Cats, often thought of as solitary creatures, also value companionship. In this article, our Clearlake veterinarians explain the benefits of having two cats, how to introduce them to each other, and how to prepare for a new feline arrival.
How to Tell if Your Cat Wants Another Cat
Are you wondering if your cat is lonely? You can spot it by noticing changes in their behavior. For instance, loneliness might be the reason if they start eating or sleeping irregularly.
If this is the case, you may ask yourself, "Does my indoor cat need a friend?"
If you're considering getting another cat and your vet approves, we'll tell you seven signs that suggest your cat could enjoy having a feline companion.
A Change in Sleeping Habits
Loneliness could be a reason behind any changes in your cat's sleeping habits. If you notice that your cat is sleeping a lot and not interacting with you as much, it might be a sign that they are feeling lonely and sad.
However, like any significant changes in habits, it's important to take your cat to our Clearlake vets for an examination to rule out any potential medical issues before considering getting a new cat to help alleviate the problem.
Excessive Grooming
While it may be a sign of self-soothing, obsessive grooming may also indicate your cat would do well with a companion. If your cat has been displaying peculiar grooming habits, don't assume he's lonely, as this may point to a potential medical condition.
If your cat is looking unkempt and not grooming herself as much, he could feel down or need a friend, but before jumping to conclusions, it's best to check with a vet.
Clinginess
Is your cat meowing a lot and sticking close to you? If your kitty won't give you space, it could mean they want more attention and might be feeling a bit anxious when you're apart.
Litter Box Issues
Stress or loneliness may manifest in unusual litter box behaviors. If your kitty was previously trained to use the litter box but starts peeking in other areas of the house, we recommend letting your vet know immediately. Because cats are creatures of habit, changes in routine are like an engine warning light on your car — head to the professionals to get to the bottom of the issue.
Odd Eating Habits
Is your cat eating more or less than usual? This change in their eating habits might signal boredom or a lack of social stimulation. The cat, like people, may turn to food when there is nothing else to do. Alternatively, the cat may stop eating because they are depressed. However, if your cat's eating patterns have significantly changed, it's best to consult your vet for guidance.
Getting a Cat When You Already Have One
If you've consulted your veterinarian and determined that there are no medical issues, it could be that your cat is lonely and needs a friend.
However, it can be tough to know if a cat is ready to live with another cat, but a cautious introduction process will help them get off on the right foot. Here are some steps you can follow and questions to ask yourself:
- How is your cat doing with the other cats in the neighborhood? If your cat shows signs of agitation or anger when other cats enter their territory, it could indicate that they may not be comfortable sharing their home with another cat. Certain breeds, like Bengals, are better suited to being the only cat in the household.
- Cats who are related get along better than cats that are not related.
- Younger cats are more likely than older cats to accept new feline members of the household.
- Because of the lack of hormones, neutered cats get along considerably better than unneutered cats.
- Is your house large enough to give each cat their own space where they can get away from other cats if they want to?
What About If One of My Cats Dies?
Cat owners commonly want to get a new cat when one of their cats has passed away, to keep their remaining cat company.
However, we recommend giving your surviving cat ample time to adjust to life without their mate before introducing a new cat or kitten.
It's important to remember that cats have unique social needs, so even if they have lived happily with another cat, they may not necessarily want or need a new feline friend.
How Do I Know My Cats Like Each Other?
Cats that are good friends tend to exhibit behaviors suggesting they consider themselves part of the same cat social group. Examples of such behaviors include grooming each other, sleeping or resting next to each other, touching noses when they meet, or making little meowing sounds as they pass by.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet to accurately diagnose your pet's condition.