Finding a friend for your lonely cat

Dear Tabby:

I have a five-year-old female cat who I think is lonely when I am away at work. I am thinking of getting another cat for company for her. There are so many cats at our local animal shelter and rescues that are needing homes. I want to pick the right cat. What do you think I should do? Should I get a kitten, a male, female, older cat? Thanks for any advice that you can give me. “Wanting a friend for my cat.”

Dear “Wanting a Friend for My Cat”:

I have been asked this question many times and I recommend that you do your best to adopt from your local animal shelter as they are more than likely not a nokill facility like rescues are. Ask them who has been there the longest and spend time visiting with the cats. Your female cat has been with you for a few years by herself so it will take time for her to adapt to a new resident. I recommend a cat that is a bit younger or older than your cat. Have a vet check the new cat to make sure the cat is healthy. Keep him in a separate area/room with his food and water dish on one side of the door of the room and rub a towel or blanket on him and place in an area where your cat can sniff at it. Give them time to integrate. It will take time; granted, some cats adapt quickly and others take longer. There are also a lot of owner surrenders on sites like Craigs-List or Kijiji, and on animal pages on Facebook. Take comfort in the fact that you are saving the life of another cat. Best of luck in your search!

Submitted to the Lethbridge Herald.