Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

Does your cat need a companion? If your kitty is lonely, it’s your fault

Mary Johnson
By

While dogs may be considered “man’s best friend,” did you know that we’re actually more closely related to cats? According to a 2007 study, geneticists found a 90% genetic match between cats and humans, as opposed to an 85% genetic organizational match between dogs and humans. Considering how much we have in common with our feline friends, it might not surprise you to learn that cats are as individual as we are. Some cats fit the stereotype of being icy and remote, but others are affectionate and friendly, even clingy. In some cases, bonding with her human family may not be enough for a kitty. Does your fur baby need a cat companion? Let’s learn the signs of cat loneliness to find out.

Two tabby cats lying together in bed.

Signs your cat is lonely

Unfortunately for us, our kittens can’t verbally express how they’re feeling. The good news is that they have other ways of telling us what’s wrong. (There’s also an app you can use to gauge your cat’s mood.) Here’s what you should look out for:

Related Videos
  • Urinating or defecating outside the litter box
  • Increased aggression, such as biting and scratching
  • Overgrooming, sometimes so extensively they leave bald patches
  • Excessive vocalization
  • Sleeping too much

Cats displaying signs of depression or anxiety could be having trouble adjusting to their new home, especially if they’ve recently been separated from littermates. However, cats are notorious for concealing illness and injury, so it’s always a good idea to have your cat checked out by a vet if she suddenly begins exhibiting unusual behaviors. 

Her refusal to use the litter box could be an indication of kidney problems, and her incessant yowling might be her way of telling you that she’s in pain. If the vet gives your cat a clean bill of health, then it’s possible her behavioral changes are due to loneliness. Fortunately, that’s an easy fix. 

Should cats be adopted in pairs?

According to the experts at VCA Hospitals, “Cats are family-oriented and usually live with their relatives… For this reason, cats often do well adopted in pairs.” Additionally, those who adopt two kittens from the same litter are also more likely to keep their cats than people who adopt only one kitten. This is likely due to something called “single kitten syndrome,” which often causes kittens adopted alone to become more aggressive with humans as adults. 

While we’re more likely to tolerate the occasional nibble from a curious kitten, adult cats are often rehomed when their inappropriate behavior becomes troublesome. Research shows that kittens need the company of other kittens to learn how to socialize and behave properly. When kittens play together, they learn from each other not to bite or scratch too hard. Not only is adopting two kittens better for their mental development, but two kittens are actually easier to take care of than one. Kittens are tiny bundles of energy, requiring lots of our time and care. But your tiny fur baby will need less of your attention if they have a playmate around.

A black cat and a fluffy white rabbit sit together on a brown sofa.

Unusual best friends

While kittens seem happiest when they’re adopted in pairs, that doesn’t always mean your adult cat will get along with a new kitten. In fact, some cat breeds actually seem to prefer the company of dogs. Abyssinian, Birman, and Maine Coon cats tend to bond easily with our canine companions. But man’s best friend isn’t the only potential companion for your cat. Other options include:

Rabbits

As long as you supervise their initial visits, cats and rabbits can develop a surprisingly tight-knit friendship. Make sure you spend plenty of time allowing your fur babies to adjust to each other before turning them loose. You can start off by leaving your rabbit in a large cage, allowing your cat to adjust to the sight and scent of her new friend before allowing them to play together. 

Goats

Just like cats, goats are highly social and do best when they have at least one other goat for a playmate. Goats easily befriend sheep, cows, and horses, but they’re also fond of cats. A newborn Nigerian Dwarf goat named Hector nearly broke the Internet with his adorable antics. Hector’s chosen playmates? A barn cat and her litter of orange kittens. 

Horses

When you think of #friendshipgoals, you don’t usually think of cats and horses. According to the experts, these two opposites are frequently drawn to each other. Like dogs, horses are herd animals, but horses are typically much more sedate. Some dogs may frighten cats with their boundless enthusiasm, but curious kittens find massive, laid-back horses fascinating. Horses have an innate fear of predators, but they’re quick to warm up to comparatively small, nonthreatening cats. 

A calico cat sits outside with two goat friends.

Your cat is a member of your family, and her health and happiness are important to you. If you notice your feisty feline showing signs of loneliness, you may want to consider adopting another animal to keep her company. (A second cat, a dog, a goat, or even a rat will do.)  

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
What you can do to help your cat after surgery and show your pet how much you love them
Here's how to keep your kitty feeling safe, comfy, and calm post-op
A cat at the vet

You love your kitty. Sometimes, that means agreeing to send them in for cat surgery. Whether it’s a standard spay or neuter procedure, necessary dental work, or something more worrisome like removing a cancerous tumor, you’ll want to ensure you give your furry friend some extra TLC post-operation.

Your feline friend may also need you to be patient with them. Cat behavior after surgery can vary from pet to pet, but they may be slightly shyer, lethargic, or easily irritated for a while. The good news is that your cat should go back to normal — and hopefully wind up as an even healthier version of themselves soon. Knowing what to prepare for can ensure your cat feels safe, loved, and comfortable after surgery.

Read more
Are urinary tract infections in cats possible? What cat parents should know about this condition
What to know about prevention and treatment of UTIs in cats
Gray cat in a cat bed

UTIs are a common and pesky condition in humans. It’s short for urinary tract infection. A UTI is an infection of a part of the urinary system, like the bladder, kidneys, or urethra, as the name implies. UTIs can involve painful burning sensations when peeing. They affect about 10 out of 25 women and 3 out of 25 men at least once, according to the Urology Care Foundation.

Cat parents may wonder: What is the rate of urinary tract infections in cats? Unfortunately, it’s not zero. Cats can get UTIs. The good news is that cat health experts don’t commonly see the issue when treating felines. However, it’s still good to think about the urinary tract when approaching your cat’s health.

Read more
Bengal cats: What to know about these quirky descendants of Asian leopards
Bengal cat breed facts that may surprise you
A Bengal cat lies on a white floor and bathes their forelimb

With their striking rosette coats and low-maintenance grooming needs, Bengal cats are already one of the most desired breeds in the world. Once known as Safari cats, the breed went through a name change in the 1970s to reflect its fascinating heritage. But what is living like a Bengal cat actually like? Are they as feisty as their Asian leopard ancestors?
We'll explore the Bengal cat's personality in depth, covering everything from a brief look into their history, the most common Bengal personality traits, and any breed-specific requirements that may hinder your quest to adopt one of these lovely cats.

Bengal cat history
While some cat breeds, such as the Egyptian Mau, can trace their lineage as far back as 10,000 B.C.E., the Bengal cat is a relative newcomer on the scene. The Bengal cat was first bred deliberately in California in the 1980s, after cat breeder Jean Mill crossed a domestic shorthair (a black tomcat) with an Asian leopard cat. Asian leopard cats, a breed of dainty wildcats hailing from Southeast Asia, are also known as Felis bengalensis -- hence the aforementioned name change from Safari cat to "Bengal cat," -- a nod to this hybrid breed's wild ancestor.
However, there may be another reason for the switch that led to the newly dubbed Bengal cat. When the breed's name was changed in 1974, the man responsible was named William "Bill" Engler -- B. Engler. Some believe he drew inspiration from his own name.

Read more