Not sure if this is the correct forum for this, so mods please move if appropriate.
We very recently lost Swanie, my heart kitty and soul mate. I miss him so much. But we still have Cricket, and I think she is lonely, and I think she would like to have someone to hang out with / play with, especially at night when she is most active. DH would like a cat also, who might be around during the day like Swanie was, because Cricket mostly sleeps during the day and tears around at night.
So, we are planning on adopting a cat, with the goal that the cat will get along with Cricket, and also hopefully with us. We would like to get a male cat, but what I'm wondering is what age would be most appropriate. Cricket is about 4.5 years old. She still tears around and likes to play, but not as active as when she was younger. Would it be better to get a cat closer to her age, or younger? And how much younger? I'm assuming older is probably not a good idea.
There are not a lot of male cats in the shelter right now that aren't kittens. We are looking at 3 who are still in the back going through the program - about 2 or more weeks away from being adoptable. One is about 3 1/2 (Micah), one is about 1 1/2 (Fozzy), and one is 7 months (Aaron). DH is leaning toward Aaron (because he's very active and perky). Fozzy seems very sweet and friendly. Micah is kind of shy but does come over and likes to be petted. They are all still in cages in the back, and Micah and Aaron are getting over URIs. We have no idea yet if they get along with other cats. Once they go through the program, get neutered, etc., they will move into the community rooms so we can get an idea of how they get along with other cats. We are on very good terms with this rescue (I volunteer there, Cricket came from there), so we've expressed our interest and also if any other cats come into the program that seem good candidates.
We almost adopted one (Austin), but he was being treated for a UTI. The Director told us that at least he didn't have crystals. He had his recheck Friday - if all was well, we were going to pick him up Saturday. Friday evening we got a text that they had found crystals in his urine and he would likely have to be on special food his entire life. That wouldn't bother me, except that Cricket is a grazer and I can't think of any way we could leave food down for her and have Austin not get into it. So we had to give up on him.
Cricket is a tortie, but she's very sweet and loving. She's not a cuddler, but loves being petted. She enjoyed hanging out with Swanie and they groomed each other, but Swanie wasn't up to playing. She did try to get some games going, but he just wasn't up to it. We did not have any issues introducing her to Swanie. Of course, it took a while for them to get to know each other, but there was no hissing or growling from either of them. Actually, the only growling was when Cricket would get the bird and go trotting past Swanie with it. She would give a low growl as if to say, my bird! I caught it! Swanie's reaction was whatever. So we are hopeful once she gets to know a new cat, they will be friends.
I would appreciate any advice on ages or anything else we should take into consideration. Thanks for reading this.
We very recently lost Swanie, my heart kitty and soul mate. I miss him so much. But we still have Cricket, and I think she is lonely, and I think she would like to have someone to hang out with / play with, especially at night when she is most active. DH would like a cat also, who might be around during the day like Swanie was, because Cricket mostly sleeps during the day and tears around at night.
So, we are planning on adopting a cat, with the goal that the cat will get along with Cricket, and also hopefully with us. We would like to get a male cat, but what I'm wondering is what age would be most appropriate. Cricket is about 4.5 years old. She still tears around and likes to play, but not as active as when she was younger. Would it be better to get a cat closer to her age, or younger? And how much younger? I'm assuming older is probably not a good idea.
There are not a lot of male cats in the shelter right now that aren't kittens. We are looking at 3 who are still in the back going through the program - about 2 or more weeks away from being adoptable. One is about 3 1/2 (Micah), one is about 1 1/2 (Fozzy), and one is 7 months (Aaron). DH is leaning toward Aaron (because he's very active and perky). Fozzy seems very sweet and friendly. Micah is kind of shy but does come over and likes to be petted. They are all still in cages in the back, and Micah and Aaron are getting over URIs. We have no idea yet if they get along with other cats. Once they go through the program, get neutered, etc., they will move into the community rooms so we can get an idea of how they get along with other cats. We are on very good terms with this rescue (I volunteer there, Cricket came from there), so we've expressed our interest and also if any other cats come into the program that seem good candidates.
We almost adopted one (Austin), but he was being treated for a UTI. The Director told us that at least he didn't have crystals. He had his recheck Friday - if all was well, we were going to pick him up Saturday. Friday evening we got a text that they had found crystals in his urine and he would likely have to be on special food his entire life. That wouldn't bother me, except that Cricket is a grazer and I can't think of any way we could leave food down for her and have Austin not get into it. So we had to give up on him.
Cricket is a tortie, but she's very sweet and loving. She's not a cuddler, but loves being petted. She enjoyed hanging out with Swanie and they groomed each other, but Swanie wasn't up to playing. She did try to get some games going, but he just wasn't up to it. We did not have any issues introducing her to Swanie. Of course, it took a while for them to get to know each other, but there was no hissing or growling from either of them. Actually, the only growling was when Cricket would get the bird and go trotting past Swanie with it. She would give a low growl as if to say, my bird! I caught it! Swanie's reaction was whatever. So we are hopeful once she gets to know a new cat, they will be friends.
I would appreciate any advice on ages or anything else we should take into consideration. Thanks for reading this.
RIP sweetie. 
with however this works out 
