Does My Cat Want a Feline Friend, or Do They Prefer Being an Only Child?

Cats, renowned for their independence, can often be seen as solitary creatures. Yet, just like their human counterparts, they can experience the joys of companionship. We can see that in the way they play and cuddle with us! The question is, does your cat also long for a feline friend to share their space, or are they content as the sole ruler of the household?

Today, let’s explore the subtle signs that your cat may be giving you about their social preferences. We’ll delve into what to do if they seem to long for a furry companion, and discuss ways to help your cat feel less lonely if you can’t introduce a new feline friend. Plus, we’ll look at strategies for managing the occasional challenges that arise when two cats share a home.

Is my cat seeking companionship, or do they prefer to be alone?

How to Tell if Your Cat Is Lonely

Understanding if your cat is feeling lonely is crucial. The key is to observe their behaviour and emotions closely.

First, pay attention to your cat’s daily activities. Unusual changes, such as a lack of interest in toys or grooming, may indicate loneliness. Crying when they are alone or when you leave the room or the house often means they have separation anxiety and may benefit from a companion. In the next section, we’ll look into the signs to be aware of. Also, make sure to dedicate more time to have quality and engaged interactions with your cat. Engaging in play sessions and cuddles can help alleviate loneliness.

Another way to determine if your cat needs companionship is to look at their breed. Different breeds of cats tend to have different behaviours. Although all cats are individuals, researching your cat’s breed can be a good way to tell if they’ve been domesticated to enjoy the companionship of other cats or creatures, or if they prefer to be alone.

If you suspect that your cat is experiencing loneliness and it leads to persistent behavioural changes, consult your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.

Signs That Your Cat May Want a Feline Friend

Cats are known for their mysterious ways, but they communicate their desires in various ways.

A cat that’s bored and lonely may display heightened playfulness, as if they’re trying to entertain themselves. They may even start to break things, which is another sign they’re looking for stimulation. This could especially be the case when you aren’t around, and they’re desperate for something to do. Providing a second cat for them to play with will reduce destructive tendencies.

Is your cat suddenly more attached to you, following you around the house? An increase in clinginess may indicate a desire for more social interaction. If you don’t tend to be around during the day, for example, if you work a 9-5, the cat might be showing you that they need companionship during that time. Otherwise, too much alone time can lead to depression.

Here are some more signs that your cat might be craving the company of another feline:

• Increased Vocalisation: If your cat has started meowing more frequently, especially in a plaintive or mournful tone, it could be a sign of loneliness.
• Excessive Grooming: Some cats cope with solitude by grooming themselves more than usual. If your cat’s fur appears overly groomed or even patchy, this could be a sign of stress or anxiety.
• Attention-Seeking: Your cat may nudge, paw at you, or bring you toys more often as a way of seeking interaction.

Signs That Your Cat Is Happy as an Only Cat

While some cats may crave feline companionship, others may prefer to be the sole cat in the household. A content cat often displays a relaxed and peaceful demeanour, enjoying their territory without territorial disputes. If your cat is generally quiet and doesn’t meow excessively, it’s a sign they’re not feeling lonely.

Cats who are content tend to maintain their grooming routines without excessive or obsessive behaviours. A cat that’s happy on its own may seek your company at times but is also comfortable being alone and doesn’t show excessive clinginess.

If your fur baby tends to show signs of aggression or fear when it sees other cats (for example, hissing at cats it sees through the window), this is a sign that they probably won’t be very accepting of a new cat in their home.

Sometimes, when you have two cats and one passes away, you may want to rush into getting a new cat in case your existing cat becomes lonely. However, it’s important to instead give yourself and your cat time to adjust, as introducing a new fur baby into the home during an already confusing time can be traumatic. Even if your cat was very close to the cat that passed, they may not feel the need for another companion, and they may not be able to form the same bond.

What to Do If Your Cat Wants a Feline Friend

If your cat appears to long for feline companionship, there are several steps you can take to make the introduction a positive experience. Consider the following tips:

1. 1. Adopt a Compatible Companion: When bringing a new cat into the household, consider their compatibility. Consult with your local animal shelter or rescue organisation for guidance. For example an older cat may not like the energy of a kitten and hiss at it a lot. However, they may also be more accepting of a kitten than a cat of a similar age where they feel the immediate need to fight for territory
   2. Gradual Introduction: Introduce the new cat slowly. Keep them in separate spaces initially and gradually allow them to interact under supervision.
   3. Positive Reinforcement: Reward both cats with treats and praise for calm and friendly interactions. This can help build positive associations.

It’s easier to get cats to bond when they’re kittens, so if you’re wanting more than one cat, it’s often best to get them both at once as littermates. Or, you might choose to adopt a bonded pair, which often struggle to find homes because people aren’t ready for two cats. In any case, cats can bond at any age, but it’s always easiest if they’ve known each other since birth and are used to having each other around. Related cats will typically get along best.

Cats are also more likely to happily accept a new cat in the household the younger they are, so if you’re thinking of getting a second cat, try not to leave it too late.

