Getting a second cat: Kitten or Adult?

Hi there -
I have been thinking long and hard, and want to get a companion for Lucky. She is my love though, and I just want to do what is better for her. I think a second kitty will keep her company when I am away on business trips, and also keep her from getting bored while I am working (at home, but still can't give her a lot of attention).
She is VERY sweet, and attached to me; she came in labeled as Shy, and it took me a lot of work to get her trusting me... I don't want to take her "queendom" away, or traumatize her...

In you opinion, would it be better to get her a kitten, or an adult cat? Also, what kind of personality should I look for?
Thanks!

I think an adult cat would be better, simply for the reason that adult cats don't get adopted as much as kittens, also, an adult would be more laid back and not as likely to irritate Lucky with it's constant playfulness

I personally would go for a year to 2 year old male, it's been my experience that 2 females take waaaaay longer to get along males are generally easy-going, you'd have to visit with some cats at a shelter or rescue to get a feel for their personalities to see who would be the best match for you and Lucky. That's another nice thing about adults, what you see is what you get, sometimes kittens personality can change as they get older

I also agree with katiemae1277 young adult male. I have 5 males and 4 females. All the males get along great. The females don't, theres no fighting or fussing but they just kind of stay clear of each other. However, I'm sure there are those who have different experiences. But for my circumstances I would go with a male. Good luck.

I would get a kitten, but that's just me!! If you work a lot and go on trips, maybe it IS a better idea to get an adult cat, because a kitten can be kind of wild and requires a lot of attention..

probably a young adult cat.

it is a lot of work to introduce new cats usually no matter what, but sometimes you can get lucky ive heard

i got Kitty a kitten for a companion, and the kiitten drove her crazy! its all love now, but it took at leasst a month

Because females have a tendency to take longer to accept a newcomer, I would recommend getting a laid back male neutered kitten about 6-7 months old or around a year for a companion.

Keep in mind it could take weeks or even a few months for the to accept him.

I just got a new kitten and all my cats are girls and all get along fine.
No one hissed or anything and they became friends the first day.
Sorry I am lucky. I would say adult but alot of times they will fight.
My sister just adopted a 2 year old and he attacked the kids and other cat.
She had to take him back.
She ended up with a kitten.
Post when you get something.

We have only ever had luck introducing a kitten to an established adult. With Gus if we tried to bring an adult cat in he would get angry and aggressive with it and prevent it from using the litter box (even though we had 3) and eating. We brought Nora in as a kitten and he did fine. Hissed a bit for a few days, but after that they were best friends.

Nora took FOREVER to accept Milo, and he was a kitten. I can't imagine bringing an adult in.

A relaxed adult male is what I would go for if I were you.

My first cat, Matilda, sounds a lot like your cat. Relaxed, shy, laid back. I then brought home a female kitten, Chloe, who drove Matilda nuts. I did the whole slow cat introduction process and it still was a good 6 months before Matilda would even tolerate her, and probably 9-10 months before she was really relaxed around Chloe.

We just brought home a 3rd cat a week or so ago (long story! will post pics and story elsewhere) and things are SO much smoother this time around. It's really like night and day. Matilda hissed at the cat, Henry, a few times but pretty much ignores him and he ignores her. (He's a very playful kitten, but doesn't attack other cats really and can be mellow). It took Chloe a week to really warm up to him, but things are already a million times better than they were a week ago. We kept Henry in his own room for a few days. He still stays in his room when we aren't home.

I have a female and got a 9 month old male who was very laid back at the SPCA - that combination made for a smooth introduction.