give him to my mother's friend because my room-mate was allergic. Zorro loved the rabbit and actually used to sleep in its cage with him all the time.
This might be a better idea since he won't be able to rough-house with the rabbit, but it will give him a companion. It'll probably be just as hard to get one, since my last Flemish I had to have ordered in(you can't get them around here)but its another option for me to look into.