It’s also important to choose a second cat with a similar temperament to your first cat. If your current cat is quiet and sleeps all day, they might not get along with an energetic cat who constantly wants to play — and vice versa.

How to Help Your Cat Feel Less Lonely When You Can’t Get Another Cat

Sometimes, getting another cat may not be feasible. Here are ways to help your cat feel less lonely if they’re the only feline in the house:

1. 1. Interactive Toys: Invest in interactive toys that can keep your cat engaged, mentally stimulated, and physically active – especially ones they can play with on their own when you aren’t home or available.
   2. Quality Time: Dedicate quality time to your cat. Play, pet, and interact with them as often as possible.
   3. Window Views: Cats love watching birds and other wildlife outside. Providing window perches can offer entertainment and keep loneliness at bay.

What to Do if You Have Another Cat and They Don’t Get Along

It will be quite obvious whether your two cats get along well, dislike each other, or simply ignore each other. Cats who enjoy each other’s company and bond will show signs such as grooming each other, sleeping side-by-side, playing together, and rubbing against each other affectionately.

Cats who would rather remain independent but don’t dislike each other will usually ignore each other, keeping to their separate spaces. However, if they ever feel the other encroaching on their territory, they may become a little aggressive just to put each other back into place.

Introducing two cats can sometimes lead to disagreements. They may be quite obvious in their fighting, but signs can also be less overt. Make sure to pay attention to changes in your cat’s grooming, eating, toilet, and socialisation habits. If they’re doing anything significantly more or less than usual, it’s a sign they’re under stress.

Here’s what to do if your cats don’t get along:

Separate Spaces: Provide separate areas for each cat with their food, water, litter box, and bedding. Like us, cats enjoy having their own spaces in which they can hide away and feel safe. They’re also very scent-based creatures, and they don’t want their beds, litter trays, etc. smelling like another cat — just like we wouldn’t want our safe spaces to be covered in evidence of another human being there.

Because of their instincts as solitary predators, cats also prefer to eat alone, because they feel less threatened this way. Particularly if one of your cats is blocking the other from food, or one feels too scared to eat in front of the other, it’s important to feed them in separate rooms. You should also make sure to leave out some food throughout the day, which they can eat at their leisure (as long as the cat doesn’t have weight issues).

Cats are also notoriously bad at drinking water, so it’s important to offer bowls of water around the home that they can use. They need to feel safe when drinking, and also prefer to drink in a separate place from where they eat, when possible. These things may seem silly to us, but cats are instinctual creatures and we have to respect their needs.

Also ensure that both (or all) cats have separate sleeping areas, and more than one to choose from. A spot in the sun, a spot high up, and a spot that feels covered and quiet are a great place to start.

Gradual Introduction: Slowly reintroduce the cats with supervised short interactions, extending the duration as they become more comfortable. You should also seek to have special alone time with each cat, so they still feel bonded and safe with you. Making sure each cat has dedicated play time and cuddle time will go a long way in increasing their comfort.

Seek Professional Help: If conflicts persist, consult a professional animal behaviourist for guidance and assistance. Or least resort you may need to take the cat back to the rescue that it came from.

The Benefits and Considerations of Fostering or Adopting Cats

Fostering or adopting cats can have several benefits, including saving lives and providing companionship for your current cat. However, it’s essential to consider potential issues like cats not getting along or abandonment issues if the foster cats come and go often.

• Saving Lives: Fostering or adopting cats can be a rewarding experience that literally saves lives. By opening your home to a new feline friend, you’re offering a second chance to cats in need, particularly those in shelters or rescue organisations. You become their hero, providing love, care, and a chance for a better life.
• Companionship for Your Cat: For your current cat, fostering or adopting can mean gaining a new friend and companion. Many cats enjoy the presence of other feline housemates, leading to reduced loneliness and enhanced social interaction. It’s an opportunity to enrich your cat’s life and help them build new friendships.
• Potential Issues: While fostering or adopting offers numerous benefits, there can be challenges to consider. One common concern is the potential for cats not getting along. Cats, like people, have unique personalities and may not always click immediately. Introducing a new cat to your household should be done slowly and with careful supervision to ensure a smooth transition.
• Abandonment Issues: Fostering or adopting cats that come and go from your home frequently can lead to abandonment issues. Cats may become attached to foster companions and experience confusion or stress when they leave. Properly managing transitions and providing consistent love and care can help alleviate these concerns.

Incorporating fostering or adopting into your cat’s life can be a wonderful experience for both you and your feline companions, but it’s essential to be mindful of potential challenges and take proactive steps to create a harmonious living environment.

Understanding your cat’s social needs is vital to ensure they lead happy and fulfilling lives. Whether your feline friend craves the company of another cat or is content as an only child, your love and attention are essential for their well-being.

Are you looking to adopt a pet or donate to a pet rescue organisation? Georgie and Cindy from Large Hope SEO foster cats and kittens on the Sunshine Coast in Australia. If you’re local, get in touch to discuss adopting from the rescues. See cats and kittens available for adoption or donate so we can save more kittens.