Does my cat need a feline friend?


We all know there’s no such thing as too many cats.

Filling our homes with adorable felines would bring us so much joy we’d struggle to ever walk out of the door. 

The question is, would your cat be happy with a cuddly companion to keep them company?

Cats have a reputation for being solitary creatures. They will often keep to themselves, and it’s not uncommon to go days without seeing them interact with another animal. 

But this doesn’t mean they can’t, or don’t like to, form bonds with other cats.

Do cats actually get lonely and require a friend?

Cats are fiercely independent. And it’s true they do enjoy some alone time. 

But despite the fact that your feisty feline may be giving off the impression they love being on their own, the truth is, they crave companionship just like humans do. 

This is especially the case if they’re left unattended for long periods of time. 

If you’re leaving them home alone for longer than you’d like, then introducing a fellow feline housemate could help brighten up their days. 

Here’s how to tell if your cat wants another cat in the house.

5 signs that your cat might need a feline friend

1. They’ve become increasingly clingy. Are you suddenly struggling to move around the house without falling over your feline? A cat who’s started following your every move is most likely telling you they need some extra attention. Separation anxiety can be extremely debilitating for cats, and while we obviously want to spend as much time with them as possible, that’s not always easy.

2. Change in eating habits. Whenever your cat’s eating habits change, it’s important we get to the bottom of the cause. An increase in appetite could be down to boredom as a result of less social stimulation. If your once ravenous cat is now leaving half of their meal untouched, it may be a sign they’re feeling stressed or a little depressed, due to spending too much time in the house alone. You should always monitor the amount your cat is eating closely, and if appetite problems persist, contact your vet.

3. Over/under grooming. Excessive grooming is generally triggered by a change in your cat’s routine/environment, or a medical condition. Anxiety, brought on by loneliness, is undoubtedly one of the more prominent causes, so check for other separation symptoms. At the other end of the scale, if you’ve noticed your feline has started looking more unkempt, like they’re not looking after themselves as much, that’s a clear red flag that something is wrong and needs checking out.

4. Aggressive behaviour. When a cool, calm and collected cat starts acting out — scratching the furniture, refusal to use the litter box, aggressive behaviour — we need to nip these negative habits in the bud. If you suspect their mood swings are a direct result of loneliness then it may be time to add another cat to the family.

5. They miss their friend(s). A cat who is used to feline company, but has become the sole pet of the property for whatever reason, will in all likelihood begin to exhibit some, if not all, of the above signs of loneliness. You’ll probably notice them moping around the house, looking lost without their partner in crime. There are numerous ways to try and cheer up a lonesome cat —but the quickest, and simplest (depending on your situation) — is to bring home a new mate for them (and you) to hang out with.

How do I introduce a second cat?

Patience. 

Even if your cat is figuratively, and literally, crying out for some companionship, you will want to take your time introducing a new feline to the household. 

There are a few reasons for this, the main one being, you simply don’t know if they are going to get along. 

We would always recommend keeping them separated for at least a week, while your newest family member gets used to their new surroundings. 

Monitor the cats’ early encounters closely, limiting the amount of time they spend together at first. 

It may take a few weeks, but before you know it, they’ll be best buds. 

If this article was helpful and insightful, then you may also enjoy:

Share this article

#LoveWhatsInside