While cats are known for being solitary animals, they are gregarious creatures who thrive on building intimate connections with other animals. In this post, our Oklahoma City vets discuss why you might consider getting another cat, how to introduce your cats to each other and what you should do first before bringing a new kitty home.
How to Tell if Your Cat Wants Another Cat
You may be able to tell whether your cat is feeling lonely if their behavior has changed. For example, if they've developed erratic eating or sleeping patterns, loneliness may be the culprit.
If this is the case, you may ask yourself, "Does my indoor cat need a friend?"
If you're thinking of getting a second cat and your vet agrees, we'll share seven signs that your cat would benefit from having a feline friend.
A Change in Sleeping Habits
Loneliness may be behind any change in sleeping habits. If your cat sleeps a lot and no longer interacts with you, it may be because he's feeling lonely and has become melancholy. However, similar to other significant shifts in habits, it's critical to bring your cat in to our Oklahoma City vets for an exam to rule out any medical issues before looking for a new cat to help correct this issue.
Excessive Grooming
Obsessive grooming may be a sign of self-soothing, but it may also be a sign that your cat would benefit from a friend. Don't assume your cat is lonely if he has been exhibiting odd grooming behaviors; instead, this could be an indication of a medical issue.
If your cat is looking unkempt and not grooming herself as much, it could indicate that she's sad or lonely, but we recommend consulting a vet first.
Clinginess
Have you noticed your cat following you around and meowing a lot? Your cat might require more social interaction if he won't leave you alone. This extremely demanding behavior could be a sign of separation anxiety.
Litter Box Issues
Unusual litter box behaviors can arise from loneliness or stress. We suggest immediately informing your vet if your cat, who was previously trained to use the litter box, starts to urinate in other parts of the house. Changes in routine are like the engine warning light on your car for cats because they are creatures of habit; consult professionals to figure out the problem.
Odd Eating Habits
Is your cat consuming more food than usual? It could be the result of boredom or a lack of social stimulation. When there is nothing else to do, the cat, like people, may turn to food. Alternatively, the cat may stop eating due to depression. A change in eating habits, on the other hand, may indicate a medical problem, so consult 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.
It can be difficult to tell 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 to take 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 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?
It is natural for owners to want another cat to keep their remaining cat company when a cat who has shared a home with another cat dies. Before getting a new cat or kitten, give your surviving cat some time to adjust to life without their mate.
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 bond frequently exhibit clear signs that they consider themselves to be members of the same social group. These indicators include grooming, sleeping, and lying next to each other. They may greet each other on a regular basis by touching noses or making a small meow as they pass.
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 for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.
