Despite being known as solitary animals, cats are gregarious creatures that thrive on building intimate connections with other animals. Our vests in Los Angeles discuss the reasons you might want to consider getting another cat, how to introduce your cats to each other, and the essential steps to take before bringing a new kitty home.
How to Tell if Your Cat Wants Another Cat
You can determine if your cat feels lonely by observing their behavior changes. For instance, erratic eating or sleeping patterns may indicate loneliness.
In such a situation, you might question whether your indoor cat requires a companion. If you're considering getting a second cat, and your vet supports the idea, we'll outline seven signs indicating that your cat could benefit from having a feline friend.
A Change in Sleeping Habits
Loneliness might cause changes in sleeping habits. If your cat is sleeping excessively and has reduced interactions with you, it could be experiencing loneliness and developing melancholy. However, like with any substantial changes in habits, it's crucial to schedule an examination with our vets at Los Angeles to rule out any potential medical issues before considering getting a new cat to address this issue.
Excessive Grooming
Obsessive grooming in your cat may signal a need for companionship rather than just being a self-soothing behavior. If you notice peculiar grooming habits, don't automatically assume your cat is lonely; it might indicate a potential medical condition.
If your cat appears unkempt and is grooming herself less, it could signify sadness or loneliness. However, we advise consulting a vet before jumping to conclusions.
Clinginess
Has your cat been meowing a lot and following you around? If your kitty won't leave you alone, he may need more social interaction. This very demanding demeanor may be a sign of separation concerns.
Litter Box Issues
Unusual litter box behaviors may indicate the manifestation of stress or loneliness in your cat. If your kitty, previously trained to use the litter box, begins to pee in other areas of the house, promptly informing your vet is crucial. Cats, being creatures of habit, treat changes in routine like an engine warning light on your car. Head to the professionals to promptly address and resolve the issue.
Odd Eating Habits
Is your cat consuming an increased amount of food? This behavior might signal boredom or a lack of social stimulation. Like people, cats may overeat when there's nothing else to engage them. Conversely, a cat may reduce its food intake due to feelings of depression. However, alterations in eating habits could also indicate a medical issue, so it's advisable to consult with your veterinarian initially.
Getting a Cat When You Already Have One
If you've consulted your veterinarian and determined that there are no medical issues, it could be that your cat is lonely and needs a friend.
However, it can be challenging to know 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 you can follow 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 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 to get away from other cats if they want to?
What About If One of My Cats Dies?
When one cat in a household passes away, owners often desire to introduce a new feline companion to keep their surviving cat company. We suggest allowing your surviving cat some time to adapt to life without its mate before acquiring a new cat or kitten.
While cats may have lived harmoniously alongside another feline for many years, they might not necessarily need a new partner due to their specific social needs.
How Do I Know My Cats Like Each Other?
Cats with strong bonds often exhibit clear signs of considering themselves members of the same social group. They groom, sleep, or lie next to each other to demonstrate this connection. They frequently greet one another by touching noses or emitting a soft 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 to accurately diagnose your pet's condition.
Is your cat showing any of the symptoms listed in this post? Before you get a new cat, Contact our vets in Los Angeles to book a routine exam.