Do cats get lonely without other cats?

The general perception we have of cats is that they like to keep to themselves. Unlike their canine counterparts, cats are believed to be more solitary and enjoy their personal space. However, recent observation has shown that cats also feel the need to associate and interact with others (apart from the owner). So yes, cats do get lonely sometimes. But this behavior does not mean that all our cats need to start living in groups. How lonely your cat gets in your absence depends on a variety of factors. The age, upbringing and exposure of the cat to the outside, are some of the factors that determine a cat’s behavior towards having new company. A significant factor here is the cat’s personality. All cats do not possess the same behavior traits, and some merely get along better with other cats while some prefer going solo.

If your cat is experiencing loneliness, it will start to show some symptoms that will stand out from normal behavior. Some of these signs include:

1.    One of the ways cats will try to grab attention is by making sounds (meowing). Although meowing is normal, excessively doing it may be a sign that the cat is feeling isolated.
2.    Excessive grooming is another sign that may mean that your cat is feeling isolated.
3.    Cats do enjoy being pampered and rubbed. But if your cat is becoming too clingy, this may mean that it is looking for more interaction with others.
4.    When cats start to lick and groom themselves more than usual, it may mean that the cat is suffering from boredom and is need of company.
5.    Cats can also start destroying household items if they are anxious and lonely. Moving things out of place or pushing things over are common signs of anxious behavior.
6.    Cats are extremely cautious with their excretions. Look out for urine spots or stool in areas of the house other than the litter tray. It may mean that the cat is feeling uneasy and the reason might be loneliness.
7.    If your cat begins to lose interest in food, it is a huge red flag that needs to be addressed. Loss of appetite could be due to a variety of reasons, one of which could be because your pet is lonely.  

If you begin to notice any or all of these symptoms in your cat, you should seek immediate help from a vet. It is of vital importance to know that these signs are not exclusive to your cat suffering from loneliness. They could also be symptoms of other illnesses, which can be accurately diagnosed by your vet. For example, excessive grooming could also mean that your cat may be suffering from a skin infection or a physical injury. The vet can properly examine your pet and decide whether it’s a physical illness or loneliness. If your cat is suffering from a type of physical sickness, just bringing in a new companion or giving it more attention will not make it better. At the same time, if the cause of these symptoms is loneliness, physical treatments and medication will not fix the problem. This is why you have to confer with your vet so that you can correctly identify what the issue is. After the proper cause of these symptoms is ascertained, you can start working on the solutions to fix the problem.

Once you are confident that your cat may be suffering from loneliness, try a few simple solutions before getting a new cat. Before you leave your house, leave out some of your cat’s favorite toys. You can also leave the blind or curtains of the window open so that your cat has a view of the outside world too. There are also numerous cat DVDs that play videos and sounds that keep the cat occupied till you return.

You will have to take a lot of things into consideration before bringing in a new companion for your cat. Cats are territorial creatures, and they can lash out on other cats even if they behaved clingy around a human. You have to ensure that there is enough space and provision (beds, litter tray, scratch post, etc) for both cats. This will help them to get used to each other without feeling threatened. Knowing the history and personality of not just your old cat but the new one too will help you deal with the new arrangement. Cats that grew up as a litter have an easier time adjusting with new cats. On the other hand, cats with a feral past may be more aggressive because they are used to competing for territory and food. Another important thing is to check whether the ages of your cat and the new cat are compatible. A lot of times younger kittens may annoy older cats in the same house because of their playful nature. Bringing together cats of similar ages may make it easier for them to bond because they will be alike in maturity, mood, and energy levels.

One technique of introducing new cats to each other is by bringing in two younger kittens. Cats do not usually get instantly attached to other new felines that share the same space. Kittens will spend most of their time interacting with each other, and this gives the older cat enough space and time to get used to them. With time, they may develop a bond that makes your older cat feel less lonely and isolated.

If you do decide to welcome a new companion for your cat, remember that their potential to bond and get along will depend on the personalities of each cat. No one-size-fits-all technique applies to each cat because just like us, our pets also have personality quirks and distinct behavioral traits. No one is more equipped to gauge the personality of a cat than its owner. Therefore, it is our responsibility as pet owners to understand our pets and make sure they do not feel depressed or lonely. This may mean spending more time with them, creating a better living arrangement or in this case, welcome a new companion to your home.