Elderly cat: Should I introduce a new kitten (or two)?

My beloved Siamese is 15 years old and he LOVES companionship, at least mine. He's reasonably healthy, has some joint issues, probably isn't interested in playing with a kitten much, but I think he would love to cuddle and groom one. He grew up with another cat and adored him but he passed 5 or so years ago. Now he's transferred all that affection to me and just wants to be cuddled all the time, and he loves to groom me with his tongue.

So, I was thinking of getting a kitten, but realize that a kitten would probably torment him with too much energy but two kittens might entertain each other, but he could interact with them (perhaps) when they're ready for snuggles and sleep.

I'm going to be going back to work soon and I know my poor old feller is going to be lonely.

So, what do you think? Should I attempt to find some companionship for this old guy or let him have peaceful golden years without any young'uns to disturb him?

I horribly dislike it when people come into the shelter here & want one or two kittens to keep their elderly cat company. Most often, the kittens end up returned in a month or two as they are driving the older cat nuts.

What I've seen that has the most success is adopting 2 younger cats. I just had one lady adopt two cats that were around 2-3 years old, and she already had a 14 year old cat. So far, so good.

That said, maybe your kitty will not accept 2 adult cats as willingly as he would kittens. Yet kittens would be horribly annoying. I guess it depends on your kitty - it's been 5 years since he lived with another cat, he may not accept any new cat.

One way or another get two. That way when the older cat is tuckered out they have someone to rag on that still has energy.

Originally Posted by white cat lover

I horribly dislike it when people come into the shelter here & want one or two kittens to keep their elderly cat company. Most often, the kittens end up returned in a month or two as they are driving the older cat nuts.

What I've seen that has the most success is adopting 2 younger cats. I just had one lady adopt two cats that were around 2-3 years old, and she already had a 14 year old cat. So far, so good.

That said, maybe your kitty will not accept 2 adult cats as willingly as he would kittens. Yet kittens would be horribly annoying.

I guess it depends on your kitty - it's been 5 years since he lived with another cat, he may not accept any new cat.

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Yeah, I have the feeling there is the possibility it might backfire and I'd make the elder cat miserable. Not at all what I want to happen. I wonder if I can borrow someone's kittens for two weeks and test it out? Just kidding. My inclination is to do nothing, let the old fellow have a peaceful, but probably somewhat lonely dotage.

My Coco was 15.5 when I got Oreo last year and it worked out well.
Two kittens might bother him though its hard to say.
I got Sasha when Coco was 14.5.
Coco would let them nurse off her even though she has no milk.
They bother were 3 months when I got them.
My Meeko is 8.
I would not want you to get kittens and then return them to the pound.
That would be terrible.
I would get two cats for sure though so they can paly with each other.
Sasha and Oreo play all the time and even Meeko gets hyper with them.

I think that one kitten would be an idea. That way your older cat would only have to contend with one if it became an issue and also so that the kitten could also interact with your older one.The kitten would be more inclined to socialise with your older kitty and could develop a nice bond.Also you don't want your older cat to feel like a stranger in his own home that has now been taken over by two mega exitable kittens. Bit of a kick in the teeth to see his new replacements! Only joking on last bit My grandparents have a cat who is quite old and was abused awfully, had his jaw broken, bless his heart. As they live quite far away, when we go for Christmas our cat who is a lot younger comes too. First time he was a kitten and they got on so well, it was lovely to see. They jsut hit it off so it can be done. Good luck with whatever you decide

I wouldn't get a kitten for companionship for a 15-year-old cat. The older cat is really going to be irritated by the kitten's energy level, while the kitten will be frustrated that the older cat won't play.

But your situation is a wonderful opportunity to adopt a senior cat from a shelter, one who otherwise wouldn't have a chance and might spend his/her remaining years behind bars. Look for a senior cat who is mellow and likes other cats. After you go through the introduction period, you'll have two cats who have the same energy level and interests, and could be true companions.

Originally Posted by emmylou

I wouldn't get a kitten for companionship for a 15-year-old cat. The older cat is really going to be irritated by the kitten's energy level, while the kitten will be frustrated that the older cat won't play.

But your situation is a wonderful opportunity to adopt a senior cat from a shelter, one who otherwise wouldn't have a chance and might spend his/her remaining years behind bars. Look for a senior cat who is mellow and likes other cats. After you go through the introduction period, you'll have two cats who have the same energy level and interests, and could be true companions.

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I totally agree!!