3 year old missing his companion ?

My 3 year old male cat lost his brother of the same litter about 2 months ago. Last week we moved into a new home and so far Jack seems a bit depressed and less active. (A skinny cat he appears to have put on a couple pounds!) We are trying to decide if a new 'sibling' is a good idea. We love cats and have the space ... but we don't want Jack feeling any worse. Thoughts ? Male or Female ? Kitten or older ?

He would definitely benefit from a buddy.

I would recommend either two kittens under 6 months of age, of either gender, *or* one female cat between 6 and 18 months of age who is used to being around other cats. Either of these combinations is likely to work very well. Expect some hissing in the beginning, but eventually they will grow to be good friends.

It is possible that his upset has to do with the move, as well as with the loss of his buddy. Know that if you open your heart and home to a new cat or kitten, Jack could go into a tailspin and get really stressed out and become ill. That is always a possibility when you bring a new cat in with an older one. Just understand that the introductions should be done gradually and don't rush it in an attempt to get Jack company. I would also take Jack to the vet and be sure that he isn't sick. Any time you change up the routine of a cat it can make them ill. Be sure that Jack is healthy before doing anything.

Originally Posted by hissy

It is possible that his upset has to do with the move, as well as with the loss of his buddy. Know that if you open your heart and home to a new cat or kitten, Jack could go into a tailspin and get really stressed out and become ill. That is always a possibility when you bring a new cat in with an older one. Just understand that the introductions should be done gradually and don't rush it in an attempt to get Jack company. I would also take Jack to the vet and be sure that he isn't sick. Any time you change up the routine of a cat it can make them ill. Be sure that Jack is healthy before doing anything.

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I voted for 'Older cat' and the reason is twofold:

a) he needs a buddy...cats do better with feline company, especially if you're away from home regularly

b) older cats are always passed over at the shelters and they need us the most! It doesn't matter the age or sex of the cat (provided that it has been sterilized), it depends on having compatible personalities. Take things your cat's activity level, play modes, affections modes, etc into account to make your decision. I only said older because they so desperately need homes and end up waiting a lot longer than kittens!

I think another adult cat (preferably female from my limited experience) would be a good idea, but not yet. He already has two things to adjust to, his brother's death and the move. A third thing could be just too much.

You know how they say that a human should try to avoid too many "points" worth of stress in one year or they will risk their own health. Like if they lose a spouse, move, have a daughter go away to college, and have a major change in financial status all in one year, they are much more likely to have a heart attack or some other serious illness. I think it may be the same with cats. Only I don't think you have to wait a year with a cat. But don't rush it if you just moved a week ago. A move is a really major adjustment for a cat. Just try to give him lots of special attention for a while.

I would vote for *no* extra cats for a while. Jack is probably stressed, as you also might be from the recent move. Give yourselves some time to get used to the new surroundings.

We waited 13 months before we intruduced a new kitten to the household afyer our older (14 yr. old) cat lost her litter mate sister last year. Probably too long of a wait, but I certainly wouldn't rush things - mostly due to the move.

Cats pick up on the hectic-ness of their human buddies stress, and assimilate that stress and don't always fair well due to that. Get fully settled in, and comfortable with the new home first. I also think that bringing in multiple new cats would also be stressful. One new kitten (or older cat) is difficult enough to adjust to.

Everything in moderation when it comes to cats.

I think you should wait before getting another cat. Concentrate on givin your cat lots of attention. He's probably upset about the move as well as losing his brother.

Introducing another cat at the moment could cause your cat to become more stressed. But in the long run your cat would benefit from a kittie friend.