How to Tell If your Cat Wants Another Cat
If your cat displays behavior changes such as erratic eating or sleeping patterns, this may be an indication that your kitty feels lonely. If you're thinking of getting a second cat and your vet agrees, here are seven signs that your cat would benefit from having a feline friend around.
Clinginess
Has your cat been meowing a lot and following you around? Perhaps you've noticed that they won't leave you alone. If so, they may need more social interaction than they're getting. This very demanding conduct may point to separation concerns.
Excessive Grooming
Cats may groom obsessively to self-soothe. This can also indicate that your kitty would benefit from a friend. If your cat engages in peculiar grooming habits, don't assume he's lonely, though; these may also point to a medical condition. If you find your cat has been looking unkempt and not grooming himself as much, it may indicate that he or she is sad or lonely, but we recommend talking to your vet first.
A Shift in Sleeping Habits
A change in your cat's sleeping habits can indicate loneliness. If your kitty sleeps a lot and no longer interacts with you, it could be because she is lonely and has become melancholy. However, as with any other habit modification, it's critical to have your vet screen out any medical challenges first.
Litter Box Issues
Unusual litter box behaviors can indicate stress or loneliness. If your previously litter-box-trained kitty begins to pee in other areas of the house, you should notify your veterinarian immediately. Cats are creatures of habit, and when they change their routine, it's like a blinking neon message to humans.
Odd Eating Habits
Is your cat eating more than usual? It could indicate 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 she or he is depressed. A change in eating patterns, on the other hand, may suggest a medical problem, so discuss it with your veterinarian first.
Getting a Cat When You Already Have One
If you've consulted your veterinarian and have determined that there are no medical issues, it could be that your cat is just 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 getting along with the other cats in the neighborhood? If your cat dislikes other cats entering their territory and becomes agitated or angry when this occurs, it could be a hint that they would not accept sharing their home with another cat. Bengals, for example, are ideally suited to being sole cats.
- Cats who are related get along better than cats that are not related.
- Younger cats and kittens 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 its own space where it can get away from other cats if they want to?
What about if one of my cats dies?
When a cat who has shared a home with another cat dies, it is normal for owners to want another cat to keep their remaining cat company. We recommend giving your surviving cat some time to adjust to life without its mate before obtaining a new cat or kitten. Cats have particular social needs, so even if they have lived contentedly beside another cat for many years, they may not feel the need for another partner.
How do I know my cats like each other?
Cats with a strong link will frequently show clear indicators that they regard themselves to be members of the same social group. Grooming each other, sleeping, or lying next to each other are examples of these indicators. They may regularly greet each other by touching noses or making a little meow as they pass.