Best New Cat to Introduce?

Hi lovely people! Unfortunately we lost one of our kitties last week. We are very heart broken over it still, but my cat Diego is not handling it very well. We're moving in a few weeks, and once we're all settled in there I would like to get another baby. My question is what age is the best new cat to get? Diego is 3.5 years old, and has been the only cat in my house until he was introduced to Pippin a few months ago, they took quite some time to get used to each other and only had each other around for a few months. I know he'll be happier with a friend around, but  I want to make sure I make the transition as smooth as possible.

I'd like another boy, as he seems to get along with them the best. What should I look for? A kitten? Someone around his age? I already have all the steps in place to introduce them, just need to know who will be the easiest to introduce him to! 

Thanks everyone!

Im so, so sorry for your loss

I think age is far less important than personality. I'd suggest you talk to the shelter about the situation, and let them be your guide. A kitten could feel less threatening, but their play drive is often through the roof. An adult with a pretty chilled personality could work very well too. A lot depends on Diego's personality. There are so many unknowns. Sorry I'm not being more helpful.

One tip to test the water a little - when you think you've identified a potential candidate, do a scent swap. How they each react to the other's scent could give you an indication as to how well they're likely to accept each other in the future

Don't feel you have to rush into this. Take your time. You all need to grieve, and you don't want to risk overwhelming Diego. Pippin's death coupled with a move is a lot for a cat to deal with. It might be an idea to give him chance to process everything before introducing a new companion.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I think probably not a kitten, because older cats tend to find them annoying (I don't blame them!) If you can find a cat with a similar activity level to Diego it might be easiest for them to get along so one doesn't want to play while the other wants to sleep, etc. This might correlate to age but it might not. Also, if the new cat has experience living with other cats that'd be a bonus so there's less of a learning curve for him and him being more relaxed will be a cue for Diego to be more relaxed.

I hope Diego (and you) are doing okay. I'm the type who does better getting a new animal sooner rather than later, too. With so many changes, it will take some time for Diego to get back to normal, but I agree, a new companion might be very good for him in the long run.

Thanks guys I will be letting Diego settle into the new place first, he's pretty good with moving so I'm hoping he'll settle in well. I'm just thinking ahead. Losing Pippin has been difficult, but we're getting through it. The hardest part is leaving Diego to go to work now that he's alone! I'll be going to the SPCA or the Humane Society here, unfortunately I haven't had the best of luck with customer service at either place before so I have a feeling I won't have too much help there  

A scent swap is a great idea! Thanks  

Local humane societies are independent and all function a bit differently depending on where you are, so hopefully the one in your new area (assuming you're moving far enough away) will be better. Best of luck!