Should we get another cat?

[Shazza36]

Sadly this week we had to make the painful decision to have our little 7 year old cat Cheeky put to sleep he had heart failure and was gradually getting worse. We couldn't watch him suffer and his behaviour on the way to the vet and while we there confirmed to me that he had had enough. We still have Pixie our 11 year old cat and he has never been on his own before we've always had at least one other cat. He's a little lost and seems to be lonely at the moment, he's the friendliest cat (and probably the biggest) you could ever meet and loved nothing better than giving Cheeky a good wash when he didn't hve the energy to do it himself I don't know whether we should go to the cat rescue centre and see if there's a young cat that would benefit from a home with us or is it too soon? Not even sure whether I want another pet its too painful but on the other hand they bring so much joy. Any opinions?

[albaqwerty]

What a sad time for you all and for poor Pixie too.

Rather than a kitten, how about a slightly older cat?

I think the joys outweigh the pain as they leave behind such lovely (and some funny) memories.

[Southsider]

So sad to hear about your cat.
My very loved cat also died from heart failure five months ago today. He was about seventeen. I didn't intend to get another cat for a while, but much sooner than planned, I did; a rescue of around twelve months.
He doesn't replace my cat, who I still miss, but he is a great little chap in his own right, and for me, it has made the loss easier to bear. On the other hand, I don't have another cat whose nose might have been put out of joint. I found some of the of rescue centres incredibly insensitive and rigid. I rescued mine from some students who had taken him in as a stray but couldn't keep him. They loved him to bits and I get frequent emails from them asking for updates.
Good luck with your decision.

[wolf63]

Whatever you decide to do remember there is no right or wrong length of time for grieving over the death of a loved one.

If you think that Pixie has the temperament to deal with another cat and you want to get one it might help both of you. You will both miss Cheeky but a new cat might just help.

[SpikeyBush]

I have to agree with albaqwerty. When I had my cat put to sleep I did think initially about not getting another so I wouldn't be berieved again like that. But upon reflection I decided that the joy they bring when they are with us far outweighs the sadness when time comes to say goodbye.

Our new kitten should be ready to leave his mother on about a fortnight. Our dog is called Judy so the cat has to be called Richard.

[Postdog]

I'll go with yes but add get an older rescue. I'm a dog guy myself, and wasn't gonna get another after having one put down, but it was too empty. Being old doesn't make them less lovable or loving

[ladybirder]

So sorry to hear about Cheeky Shazza, it's so sad isn't it. I had brother and sister cats and the boy was always the boss and he used to groom his sister but she never returned the favour. He got killed on the road when he was about 11 and she seemed lost without him. But we made an extra special fuss of her and she blossomed without him which really surprised us. You know Pixie best and only you can tell whether he would benefit from a companion rather than having you all to himself. My only advice would be that if you do get another one get one a bit older, not a kitten. Good luck whatever you decide. There are certainly enough cats looking for homes for you to choose from.

[wolf63]

I agree with ladybirder - kittens only look cute. Pixie might not take too kindly to being around a kitten - a fragile-looking little demon with endless energy and sharp claws and teeth. They look cute to offset the evil within them. ;-)

[welshlibranr]

maybe a bit soon for you all!............I would wait a few days, and then decide!.....early days yet, sorry for you loss!........

[k8bailey]

hi Shazza, sorry to hear about Cheeky - I had to have my 8yr old cat Elvis put to sleep a few weeks ago (he had leukemia), and have another cat at home. so although we're in similar situations I think it is too soon for me to get another cat, but I'm about to move house too which complicates matters slightly.....anyway my point is that only you can decide really, what is too soon for some, maybe just right for others. Good luck with your decision.

[sue11]

hi Shazza, so sorry about Cheeky, it is so hard isn't it, when a loved pet leaves us. Our cat Bandit left us on New Years Eve 09, she was 18 and it was heartbreaking to let her go. We decided against another cat as her companion Ozzie is a year older than Bandit and suffering from kidney disease. so it would be unfair to expect her to accept another cat. But Pixie is just a youngster at 11 and I am sure would like a new companion to boss around!
As others have recommended, I would also advise against getting a kitten as the age gap may be too great, what about a cat aged 7 or 8 years? Also have you considered a cat that has been used to living with other pets, it may be easier for a cat used to being around other cats/dogs to settle in with another animal.
Give Pixie a hug from me and Ozzie!
Sue

[notasyoungasiwas]

Agree with what Postdog said, so many older pets are overlooked, but need homes just as badly. My lovely boy was six when I got him from local RSPCA and it was just great watching him flourish and turn into a happy lad. So sorry about your puss.

[boxtops]

Shazza, sorry to hear - but you made the right decision for your Cheeky. As for getting another cat - I would wait a little while and see how Pixie is on his own. When we brought a 4-year-old cat into our house of cats of similar age, it wasn't a good idea - too much competition for head cat-ness, and led to a lot of bad cat-feeling. A young cat of about 1-2 years old might be good - but take your lead from Pixie, he might be very happy having you to himself. He will be grieving and lonely for a while - cats know these things, and it does affect them - so give him lots of fuss.