When to get another cat?

[8bit]

Our two cats came to us as a pair from a rehoming center aged 5 and 2 a bit over eleven years ago. Sadly we lost Snowy, the elder chap a few weeks ago to gastric lymphoma. His younger sister (now aged 13 or 14) is doing an extremely impressive job of trying to fill the void that Snowy left

Fast forward until this morning, I'd just returned late last night from a work trip and my wife tells me she has found a breeder with a Norwegian Forest Cat kitten available. I didn't think she was ready to entertain the idea of another cat yet and I'm not sure I am either for that matter, but that's not the reason for this thread.

Thinking about our remaining cat, are there any ways to try and get a feel for how well she'd accept a new, young kitten? She mostly doted on her brother, she's generally very sociable, interactive and kitten-like herself. Seeing how well she accepted our kids when they started arriving makes me think she'd probably be very open to it, if handled correctly. When I was growing up my parents generally always had two or three cats in the house at any one time, they were mostly just left to work it out for themselves and I don't remember any serious issues, noses out of joint for a couple of weeks or so now and then but that was mostly it. Trying not to overthink it but the key concern is the current cat, her brother and us are all she's had since we got them!

Any constructive input gratefully received...

[jules_s]

We're in the same boat (I nearly typed I)

1. 1 cat passed nearly two years ago now, #2 is still with us. #2 has changed and become the main 'boy' - he's far more engaging and friendly.

Much as I like to think he'd like a new chum we're going to leave him as the centre of attention for the rest of his days.

[Evoluzione]

Try to think about the cats POV, not yours.
Currently in the same boat, she'll live out her days in peace as she doesn't need the hassle at her age/condition. When she's gone we'll eventually get some kind of replacement.

[E63eeeeee...]

I'm sure there are exceptions, but cats often don't like to share with other cats they aren't related to. We, not entirely through choice, introduced a 2 year old into our home when we already had a ten year old. It didn't go well, the older cat had stress symptoms for a while and six years later the older cat died without ever really having accepted the interloper.

A sanctuary probably wouldn't allow you to take a younger cat if you already have an old one. The way it was explained to me was to think about how you'd feel if a stranger moved into your house. And then you can scale that up to account for the massive age difference too. From experience, I'd say don't.

[SlimJim16v]

I would only do it on condition the other cat can be returned if it doesn't work out. Maybe another rescue cat.

[robsco]

We are in exactly the same boat. We had two brothers aged 5, sadly we had to have one put to sleep last week, leaving just one. So far I have to say, the remaining cat seems to have really taken it in his stride. We made the decision that we are going to let the remaining cat’s behaviour dictate whether we get another, rather than focussing on our own needs. My opinion for what it’s worth, you have a fairly old cat who may not appreciate the disruption of adding another unrelated household member in her twilight years. That said, who knows, cats are unique creatures!

[Simpo Two]

Evoluzione said:

Try to think about the cats POV, not yours.
Currently in the same boat, she'll live out her days in peace as she doesn't need the hassle at her age/condition.

Seconded.

If you were 80 would you want to have to live with a 5-year-old? Furthermore I don't think the fact your current cat accepted your children is relevant - different species!