If you already have an older cat and want to provide it with a feline companion you need to consider several things. Is your cat likely to accept another cat into its home? Though most cats are sociable with their own “family”, they may resent the intrusion of an outsider if the introduction is not handled carefully.
Many cat owners believe it best to get a kitten to keep an older cat company. This does not always work out in practice since a new kitten is often far too energetic for the older cat in the household and it is the kitten that is likely to be injured if the other cat takes exception to it.
Some cats enjoy having other cats around and thrive on the company. Others are upset by the addition of another cat, especially an energetic youngster. A boisterous kitten could drive it away or make it resentful rather than restore its youth especially if the cat has been used to an older and less active companion cat. There is no simple formula, it depends on the temperament of your cat and the way in which a new introduction is handled.
If your cat is generally friendly towards other cats then it may benefit from a feline companion which is closer to its own age. It is often possible to introduce another adult or older cat into your household if the introduction is handled carefully. Although there may be initial resentment on the part of the resident cat, they usually come to an amicable agreement. Many become firm friends sharing mutual interests such as finding the most comfortable sleeping and sunbathing places while others simply ignore each other so long as there are enough comfortable sleeping places for all concerned.
Since the character of older cats is already well developed, it is easier to find a companion cat known to be friendly with other cats.
