When to get a new kitten when your cat is sick

Question
We have 2 cats, Waldo and Lola. Waldo is three. We got Lola to keep him company when he started to get fat, she is approaching two.
Recently, we learned that Waldo is suffering kidney failure. Sadly, he will not be with us much longer but he is still eating and interested in life.
When he is gone, Lola will need a friend. Is it too stressful for Waldo to introduce a new kitten now? We don't want to add misery to his last weeks/months, but it might be easier on Lola if she already has another buddy when he leaves us.
Thanks for your thoughts,
Sam

Answer
Hi Sam,

I'm so sorry to hear about Waldo.

While each family knows the dynamics of their own household better than anyone else, and the right decision is ultimately yours, it's usually not good to make such major changes when a cat is suffering a critical ailment. I certainly understand your reasoning, and I know you are concerned for Lola. I think this is a little bit of a no-win situation to an extent, as terminal illness tends to be. But in my opinion, Lola is healthy and will have the ability to recover from her loss. Waldo is not healthy and won't have the same ability to cope with stress. Waldo will also be in need of extra love as he gets sick, and kittens need an awful lot of love, too. So there is a good argument for allowing Waldo to pass on and introducing a kitten after Lola has adjusted to his absence.

Best wishes,
Jessica