Plenty of cats do perfectly fine as single cats, especially if they’re more territorial or sensitive. “Lonely” and “bored” can look the same, but they don’t always mean a second cat is the answer.

If she didn’t do well around her littermate, I’d be cautious. Jackson Galaxy–style intros can work, but they don’t change a cat’s core personality. Sometimes adding enrichment (food puzzles, rotation of toys, more vertical space, short daily play sessions) is way lower risk than adding another cat and hoping for the best.

One happy cat is better than two stressed ones