There’s a long held belief that cats are loners or antisocial and do well on their own. Contrary to popular belief, that isn’t always the case. Well, in some instances, that’s true. But some kitties do much better having a friend around. For example, when I adopted my fur baby Charlotte, she was fine on her own, at first. But gradually, she started showing signs of being lonely. I was gone all day and wasn’t able to give her much attention until later in the evening. When I left for work she would follow me to the door not wanting me to leave. When I came home at night, she would cry until I picked her up. And, she would wake me up in the middle of the night wanting to play. That made me think that adopting another cat wasn’t such a bad idea.
I eventually adopted her a buddy, which made all the difference in her little world! There are many benefits to having two cats. They keep each other from getting bored, depressed, or from developing behavioral problems. They play, snuggle, learn to socialize, and groom each other. They can also become more confident and outgoing.
If you’re thinking about adopting a friend for your cat, try and adopt one that is similar in age and personality. Cats with different temperaments can be a problem, as a shy cat might get bullied by a more outgoing or aggressive cat. And, kittens could be too much for an older cat.
When introducing new cats, keep them separated and introduce them slowly. Don’t get discouraged if they don’t become besties right away. The introduction process could take up to a month or more.
If you’re thinking about adopting two cats at the same time, consider adopting an older, bonded pair. Going to a new home together may help them transition faster. Try not to separate a bonded pair because once separated they often grieve for their missing friend.
Note that even the best of feline friends need to have enough personal space. Try and provide cat trees and window sills for lounging, as well as scratching posts. And, make sure each cat has its own food bowl and that there’s at least one litter box per cat.
Two cats aren’t for everybody and not all cats mind being alone. But if your cat seems bored and lonely and you think it could benefit from some kitty companionship, or you’re considering adopting your first cat, two may be the way to go. In my case, it worked out perfectly!
