Is 1.5yrs too old to introduce a new cat?
My partner and I got our kitty cat (pictured, Wireless Computer Mouse, Mouse for short) in January of 2025. He was born October 2024 in a garage during hurricane Milton. His only brother didnt make it, so he's pretty much always been an only cat. I'm not sure how much socialization around other cats he had before we adopted him, but he hasn't met another cat since we got him.
I've always thought we should get a second cat so he has a friend. Everyone I've talked to says that having multiple cats enriches the cats lives and I hate to think I'm depriving Mouse by keeping him alone. He also has a lot of energy and I think a playmate could be good for him.
He is just over a year and a half and is very confident in our home. He's generally curious and happy, but I'm scared that getting a new cat could destroy his confidence and make him uncomfortable in our home. I would hate to bring in a new cat and have them not get along and I've heard so many stories of this happening.
If we got another cat it would definitely be a kitten and I've heard getting a girl is good for a boy cat so they don't get too territorial. I'm also aware of the process of introducing new cats (keeping them separate, feeding on the other side of the door, etc). I would love to hear any advice or stories of success with similar situations! Thank you in advance!!