Cats by nature are solitary predators (or so the general consensus goes)...only you can be the judge of your cat.

Having had a cat that grieved heavily when my dog was PTS, I did get another cat and it was a major help, go for it, it will also help you when the time comes.

It all depends on your cat, its personality, playfulness, and relationship with your dog. Also, has she ever interacted with other cats and was she socialized as a young kitten with other cats?

My cat gets along with my dog but it's not like they sleep or play together, so I seriously doubt she'd miss my dog if he were no longer around. If your cat is older then it's possible it may not like another cat, especially a kitten, around.

We took in a stray Maine Coon in February and even though he doesn't have a mean bone in his body, it has taken until now for my female to totally accept him in the house. I don't think they'll ever eat or sleep together but they can now sit near each other without her hissing.

If you think your cat is really lonely afterward, consider fostering a kitten to see if your cat prefers her solitude or if she enjoys another cat around.

How old is your cat? I would say if she's relatively young, getting a kitten might work out well. If she's old, she may be set in her ways and not want a playful kitten bothering her. Your dog may not want that either. Your cat may grieve, my current cat seemed to be grieving over the loss of my 15 yr old cat 2 weeks ago, but with extra attention and playtime, she seems to have gotten past it. I'd wait and see how your cat reacts after the dog passes away, you can always find a kitten if you feel that she needs a buddy.

Unless you know otherwise, I wouldnt assume because Pandora gets along with a dog that she would get along with, or want to have another cat around. Even the best of introductions can be stressful for the resident cat - and may involve keeping them separate for days ... possibly weeks or months, depending on the animals involved.

I would just wait and see - you and kitty will be there for each other, and then at some point in the future you may.... or may not..... want to bring in a new pet into your home.

And also I dont think you can prevent grief - either for yourself or your kitty - by getting a substitute beforehand. The bonds take years to develop, and the grief is for that particular animal, or person. There is no avoiding.

I made that mistake once, when my cat reached 20 I got a couple of other cats thinking it would help lessen the grief when the time came. While I love my two boys and cant imagine life without them, my poor old girl did NOT like it - no way, no how she would accept them - and I had to more or less keep them separate on a permanent basis.. ( She had had a kitty friend years previously but had been solitary for a long time.) And trust me, my grief when she did pass was no less intense.

Best to you, sorry to hear you will be losing your dear doggie

I have to agree with Current Resident. We had a 10 yr old cat and a 10 yr old dog, who were best buddies. My daughter brought home a kitten, and assured us that both would adjust to the new kitten. The old timers didn't like him one bit, we made it work for all but it was stressful for the old pets. Fast forward 15 yrs later, the then new kitten was now a 15 yr old cat (the old timers long since passed away) and he died 2 weeks ago. We have a 13 yr old cat who was a pal to our recently departed boy, she
did seem to grieve for a week or so, but with extra attention and love, she seems to have adjusted
and is enjoying being the "top cat" of the house. I wouldn't think of
getting another cat while she is still with us, I think it would stress her out too much. Besides, our hearts are broken, I won't get another kitten until I allow myself to grieve, and I will know when the time is right for another pet. I know I can never replace him, he was so special but someday another one will find me, and I know I'll open my heart to him too.

Ok, so Pandora is 9 years old, and IO is 8, so their both kinda over-the-hill at this point. Pandora also wasn't socialized very well, and hasn't lived with another cat since our old girl Reeses passed away a couple of years ago. I think we're going to hold of on getting another pet, unless she seems to be really lonely without Io. Thank you all so much for your help and condolences.