About a kitten. My wife and I are retired too and wonder if we'll be alive
through the cats' years. The older ones yes, but we have a kitten, it was a
stray that we saved. It's taking after my favorite and if it does in all
respects should have a long life. So your thought about getting an adult cat
versus a kitten is sound for more than temperment. I'd recommend a tabby or
what we call a tiger (just coloring) Your run of the mill alley cat.
HTH

When I was first getting a cat, I wasn`t sure that kitty would fit into my
lifestyle (I`d always been a dog person and I travel quite a bit).  So I
decided to become a foster parent to a cat--try it out.  My best friend told
me that if you get a cat you like, stick with him...
And Marcel was delivered to my house, it was supposed to be temporary, but I
fell in love!  He is the best cat for me...There is no question of giving
him up to another!!

So, in conclusion, I know that in Ottawa there are non-profit organizations
that rescue street cats...just like here in Montreal, and they are always
looking for foster families...same with the Humane Society...so perhaps that
is the way to go.  You can try the cat out and even if the temperment isn`t
what you`re looking for, you can always give kitty a temporary home for a
while and then try another one.  I was lucky...Marcel was my first and I
don`t think there IS a better kitty for me!  Good Luck!
Rosie

Hi Wayne,

Sorry to hear of the death of your cat.  I hope you can find an affectionate
cat to suit you.

To start at the end of your post, the socialization period is around 12
weeks ... after this time a kitten is more likely to become a cat's cat,
rather than a person's cat.  I took on a 12 week old kitten many years ago;
she was harder to train, but was deeply affectionate and cuddly throughout.
I'm sure you can tell from this that it is not a hard-and-fast rule.
However, lots of bonding and hard work are required to gain a compliant
house-trained cat.

I suggest you start looking for your new feline companion at a good humane
cat shelter.  Here, you will be able to discuss your needs, meet a number of
cats and hear about their history and behavioural profile.  A good shelter
would never foist a difficult cat on older people looking for an
affectionate lap cat.

Only you know your ages and state of health.  However, if you have been
retired some time, it would be better for you and kinder to the cat to adopt
a cat aged from 9/10 years or a little older, so that the poor creature
doesn't find itself dumped in a shelter again on your demise.   Forgive me,
I do not mean to sound morbid or unkind; I am simply trying to look at this
adoption from a practical point of view.  Of course your feelings count, but
I sense you love cats enough to see it from their point of view, too.   With
luck, you will find - and love - a mature and friendly cat whose aim in life
is to secure as much affection as you can bestow.

Good luck in your search.
Spider