Little Bear (neutered male Russian blue) is almost 19, and he’s been my only cat since his buddy passed away a couple years ago. He’s always been very dominant and assertive, but not at all aggressive. Now, in his old age, he’s become more emotionally needy and assertive than he used to be. He has no health problems.
I never did like the idea of having just one cat; I think they need some feline companionship even if they don’t physically interact much. So I’m thinking of adopting another cat.
My first thought is an adult female. A kitten would pester him to death, and another adult male might be considered a threat. On the other hand, if I get two kittens they’ll play together and possibly leave him alone.
I’ve been through a lot with Little Bear, and my first priority is to make his remaining time as trauma-free as possible. Any suggestions?
My suggestion is yes, get another cat. Adults can be tricky, they’re set in their ways, and they don’t always socialize. If you get a kitten and spend enough time playing with him, he may not terrorize LB. Then again, it’s incredible what happens some times when you put broken down old pets with spry young ones. Sometimes they pep right up as a matter of instinct. My old dog Beau sure did when we got a pup. They play all the time now, even with Beau’s arthritic hip.
But what I really came in here for was to dole out a sound flogging to you, panache. You’ve been around here long enough to know the unofficial rules!!
Get to snappin those pictures. Little Bear’s public awaits! 
When we brought two small kittens into our household, some of our older cats took a fancy to the youngsters.
Here is a pic of 19-year-old Nermal with 12-week-old Dali sleeping on top of him. The friskiness of the kittens has perked up Nermal quite a bit. He even plays with the kittens’ toys.
Yay! I can sleep tonight!
Little Bear is beautiful! Doesn’t look even near his age. I say get a kitten. It may take a while for them to get on the same page, but it may be theraputic for LB. On the other hand, you are the only one that knows him. He may surprise you, but if you don’t think he’s up to it, MHO is in left field.
pinkfreud, that is one of the most adorable shots ever.
Squeeeeee!
If LB isn’t significantly hampered by his old age and you think he’ll be all right with a kitten, then get a kitten AND POST PICS.
If not, get a young cat or adult cat who is docile and friendly with other cats. And POST PICS.
Good luck, in any case.
P.S. POST PICS. Especially if they end up like pinkfreud’s gorgeous kitties.
