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Does Adopting a Second Cat Help Fight Feline Loneliness?

Companionship for cats is just as important as it is for people. How can you tell if your cat wants a feline companion to bond and play with? There is no way to know for sure. However, certain cues from your cat may indicate it’s the right time to have more than one cat.

How Can I Tell if My Cat is Lonely or Not?

Cats will try to attract your attention in order to communicate their loneliness. Cats may express their frustration at being left alone, or they might be seeking more quality time. Cats are most likely to show loneliness by:

  • Overgrooming
  • Litter box revolt (i.e. spraying or squatting in front of the litter box).
  • Crying and meowing out of control
  • Clinginess increases
  • Destructive behaviour (scratching and shredding of clothing, chewing on things, and general mischief).
  • You are being aggressively attacked as you leave the house
  • Unusual sleeping or eating patterns

If your cat exhibits these symptoms suddenly, contact your veterinarian. They may indicate that there is a more serious medical issue.

Your cat may be lonely if your family has experienced a recent change. This could include the death of a pet or the return to school of the children. If you have a young cat, and it is acting more destructively, this may be due to boredom rather than isolation.

Is my cat lonely or bored?

You may have a difficult time figuring out what is causing your cat to be unhappy or behave differently. It’s important to remember that getting a new cat is not the only solution for your cat. Spending more time with your lonely cat, whether it’s playing or cuddling them could be the answer.

Additions such as new climbing structures, cardboard box to explore or a new gadget to relieve boredom could be an easier and cheaper way to fight kitty’s boredom. Windowsill perches are another way to stimulate your cat. A secure, elevated hideout will also improve their feeling of security.

Addition of another cat can cure loneliness.

If you leave your cat alone all day, it may affect their social development. Some younger cats miss their mother, siblings and littermates.

A cat needs a lot of stimulation, and a human companion can’t provide that for them, especially if the person is away for long periods of time. Add another cat to the household for variety, entertainment and stimulation. This will improve your quality of life.

The downside of having a kitty friend is that it can stress out your main cat. Cats enjoy a routine and environment that is predictable. Any disturbance to their territory can cause defensive aggression. It can be a shock to a cat when he or she is not expecting a new roommate. It is therefore important to carefully consider your cat’s personality prior to adding another kitty.

How to assess your cat’s personality

What is your cat’s reaction when you invite new people to your home? Are they curious and friendly or are they scared and standoffish. The new roommate will probably show a similar reaction.

Pay attention to the personality of the cat you are considering adopting. The closer your cat’s personality matches with yours, the better the chances that a multi-cat household will be harmonious. A calm, reserved catnapper may not get along with a high-energy, extroverted cat. Adopting a cat is a great way to get a new pet.

Solitary by Nature

In the wild, cats live as solitary hunters and not in groups. Dogs pack together, but cats do not. Cats will tolerate living in close quarters with other feral cats if they or their kittens benefit from it in terms of safety or food.

Be sure you have the space for two cats to establish separate territories and dens before adding another cat. Multiple cats in close quarters can cause stress.

The timing of your purchase is important

Think twice before bringing in a kitten to enliven your older cat. The younger the cats are when introduced to communal living the better the chance of them getting along.

Adult cats usually have a hard time accepting a new roommate. However, cats are very adaptable, and will tolerate if the new kitten learns to stay on their territory.

5 Tips to Help You Transition Easily into a Multi-Cat Household

Cats have a lot of habits, so adding a new feline can be difficult. These 5 measures will help you keep peace in a multicat household:

  1. Create separate sleeping and eating areas for each cat.
  2. When you get a new kitten, limit other changes or stimuli. It’s not the time to renovate a room, or to learn to play the drums.
  3. Include vertical space for cats and hideout areas so they can have their own time.
  4. Buy one litter box per cat, plus an extra. If you want to avoid your cat marking their territory with urine or feces, make sure to keep them in their litter boxes.
  5. Separate the cats first and ensure that introductions are short and do not cause tension.

Take Your Time

You may want to do everything you can to make your cat happy, but it is important to think about what’s best for all. Check in with your veterinarian to make sure that there is nothing else causing your cat to be cranky. Care for another pet will increase your pet budget, and it may not make life easier. Take it slowly and introduce each cat on their terms if you believe it will work.

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