Is it a good idea to get a cat that has lived alone for 5 years a friend? I have a cat who is 5...

PinkMoon · 26-30, F

I have an 8 year old cat and he's an only child. He doesn't have a sharing personality, he loves being the center of attention. Cats are very independent and they sleep for 12-20 hours a day. I doubt she's lonely.

bijouxbroussard · F

It sounds like she’s perfectly happy as things are. People often suggest adopting pair-bonded cats, so they help each other adapt and aren’t lonely, but from your description, your cat doesn’t seem lonely. She has you and she doesn’t have to share you. Bringing another cat into your household might actually make her anxious. 😿

Rambler · 61-69, M

If you and the cat are happy as you are, I wouldn't change it. If the cat is getting plenty of your attention and is used to being the only cat, she'll be fine.

FreestyleArt · 36-40, M

I adopted Bobby when I'm guessing he was 3 or 4 years old during the time.

He was abandoned by my parents neighbor when they moved out. Left Bobby alone.

graphite · 61-69, M

Sometimes cats are just fine being by themselves and then will get upset if a new cat is brought in to keep it company. Then, the old cat will get used to the new cat.

JamesBugman

She would likely get along great with a kitten. The interaction would be fun and as mentioned, there would be someone to play with when you are away.
Most cat ladies have several cats. :)

GerOttman · 61-69, M

There's no possibility of answering this. Every cat is a unique individual, one might welcome, the other be hostile, and another simply not care.

You could maybe contact a local shelter and see if you might try fostering. See how that goes, get a better feel for how yours will react.

dale74 · M

Cats aren't like dogs they don't normally have to have the social interaction if you do choose a social companion for your cat your cat would need to be the alpha or they would fight all the time

beermeplease · M

i'm guessing getting a kitten would be easier for your cat rather than getting an adult

Captainjackass · 31-35, M

It will take them a while to get used to them but they’ll do it. They’ll probably hiss at first and not get close but once they get used to them they’ll get along.

SomeMichGuy · M

How do you come to the conclusion that your cat is "opinionated"...?

Does he read editorial columns and have strong feelings about their content?

Poppies · 61-69, F

I would say things are working well, don't rock the boat.

caccoon · 36-40

If she seems happy, I wouldn't disrupt the balance

Jenny1234 · 56-60, F

I wouldn’t. But if you did, get a kitten

Iwillwait · M

Probably not.