Sherry, my "young" girl is now about 5. She goes "bonkers" (yes, I think of your cat often) whenever another cat comes across our (her) yard. She claws at the curtains and glass, has pulled down a rod, and her tail fluffs up like in cartoons. Once the intruder is gone, it's as if nothing happened. So I'm hesitant to introduce another cat in the house, unless it's a young one who resident cat can just beat into submission and the younger one won't know any different
But I like older cats. So we'll wait and see.
Thanks Lori and Sherry for the wishes. My sweetie was about 16. I had her for 4 1/2 years. Her adoption papers were about 4-6 years off on the age. She was recently diagnosed with kidney disease and was on meds. I was in Florida for a few days earlier in March and when I came home I took one look at her and knew it was bad. Fortunately it was only 1 pm so I got her right into the vet. They gave her some fluids (and a bath - she was soiled and miserable, but looked pretty wrapped in her purrito towel) and we went home. Next day was no different so we went back. As you know, it's one of those painful but necessary decisions and I'm glad I got home in time to be with her.
Lori - I hope you feel better soon!