Thinking of adopting kitten but...

[TommyCat]

Hi,
I lost my 16 year old kitty to cancer last December 2008, and it was so heartbreaking to lose him. My remaining 12 year old kitty seems to still miss him, as she still cries in the middle of the night. It's been a year, and I'm thinking of adopting from a rescue shelter. I'm thinking my kitty would welcome a kitten rather than an adult. I know it will take a while, and I'll have to do the separating thing with introducing them slowly. But what if it doesn't work out and she doesn't accept the newcomer? Any feedback.

[lvpets2002]

I am so sorry for the loss of your baby.. Yes I would say with your 12 yr old to try adopting a kitten for sure.. Older adults always will accept a kitten say 3 to 6 month old baby.. They will do babies before they will do adults.. Yes I would go to the shelters or pet finder on the internet & just start looking.. Good Luck & keep us posted ok..

[TommyCat]

Thank you lvpets2002. That's what I thought, too, she would accept a kitten more readily. Maggie, my remaining kittie, was actually a feral and lost her babies, probably to a wild animal, when she was still living outside. So maybe the maternal instinct wil help. She was really close to my kitty that died. Yes, I've been looking on Petfinders and my local Humane Society and Animal Control. I did see a Siamese kitten online thru Petfinders at a local rescue shelter, These are cats rescued from Animal Control and other shelters. I may go by and visit this rescue org. Thanks again.

[Freedom]

I would have said the opposite, lol! That a 12 year old won't have the energy to keep up with a kitten and will be annoyed. That an adult, even just 3 years old, will be a better fit.

That said, I started with adults, went on to bring in 3 andd 4 month olds, and have had success.

Either way be realistic: you can't make them be best buddies, playing and snuggling up together. You CAN insist they live together in peace and harmony.

When I have my 1st cat and went in to adopt my 2d at the local shelter, they suggested I get the opposite sex. That seemed to work.

What ever you decide, rescue is the way to go. Best wishes! Hey, let us know what you do, and post piccies!

[TommyCat]

Thanks Freedom. I love your large family! That's amazing!

I know; someone else mentioned same thing with maybe kitten being too active. Maggie is still playful but then loves her nap time, too! Yes, I am looking for a male. I will let you know what happens.

[smokey the elder]

I have had good luck placing kittens with senior cats. Just do the intro slowly. One time I adopted a 3 month old out to a person who had a 13 year old female. She decided that he was HER kitten!