om goodness,
what a question....my civvie Slappy is 16 this yr. My Gumpy (GA) was 14 and Sugar Bean is 9 this year.
When Gumpy went to the bridge this last July, I had to get another friend for Bean. She was soo depressed. I did not know what to do. Bean at 8, Slappy at 15???
I decided on a 6 wk old little girl! WOW!
She keeps Bean on her toes, probably too much and total leaves Slappy alone.
But, I have thought about a smaller one for 'Ittle Sista' as she plays constantly and Bean does not want to play that much..
I decided on a baby because I did not want the older ones to have to worry about pecking order. It has worked out great...momma bean has not had a baby in the house for 8-9 yrs. so it is probably harder on me than them. Come home from work and cabinets are opened, stuff all over the floors - lol , etc.
We are learning the word "NO", BUT, she is sooo spoiled it is just terrible....she will only be little for a small bit so yes, she gets away with alot.
Slappy just ignores her, and Bean puts her in her place quick and to the point. Bean is much more active since she has been here. The one thing I did do was to talk to the adoption agency and ask for a 'lone' kittie to make sure Bean would not be under so much stress that her numbers went crazy. We got that 'lone' for 3 weeks. Well, heck, after 3 days, Ittle Sista was in this family like no other!
And Bean has been just fine, numbers, attitude and all.
Good luck with your decision, sending furry paw hugs your way!