My cat........whats best???

Question
Hi!  Our cat has owned us for 8 years.  We love her very much.  She is far from emotionally independent though, as most cats are believed to be.

I work from home and am home most of the time, which is great for both of us.

But, once or twice a year, we leave the house for 7-10 days to visit out of state family.

We leave Kitty at home--best for everyone.  We have a friend check on her, but the friend says by the end of the week, Kitty is absolutely desperate for human companionship.

I am wondering.......would it be best for Queen Kitty to continue as is and allow her to suffer alone for a few days a year, or get a kitten so that she will have a companion during those difficult days.

(Bottom line:  How do old and established cats do with young kittys?  Do they really ever become friends?  

Which is worse for Kittycat?  No new cat or new cat?  THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your help!!  :)  Janice

Answer
Well, if you get a kitten for her, get a male. and really it just depends on you. those few days a year wont hurt her to be alone. by the time she is craving your attention you are home. personally, id be packing her up and taking her on vacation with me, but that is hard with a cat of that age due to the fact that you havent done it all along and she isnt used to traveling.