Signs Your Cat Wants Another Cat

Cats, despite their reputation for being reclusive and satisfied on their own, require social connection just like any other animal. Cats, on the other hand, can usually obtain all the interaction they want and need from their human family.

When you already have a cat, getting a new one can be a hit-or-miss proposition. Some cats may never appreciate the companionship of another cat, whereas others love having a friend of their own type and building a close friendship.

So, how can you determine whether your cat is lonely and hunting for another cat?

The 5 Signs Your Cat Wants Another Cat:

Clinginess

We all want to be showered with love and affection by our kitties, don’t we? However, if we can’t walk anywhere without treading on them, something isn’t quite right. Excessive attention-seeking behavior in your cat indicates a desire for more social engagement.

It’s quite fine if you can’t meet your cat’s high-maintenance social needs! If your clingy feline need more attention and love than you have time to give them, having a second cat may be useful.

Odd Grooming Behaviors

Every cat owner understands how important a cat’s appearance and hygiene are to them. So, if your cat appears untidy and unkempt, as if they have given up on their appearance, they could be suffering from the stress or depression of loneliness.

Alternatively, excessive grooming may indicate the same issue. Over-grooming can be a way of self-soothing or a reaction to boredom. However, it’s crucial to note that a significant shift in grooming habits can indicate medical problems, so a vet should rule out other possibilities.

General Signs of Stress

In addition to a change in hygiene habits, you may notice a variety of other basic indicators of stress caused by loneliness. This can include a change in appetite, either overeating or undereating, additional low energy, weird vocalizations, or a change in mood.

Again, all of these stress symptoms can be due to a variety of other medical or psychiatric disorders, so consulting with a veterinarian can assist in determining the cause. However, when combined with the other indicators on this list, the cause could be a need for a feline companion.

Negative Behavior

A lonely cat may have excessive energy, which can lead to poor behavior. Destructive behavior like as scratching furniture or soiling outside, hostility towards humans or other pets (such as dogs) in the home, or urinating outside the litterbox are examples of poor behavior.

All of these actions indicate that your cat is lacking something in his or her life. In the absence of any obvious causes, it could be a symptom that they are bored and lonely. Having a second cat as a companion can help them channel some of their negative energy into a positive relationship.

They Miss Their Old Friends

Many cat owners are hesitant to obtain a second cat because they don’t know if their present cat wants another cat around (which is why you’re here, right?) However, if your cat has previously lived with several cats, the unexpected loss may leave them feeling lonely. A young cat who has recently been separated from its littermates is an example, as is the loss of a cat in a multicat home.

Cats will miss their feline pals and family and may grow agitated without their feline companionship. They may become lazy and unhappy, wandering about the house looking for their buddies. This is a strong indication that they are seeking feline friendship.

Fostering a New Cat

Unfortunately, we can’t always know what our cats are thinking or feeling. Even if your cat expresses a desire for another cat, it may not welcome the addition of a new cat to the household. Adopting a new cat is a major commitment, so consider fostering if you’re not sure how a new cat will fit in.

Fostering a shelter cat allows you to see how a new cat will blend in with your current cat without making any long-term commitments. Fostering can also aid your local shelter, especially if they are short on space and resources.

Getting a Second Cat

We can’t always give our pets exactly what they want. (like a third serving of dinner). It doesn’t imply you should get another cat just because your cat wants one. A new cat means new duties and a whole new existence that is entirely dependent on you. Consider obtaining another cat only if:

You can afford one – treble the annual expense of your single cat! Cats have various ongoing expenses aside from food, such as vet visits, medications, and treatments. Getting a pet that you cannot afford to care for is irresponsible.
You have enough room – Even cats who get along nicely require their own area. A tiny apartment may not be the greatest place to keep multiple cats because they will need spaces to spend time alone.
Your cat is in good health – Cats who are ill are already under a lot of stress. Introducing a new cat into the household may bring an additional layer of stress, which may impede or even worsen your original cat’s recuperation. Make sure your original cat is in good enough health to accept a newcomer.

The Multi-Cat Household

Cats are picky and erratic creatures. Even the most comfortable cat who has spent its life with numerous other cats may encounter a new cat and loathe them. Keep in mind that even if you gently introduce a new cat into your home, they may never become buddies. You can only hope for the best and watch with bated breath to see if they enjoy one other’s company.

Final Thoughts

Getting a second cat is a major decision. Cats often benefit from having another cat in the house because it provides additional opportunities for social connection, especially when you are not present to provide it.

Read your cat’s behavior to see whether they are lonely and in need of a feline buddy, and think about how a new cat will fit into your household. With careful planning and preparation, you can effectively introduce a new cat into your home.