Whether you need another cat depends heavily on your current cat's personality, age, and your living situation, as many cats prefer to be the only feline, while others enjoy companionship; consider signs of loneliness (destruction, vocalizing, litter box issues) or if your cat seems content, but always prepare for a slow introduction with plenty of resources (litter boxes, food, space) to minimize stress.
Signs your cat might like a friend include:
Excessive clinginess or following you around constantly. Destructive behavior when left alone.
Most cats, regardless of age, are highly social and are happier living with other cat companions (or sometimes with a dog or rabbit). This makes them better pets, which results in happier owners.
Does a single cat get lonely? Cats in a single cat household may get bored and lonely if you don't provide proper enrichment, mental stimulation, and spend quality time together. Get high-quality cat furniture, fun activity centers, and play with your single cat daily to prevent health and behavior issues.
The 3-3-3 rule for new cats is a guideline for adjusting to a new home: 3 days to decompress (hiding, overwhelmed), 3 weeks to start learning routines and showing personality (exploring, getting comfortable), and 3 months to feel truly at home and bonded (revealing true self). Patience is key, providing a safe, quiet space and consistent routines helps reduce stress and build trust during these stages, allowing the cat to adjust at its own pace.
Cats are incredibly sensitive to their environment. Major changes such as switching owners and households can be dramatic and very stressful. Cats are aware of even the smallest changes in your household.
The most difficult age for a cat can vary depending on the individual. But generally, adolescence (around four months to two years) is often considered the most challenging phase. During this period, cats undergo significant physical and behavioural changes.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often going undetected until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), which damages organs without obvious signs until blindness or seizures occur, notes Muirfield Animal Hospital, Pet Health Network, www.springwoodvets.com.au, Close Veterinary Clinic, Killarney Animal Hospital, Physicians Mutual Insurance, Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, Mona Vale Veterinary Hospital, Nimbus Pet Hospital, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Covetrus North America, ASPCA Pet Insurance and PetCareRx. Other serious conditions include Hyperthyroidism, Heart Disease (like HCM), and Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis).
While every kitten is unique, those raised alone are more likely to develop issues like excessive biting and scratching during play, difficulty learning boundaries and appropriate behavior, over-attachment or destructive behavior due to boredom or loneliness, and poor socialization with other cats or even humans.
What are the signs of mourning? When a cat loses a companion, whether animal or human, she grieves and reacts to the changes in her life. Cats alter their behavior when they mourn, much like people do.
Keep Them Separated.
Ideally, place your new cat in a separate, closed-off bedroom for at least the first few days. Provide your new cat with a litter box, food, water, bedding and toys. It is best to immediately place the newcomer in the separate space and then direct your attention back to your senior.
A cat's "worst enemy" depends on context, but common foes include dogs (due to predatory instincts), loud noises (vacuum cleaners, thunderstorms), other cats, and cars for outdoor cats; in the wild, it's larger predators like coyotes, birds of prey, and even other felines, while cancer is a leading cause of death for indoor cats.
Many people think a single cat in the household must be a lonely cat, but many cats prefer this set-up – after all, the domestic cat has evolved from wild cats who hunted alone and were often solitary.
In multi-cat households, the two cats can form a bond and provide each other with companionship. This companionship is especially important if you are away from home for long periods. Cats will often find comfort in each other's presence, reducing feelings of loneliness and boredom.
If you're not lucky, your cats may be very stressed and show signs of agitation, such as flattened ears, growling and crouching. To ward off a rumble when you see these warning signs, you may clap your hands together loudly or throw a pillow or toy to provide a distraction before the agitation turns into a fight.
Here are a few things to consider: Kittens under the age of 6 months should be adopted in pairs or adopted in a home a younger feline playmate. This is not about placing more kittens and cats. It's about the future of the individual kittens, their habits and their happiness.
The 3-3-3 rule is a roadmap for the first three days, three weeks, and three months after pet adoption. It emphasizes patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement to help pets acclimate to their new environment.
So, do cats get lonely? Because of the attachments they form, the answer is yes; cats can feel lonely!
They have 19 pairs, and none of their chromosomes match human chromosome 21. So by definition, cats cannot have Down syndrome. While some felines may show features or behaviors that remind us of this condition, the genetic cause behind those traits is entirely different.
Cat behavior red flags signal potential medical or emotional issues, including sudden changes in eating/drinking, litter box problems, excessive vocalization, increased hiding, aggression, lethargy, or changes in grooming (like overgrooming or stopping). Because cats hide illness well, any significant deviation from their normal routine, such as increased thirst, appetite changes, or unusual hiding, warrants an urgent vet visit to rule out serious underlying conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or pain.
Cats do remember negative experiences, but they don't dwell on resentment the way people do. Instead, they react based on learned associations and their need for safety. With patience, consistency, and care, most cats return to positive behaviors quickly.
Cats hate strong, pungent, or bitter smells, with citrus (lemon, orange), vinegar, and harsh cleaning chemicals (ammonia, bleach) topping the list, along with certain herbs (lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary) and spices (cinnamon, pepper) that can irritate their sensitive noses, with some being toxic if ingested. Strong odors like spoiled food, other animals' scents, or menthol are also highly disliked.
The 10 Cat Breeds Most Prone to Health Problems (and How to Protect Them)
Indoor cats typically live 12-18 years, often reaching their early 20s, significantly longer than outdoor cats due to fewer risks like accidents, predators, and diseases, with factors like diet, genetics, and vet care influencing their lifespan, while some cats live well over 20 years, with the record holder living to 38.
Like dog owners, cat owners will often ask, do cats know we love them? Absolutely — but in a feline way. Cats recognize our voices, respond to our routines and may seek us out for companionship. A slow blink or a head bump from your cat is a sure sign of trust.