Hi. I have two cats, and am thinking of bringing a new cat/kitten into the house and wanted some advice. My oldest cat, Amy is 15-year-old female color point. She and I lived alone together for about 11 years. She's intelligent, and demands affection often. About four years ago, I brought a new kitten into the house. Sigh is a little piebald male, now four years old. He has epilepsy (1-2 seizures a month) and is very very affectionate with me and just about any other person, chair, blanket, etc. Amy was very unhappy (she hid for days) when I first brought Sigh into the house as a kitten, and then was aggressive (jealous?) towards him, especially at first. Now, Amy more or less ignores Sigh, but gets upset when Sigh want's to rub her.
I've been thinking that Sigh could use a friend. When I'm hope, he follows me everywhere, and constantly rubs and wants attention. I don't mind, but I wonder if he's lonely, and if having a friend would be good for him.
Here's my question. Given Amy's age and prior bad reaction to a new cat, is brining in a new kitten or cat a good idea? (Last time, I don't think I did a good job introducing Sigh into the house. I just brought him in and expected the two to get along. I understand it would be better to have introduced him slowly, by keeping him in a room away from Amy and letter her get used to his scent, etc.) On the one hand, I think that Sigh would like to have a playmate and that Amy might be happy to be left alone a bit. On the other hand, Amy's older (though pretty spry), and has had a bad reaction before.
If I do get a new friend for Sigh--is there any advice? Would it be better to bring in a cat or kitten? Any idea about what sort of breed?
Thanks,
Dan
I've been thinking that Sigh could use a friend. When I'm hope, he follows me everywhere, and constantly rubs and wants attention. I don't mind, but I wonder if he's lonely, and if having a friend would be good for him.
Here's my question. Given Amy's age and prior bad reaction to a new cat, is brining in a new kitten or cat a good idea? (Last time, I don't think I did a good job introducing Sigh into the house. I just brought him in and expected the two to get along. I understand it would be better to have introduced him slowly, by keeping him in a room away from Amy and letter her get used to his scent, etc.) On the one hand, I think that Sigh would like to have a playmate and that Amy might be happy to be left alone a bit. On the other hand, Amy's older (though pretty spry), and has had a bad reaction before.
If I do get a new friend for Sigh--is there any advice? Would it be better to bring in a cat or kitten? Any idea about what sort of breed?
Thanks,
Dan