If you are just looking to get one cat, your future feline pet will not be severely deprived if you do not get another with it. A cat can live a happy life as the only cat in the house. At the same time, cats are more social than we may have at one time believed.
Yes, cats can get lonely. For all their solitary behaviour, cats are social creatures that need stimuli and interaction as much as humans do. Companionship, whether with humans or other cats, is an important part of any healthy feline's life. Leaving your cat at home while you go to work should not prove problematic.
Signs of a Depressed Cat
Changes in body language, including ears held back, tucked tail, and hairs standing on end. Meowing more or less than usual or making low-pitched, mournful meows. Lack of energy or a decrease in activity level. Retreating from humans or other family pets.
They have relaxed body language
If your cat tends to sit like a perfect loaf, with their paws tucked under their body, their tail wrapped around them, and their eyes closed or softly open, these are all signs that they are feeling happy and comfortable in their environment.
Provide a stimulating environment for when they're alone: think hideaways and tunnels, cat trees and perches, hanging toys with catnip and interactive toys. Leave quietly while your cat is otherwise occupied. Don't play with your cat or pick him up for hugs and affection right before walking out.
Pairs Make Happier Pet Owners
Because two cats tend to live happier and healthier, there's less chance of bad or destructive behavior, which means less damage to furniture and belongings, and happier pet owners. But the best reason of all to adopt a bonded pair: double the affection.
Noise Like TV or Radio
Noise is a great way to calm a cat's separation anxiety. Consider leaving a tv or radio on at low volume to keep your cat company.
Though household cats do get lonely because they developed a need for companionship, remember their ancestors were solitary animals. Therefore, it's in cats' roots to also enjoy some time to themselves!
Cats are family-oriented and usually live with their relatives. Cats will sleep together, share common feeding areas, and groom one another within family groups. For this reason, cats often do well adopted in pairs.
I hear people often say that they think it will be easier to start with one kitten and then, later on, adopt another. I can see the logic - getting two might seem like rushing into a bigger commitment but really, it's not much different. In fact - bringing in a second kitten later will likely be a much harder process.
While they may not rely upon people to feel safe as dogs do, many cats show affection towards their guardians and seem to highly value the company of their human companions. Their attachment to humans is partly influenced by their experiences of being handled by people as a kitten.
Cats form attachments to their owners that are similar to those that dogs and babies form with their caregivers.
For cats that are left on their own for long periods each day, it is a good idea to consider providing another cat for company. Sociable interaction with another cat can greatly enrich their daily lives. The younger they are when introduced, the greater the chances of their getting on amicably most of the time.
If you have a young cat at home and want a second, consider adopting one kitten of the opposite sex, as same-sex cats are much more prone to fight each other for dominance. Your resident cat will still be young enough to recall having fun with her littermates, and the new kitten will be more than happy to oblige.
But if you're gone a lot and your cat seems lonely, it might be a good idea to adopt a second cat. Just make sure there's plenty of space for your new cat to establish her own "territory," so the two cats aren't on top of each other all the time.
Although cats have a reputation as solitary animals, they are social creatures and can thrive on forming close bonds with other creatures. Certain changes in behavior, such as irregular sleeping, eating, or grooming habits, may indicate that a cat is lonely and could benefit from some feline companionship.
If you leave your cat alone for too long it can cause boredom, stress, separation anxiety, and unwanted behavior – not to mention the risk of accidents or illness. Kittens need more care and shouldn't be left alone for longer than 4 hours.
Cats are often considered to be uncaring or disinterested toward their human family members, but this isn't true. Although cats don't need as much constant attention as most dogs, they do connect and bond with their humans, and they feel unhappy when separated for too long.
Cats are naturally clean animals and don't appreciate a dirty environment. From birth, their mothers clean them until they are old enough to do it themselves, and they can spend up to 50% of their waking life on grooming. Cats are picky creatures, and that's part of the reason we love them so much.
Cats are often thought of as being independent creatures who are happy in their own company. But your cat can get lonely. Interacting with the human they love helps to enrich their lives (and yours). If your cat sleeps with you this indicates that they enjoy your company and want to spend time with you.
Social sleeping
While cats may sleep more when depressed, their sleep locations can be an indication of happiness. If your kitty sleeps with other cats or chooses you as a bed-buddy – this indicates happy relationships.
If your cat sleeps on your bed, he may choose a position that lets him see out your bedroom door more easily. If he's curled up in a ball under your bed or in a quiet corner, then he may be hiding. Cats who sleep under the covers might love being close to you, or they might be hiding to feel safer.