Cat behaviour problems following death of second cat?

I adopted 2 male neutered cats from a rescue centre 2 months ago. They were already a pair but completely different cats to look at - one is tabby and white, sinewy and muscly (Arthur) and the other a black and white moggy (Harry). Unfortunately, Harry was killed in a RTA last week and although I feel devastated inside, I am getting on with things because Arthur was showing signs of being affected by my sadness.


But Arthur is missing his playmate - they were both 10 months - 1 year old so would chase each other round the house and garden for hours at a time. Arthur has a lot of energy and although I am playing with him for up to 3 hours a day, it doesn't seem enough for him. He cries and talks a lot and has also stopped going into the garden (although he will sit at the open back door looking out and go out for a brief time if I am there). He is eating OK.


Should I be thinking about a new companion for him already?

Cat behaviour problems following death of second cat?
My condolenses on the loss of your cat Harry. Cats do grieve for the loss of a close companion, and whilst getting another cat might seem like a good idea, it might be best to wait a little bit. It's Harry that he misses, and with them being territorial creatures, any new cat would initially be seen as an intruder, which may just stress him. "When Cats Grieve" has lots of information and advice that you may find helpful.





http://www.messybeast.com/cat-grief.htm





When you decide that you are both ready for a new cat, you might find these articles on introducing a new cat helpful.





http://www.tulsa-animalshelter.org/tips/...


http://www.messybeast.com/first-impressi...
Reply:I am sorry for your loss. My Gilbert lost his littermate sister when they were nine months old and he still is grieving at fourteen months, but he is MUCH happer now. I got him two new kittens to keep him company and at first he ignored them, but now runs with them, they groom each other, jumps and they are brothers and sister now. Cats do love their mates, just as we do, and have so much emotion and memory that it is aching to watch, but part of life. Give Arthur lots and lots of attention and love until you are ready to get another cat. Some people recommend an older cat close to his age and others a kitten. I just love starting from scratch with a kitten and they grow big so fast. It is up to you and you will know when it is time. You never replace the deceased kitty, but it is so wonderful to learn to love a new kitty and so will Arthur. If he does not, at least he will have company in the house when you are gone. I hope you are both well.
Reply:it might help him get one simalar age which is neutered and has been with other cats
Reply:well my cat hated our new dog at first but then time together they became best friends so wen we gave the dog away our cat was always expecting him to come home...i remember one time we had to look after my aunts dog who looks lik my old dog (a yr after we gave my dog away) and my cat came running and then relized it wasnt our dog and run the other direction then a few yrs a go we got another cat and my cat wasnt happy at first and now the still fight put its just something cats do and their more close now and snuggle on the coach togther so wat i'm sayin is that if you get a cat now or a cat in 5yrs from now...they just need time to get along
Reply:I'm sorry for your loss...Let your cat mourn for the meantime.At least he's still alive.


(my mom had two loving and beautiful siamese cats, male and the other female. when the female died, the male cat practically committed suicide by ingesting some chemical fertilizer.)


when you're thinking of getting another companion for Arthur, do not expect it to replace Harry.


Rather, have the pleasure of appreciating that all cats are unique. :)