I just lost one of my two constant companions of thirteen years. I adopted littermates Holmes and Watson when they were kittens. Holmes was a calico, the alpha kitty, and very protective and maternal towards Watson. They were inseparable and he (and I!) are quite devastated by her loss. In addition, I’ve taken a new job which has added a four-hour daily commute to my life. I worry about Watson being alone so much of the time when he’s had a constant companion as long as either of us can remember. I’m certainly trying to avoid extra hours at the office and pay a lot of attention to him when I get home, but I’m beginning to think that I may need to introduce a new cat sooner than later. He still runs to the door mewing if one of the neighbor’s calico cats comes up on our porch… Watson may be getting to be a senior gentleman, but he is still very much a kitten in temperament. He is very docile and easily intimidated. I don’t want him to feel threatened by a new addition, but would like for him to have a playmate. I’m leaning towards a younger adult female. Any suggestions? It’s not even been a week since we lost Holmes and I want to allow us both some grieving time. What might be an appropriate time frame for introducing a new cat? Is another female kitty the best option? Another calico or someone with potentially a less assertive personality? Are two shy cats a good match? Watson is very outgoing with humans, but was very much frightened by a female kitten I fostered a few years ago. Again, any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated!