What cat would get along best with the cat I have? Any ideas?

[Rock'n Robin]

I know there are a lot of cat people out there so I thought I'd ask this question. I have been asking for a second cat for quite a while. I am not making much headway, but in case I ever get DH at a weak moment I want to know what to look for at the humane society.
We had two cats from 1988-2001, when Chelsea was put down due to some stomach disorder that made her throw up daily for over a year and lose a lot of weight, in spite of a couple of different treatments. I still have Micky, who I got in 1987--she will be 16 years old in March!!! She has always been kind of antisocial, doesn't like to come downstairs while people are here, will let me pet her but will leap up and run off if one of the kids comes within 10 feet of her, etc. Chelsea was the cuddler.
If I would get another cat, what would get along best with my geriatric fixed female? A male or female? A kitten or young cat? I know it is harder to find home for non-kittens and I was hoping to find one.
Any advice appreciated.
Robin M.

 

[Disney Debbie]

The best cat for a 16 year old cat is a STUFFED Cat! We've always had at least two cats. My 17 year old cat that died a few years ago HATED the new cat we got about 2 years before she died and had nothing to do with it - ever.

Wait for this cat to pass away and then get two cats at the same time. They get along a lot better when they've been around each other from the beginning.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

It is possible to find a cat that doesn't give a hoot that it is the new kid in town. Definetly go MALE, neutered.
However it will put stress on your other cat as the adjustment is made.

The best scene of course is to wait till this one passes an then get yourself a pair the same age.

 

[grinningghost]

I've had a lot of female cats, and now I have a neutered male. He is SO much more friendly than any of the females I've had. He is an absolute lover bubble. Since I got him, other people have told me their male cats were always much sweeter and sociable. I'm sure there are arguments against this - it's just my personal experience.

 

[catsrule]

Simba is the sweetest little boy. I just walk in the room and he purrs. He does like to chase Cali though. He prefers to have the humans all to himself, doesn't want to share them.

 

[NCRedding]

We have a 20 year old cat, with no teeth. After our other cat passed away in May, we decided to get a kitten from the litter down the street--we got a male. Unfortunately, he wanted to play all the time with the old cat--who was definitely NOT in the mood. We ended up getting a litter mate so the kitten would not play with old one. For this reason, I wouldn't recommend a kitten, unless you want 2.

 

[jamsmom]

Our oldest cat could not stand the 2nd cat we got (female) who turned out to be a kitty who needs to be the ONLY kitty in a home. So, we gave her to a co-worker. The next cat- male- and the olde cat got along fine. When Black Kitty died on Sunday, October 27, I thought I would lose my mind. So, Jim got another kitty from his sister- female and looks alot like Black Kitty- not quite as ragdoll lovable but close. The older cat actually acts a little younger with her. They cuddle all the time. Both can no longer help to have kitties thank goodness.

 

[Rajah]

Robin -- supposedly, gender doesn't matter, really, as long as all involved have been spayed or neutered. It's the individual personalities of the individual kitties that really makes the difference. In my experience, males are frequently more lovable than females, but not always. All of mine are companionable.

In your situation, I would personally look for a young cat (7-9 months at youngest IMHO), but not a kitten (meaning 3-7 months). The younger the cat, the wilder the cat, generally speaking. I've heard of few situations where a young kitten got along really well with an older cat, but once they get past the really young wild stage, they get along better. Theoretically, anyway.

So what I personally would look for (unless you had your heart set on a kitten) is a young cat in the 1-3 years range. You'll still have years of love and enjoyment out of the cat, but it likely will be a little settled down and thus maybe won't terrorize your current older cat.

Either that, or as someone else already suggested, pick up two kittens who already know each other and can play together.

Or, third scenario (as already suggested) is to wait until this girl passes, then get two young kittens/cats at once.