Cats may be tough to learn, so determining in case your cat is really lonely may be tough. In keeping with Katenna Jones, an Related Licensed Utilized Animal Behaviorist, Licensed Cat Habits Marketing consultant, and proprietor of Jones Animal Habits, some cats may be very social and get lonely simply, whereas others could also be extra solitary and like to be alone. (Truly, that is additionally true of canines — and people too, for that matter.) A cat’s tolerance for solitude “can depend upon early ‘kittenhood’ experiences and exposures, in addition to experiences (good or unhealthy) all through life,” Jones says.
Indicators of a lonely cat can fluctuate. They embrace extreme vocalizations and excessive attention-seeking conduct, reminiscent of following, rubbing in opposition to, and soliciting any type of contact from their people. “Some cats can really feel annoyed on account of loneliness, which may end up in litterbox aversion, aggression, and different undesirable behaviors,” Jones says.
Take into account that cats are masters at hiding how they actually really feel – a protection mechanism to keep away from wanting weak to predators. Which means that generally cats will solely show the indicators of loneliness whenever you’re not there. “A webcam can inform you in case your cat is pacing, howling, or in any other case appears upset when you’re gone,” says Delgado. “Extra extreme instances of separation nervousness can embrace extreme self-grooming, hiding, or adjustments in urge for food – and any of those indicators name for a examine by your veterinarian.”
Are two cats higher than one?
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It relies upon.
Cats have a popularity for being loners, however they don’t all the time must be. In reality, there are lots of advantages to giving your kitty a buddy to play and work together with. However often, adopting two or extra cats on the identical time is the best means to ensure all of them get alongside.
So what if you have already got a cat, and also you wish to add one other cat to the house? That’s the place issues can get difficult.
It’s a false impression that cats are low upkeep pets, says Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado postdoctoral fellow on the College of Veterinary Drugs on the College of California, Davis. Dr. Delgado, who can also be a licensed utilized animal behaviorist and proprietor of cat conduct consulting partnership Feline Minds, says that cats profit drastically from steady, routine interactions.
Including a feline playmate would possibly assist stave off loneliness, particularly in case your routine or schedule immediately adjustments and you’ll’t present as a lot consideration to your cat as you had prior to now. Then again, introducing your cat to a brand new buddy isn’t all the time one of the best plan of action — and even when it’s, it may be all too simple to go about it the improper means.
Ought to I Get a Second Cat?
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Alas, a brand new cat will not be a fix-all resolution for a lonely cat. And in some instances it’d really make issues worse.
Including a brand new cat to the family may be difficult, particularly since your cat can have no say over their new roommate. “In case your cat is usually fairly easygoing and has lived efficiently with different cats earlier than, they could be positive,” explains Delgado. “However if you happen to undertake one other cat and the 2 do not get alongside, it’s possible you’ll find yourself with two lonely cats as an alternative of 1.”
So how will you determine if getting a second cat is a good suggestion? Jones says it relies upon 100% on the resident cat’s persona. The older your cat is, and the less cat mates they’ve had all through their life, the much less seemingly they’re to need a new companion. “There may be exceptions to this, however statistically talking, this holds true,” Jones says.
But when your cat isn’t a superb candidate for a brand new buddy, there are issues you are able to do to alleviate their loneliness. Since cats like stability and often dislike surprises, Delgado says you possibly can assist your single cat really feel safer and fewer bored by having a constant routine for feeding, play, and a spotlight.
Getting a Second Cat: Different Issues to Preserve in Thoughts
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If you wish to add one other cat, Jones factors out {that a} kitten isn’t the reply until the resident cat could be very, very affected person. “I’d advocate taking a look at adults who’re recognized to take pleasure in and kind relationships simply with different cats,” says Jones. “You need cats who’re savvy at understanding different cats, respectful of distance, and never simply irritated.”
An amazing choice is to have a look at rescues which have a number of cats and are open to fostering or a tryout interval. “Take the brand new cat dwelling realizing there is a good probability it will not work out, do a sluggish intro, and know when to cease and check out once more with one other cat,” says Jones.
Cats who’ve a superb historical past with different cats and a persona much like your cat at dwelling can have a greater probability to make it work, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
To make the transition simpler and to keep away from battle, Delgado suggests offering the brand new addition with their very own room or sanctuary at first when you work on introducing the 2 cats. “A number of cats additionally want a number of sources, so you will want loads of vertical area, litter containers, meals dishes and extra,” says Delgado. “So be sure to have the time, area, and endurance to do issues proper; that may improve the possibility of your cats getting alongside.”
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