Introducing new cat after loss of one
Discussion
Last year, we got two new Bengal Cross kittens. Mum was a snow bengal and snuck out the house, dad unknown. Tragically Maddie was run over and killed on Tuesday at just 13 months old. Leaving her sister Vesper all alone.
Whilst it's still numb for us and the house feels a bit empty, as each day goes past Vesper is getting back to normal which is the main thing. When we bought them, they were a bonded pair, played together, sleep together. Whilst the sleeping together had mainly subsided, everything else, eating, playing, being mischievous was a paired activity.
All things being equal she has another 15 years or so on the planet, we feel it would be best if she had another playmate. Now, we've never had to introduce a cat before, our last pair died within 12 months of each other from old age related conditions.
I'm leaning towards another kitten or two being the less threatening option, somewhere between 4-6 months old. If we do go down this option, would anyone suggest boy/girl, 2 boys etc. I'm thinking 3 girls might be territorial? And how long to leave before entertaining this option.
The other option is a puppy, pre covid it couldn't be an option. Home working has opened up that avenue.
Anyone have any experience in these situations?
Whilst it's still numb for us and the house feels a bit empty, as each day goes past Vesper is getting back to normal which is the main thing. When we bought them, they were a bonded pair, played together, sleep together. Whilst the sleeping together had mainly subsided, everything else, eating, playing, being mischievous was a paired activity.
All things being equal she has another 15 years or so on the planet, we feel it would be best if she had another playmate. Now, we've never had to introduce a cat before, our last pair died within 12 months of each other from old age related conditions.
I'm leaning towards another kitten or two being the less threatening option, somewhere between 4-6 months old. If we do go down this option, would anyone suggest boy/girl, 2 boys etc. I'm thinking 3 girls might be territorial? And how long to leave before entertaining this option.
The other option is a puppy, pre covid it couldn't be an option. Home working has opened up that avenue.
Anyone have any experience in these situations?
Friends of mine had two cats (brother and sister); the tom got run over. The remaining cat, after a period of unsettlement, is now perfectly happy as the only cat on the house.
If your brother was killed, would you be OK with some random bloke to replace him? I suspect not. And defo not a puppy.
Vesper is getting back to normal, that's all you need
If your brother was killed, would you be OK with some random bloke to replace him? I suspect not. And defo not a puppy.
Vesper is getting back to normal, that's all you need
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