If you have a cat, you’ve wondered whether they get lonely at some point. After all, cats are social creatures, so it stands to reason that they would feel lonely without another cat around. However, the answer to this question is not as simple as you think. While some cats get lonely without a feline friend, others are perfectly content being the only cat in the house. It just depends on the individual cat’s personality.
The answer to the question “Do cats become lonely?” is most likely so – if it’s kittens.
This territorial nature is usually not manifested until adulthood. Kittens crave playmates, and they are especially attached to their peers. But even if you adopt kittens from individual litters, they will instantly become best friends.
“For most kittens, they learn social skills by communicating and playing with each other,” says Krieger. “Most kittens do well together.”
But as they age, some cats become more independent and prefer to live solo. It is often because they don’t enjoy the company of other cats as much as they did when they were younger. If your cat falls into this category, don’t worry – there’s nothing wrong with them. They’re just happy being on their own.
“Growing up with others is not a recipe for success because cats are personalities, and some of them just don’t get along,” said Dantas, a professor at the University of Georgia Veterinary Hospital in Athens. “Cats that play with other cats have been socialized with other cats in their kittens and throughout their lives, have no clinical signs of fear or anxiety, and are more likely to succeed.”
“How to introduce two cats?”
“Cats form very close bonds with each other,” explains Dantas. “Even adult cats can become close companions if properly introduced.”
Get to know cats properly by keeping them separate first, says Dantas. It allows them to recognize each other’s sounds and smells and gives their brains time to reduce their response to neuroendocrine stress. Each cat needs its food and space for litter, and a positive experience should be brought with performances such as treats.
Getting a new companion for a grieving cat
Are cats sad and lonely after their old companion dies? When a cat dies, the loss leaves a void in both your life and the life of the remaining cat. The question is how soon the parents of cats – and their regular kittens – must look for a new company. Dantаs recommend giving your cat (and yourself) time to be embarrassed and stabilized. It may take a month or several months.
So, as you can see, whether cats get lonely is a complicated question. If you’re unsure whether your cat would like another feline friend, observe their behavior and see what makes them happy. And if you decide to get another cat, introduce them slowly, so everyone has time to adjust to the new situation.
