Last Updated: 4 weeks ago

Are you wondering about getting another cat to keep yours company?

You might if you work all day and you’re worried that your cat is unhappy.

Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place for professional advice on whether you should adopt a second cat or not.

Should I Get Another Cat to Keep My Cat Company?

Most cat owners feel guilty about leaving their cats alone in the house while they work during the day.

No matter how many toys you provide, you still don’t know if your cat is miserable or misses you.

Naturally, you might consider getting a second cat to provide mental and physical stimulation for your pet.

Deep down, you probably want this second cat because cats are addictive. Who can say no to those soft coats, mysterious eyes, and cuddly bodies?

So, let’s discuss in detail if cats need another cat for company and how you can tell if your cat wants a companion.

The Silent Signs Your Cat Wants Another Cat

You want another cat, but you don’t know if yours shares the same sentiment.

Is there a way to tell if your pet will welcome the new addition to the household?

Observe your cat for the following 7 signs that can mean that your cat is lonely and might accept a new companion:

1. Clinginess

Is your cat obsessed with you and follows you around the house, meowing?

Then your pet might be trying to communicate that they’re lonely and need more social interaction.

Clinginess, excessive vocalization, and destructive behavior might also suggest separation anxiety.

2. Change in Grooming Habits

Cats spend a lot of time grooming their coats to perfection. You’d be right to worry if your cat’s fur is more unkempt than usual.

Reduced grooming is often a sign that your cat is either depressed or ill.

On the other hand, excessive grooming might be a way for your cat to self-soothe when they feel miserable and alone.

Licking your hair or biting your head might also be a way for your cat to communicate that they’re unhappy about being alone.

3. Eating More or Less

Sometimes cats eat more than usual because they’re bored and lack social stimulation.

In other cases, cats eat less because they’re depressed and don’t have an appetite.

Talk to your vet if your cat goes off their food for more than a day or two. They might be sick instead of lonely.

4. Destructive Behavior

Does your cat make a mess while you’re gone?

Shredding the toilet paper, knocking things on the ground, and destroying furniture show that your cat is bored out of their mind and wants company.

5. Change in Sleeping Habits

Just like people, cats tend to sleep more when they’re lonely and bored.

Since cats do like to nap a lot, it might be hard to notice that something is wrong at first.

But if your cat seems more sleepy than usual, then something is going on.

6. Change in Energy Levels

As I already mentioned, some cats are so full of energy that they always seem to be in motion.

Such cats will benefit from having another cat around the house to challenge their athletic abilities and keep them from tearing the place apart.

On the other hand, lonely and depressed cats are often less energetic and might appear lethargic.

Such cats might get up to eat and drink and go back to sleeping because they don’t have anyone to engage them.

If your cat is less energetic than before or drives you crazy with shenanigans, a second cat can help.

7. Litter Box Problems

One of the most common ways cats ask for help is by changing their litter box habits.

Urinating outside of the box is a red flag that something isn’t right in your cat’s world. It can be stress, a disease, or loneliness.

Do Cats Need Another Cat for Company?

If you’re planning on adopting a second cat, you have to understand how feline society works and why your cat might not be that happy about a second cat.

Unlike dogs, cats don’t live in groups and don’t have the same instinct to stick together for protection.

In the wild, most cat species live alone and interact with other cats during the mating season or when they fight for resources and territory.

As such, many cats are perfectly happy to be a single pet. They’ve got your undivided attention, no one to challenge their territory, and plenty of food they don’t have to share.

It’s a dream come true. Moreover, many cats like having me-time. They enjoy being alone in the house without you disturbing nap time, picking them up, or petting them.

Provide food and cuddles, and your indoor cat will be happy. Still, cats have social needs and can be lonely if you don’t have enough time to be with them.

After all, cats prefer it when there’s someone around to play with them, worship them, and feed them.

If cats need another cat for company, it depends on several factors, and they can help you make up your mind.

1. Age

Young kittens are more likely to be lonely when you’re not around to keep them company.

That’s because kittens are used to being with their siblings and mother all the time. Being alone is scary for a kitten because they don’t have anyone to protect them.

On the other hand, adult cats are more independent than kittens and can handle being alone better.

They’re not so dependent on you or other pets to provide security and comfort.

2. Temperament

The more social the cat, the more lonely and miserable they will be when you’re gone.

Bossy and timid cats, on the other hand, will probably prefer to be single pets.

Moreover, cats who have a close bond with their owners are more likely to be unhappy when left alone.

Cats that are aloof and reserved will probably be happier when you’re gone.

3. Breed

Affectionate cat breeds tend to bond closely with their humans and might even develop separation anxiety.

These cats do better if they have company because they don’t like being alone.

Moreover, some cat breeds are so energetic that you’ll have problems keeping up with their physical and mental needs.

Such cats might benefit from another feline around the house to burn off excess energy. On the other hand, some cat breeds are far too independent to depend on their owners.

These breeds find ways to amuse themselves and don’t need much attention to be happy. You can leave these cats alone without worrying about them being miserable.

What Other Owners Say About Adopting a Second Cat?

To help you make up your mind, I’ve gathered some quotes from Reddit users on the topic.

Hopefully, they will help if you’re still on the fence:

• Abbeycrombie says, “I wanted my cat to have a friend around. I adopted a kitten (well, a five-month-old), and Manny (my 4-year-old cat) loves him. He is much happier now.
• Chulaire observes, “The older male really mellowed down with the presence of the new female kitten. I really like the idea of having more than one cat, especially if you’re not at home much.”
• Halivana advises, “I wouldn’t get another cat just to keep your current cat company. If YOU want another cat, get another cat. It might turn out to be a BFF situation, or they might just barely tolerate each other forever.”

What to Consider Before Adopting a Second Cat

Before you get another cat to keep your cat company, there’s a couple of things you should consider.

Getting a second cat before you’re ready can be a big mistake and cause you and your cat unnecessary pain.

Think carefully about these four questions before making up your mind and getting another cat to keep your pet company.

1. Do You Have the Space For Two Cats?

For two cats to live peacefully, each should have enough space to claim as their own to avoid territorial conflicts.

You also need enough space for at least two litter boxes so that cats won’t become stressed.

Moreover, you should separate the cats for the first few days until they get used to each other’s smell.

If you don’t have a place to keep the second cat, the first few days can be hellish.

2. Have You thought About Expenses?

Two cats might mean twice the love, but they also mean twice the expenses and vet bills.

You’ll need to get the second cat food/water bowls, toys, and a cat bed to avoid conflicts with your resident cat over resources.

Moreover, you’ll have to consider the adoption fee, vet examination, vaccination, spay/neuter the cat, and pet insurance.

3. Will You Be Able to Rehome the Cat?

Unfortunately, getting a second cat doesn’t always work out, and you have to be prepared for that possibility.

Just like people, cats might get along fine with one cat and hate the guts of another. You never know how it would play out.

If the two cats can’t coexist peacefully or at least tolerate each other, you don’t have much choice.

You might have to rehome the cat or return them to the shelter. Can you do that?

4. Have You Lost A Cat Recently?

When you lose a cat, you’re not the only one who would mourn the cat’s death.

Your surviving cat might also grieve for their friend, especially if the two cats have been together for years.

Adding a second cat too soon after one dies isn’t a wise choice. It might stress your surviving cat instead of providing the comfort you have in mind.

If you do decide to get another cat, check out the video below for tips on introducing them.

Then, keep reading to find out if gender matters. 

Does Gender Matter When Adopting a Second Cat?

If you’re about to get a second cat, you might wonder which gender cats get along better or what gender cat is better.

Does gender even matter when getting a second cat? For dogs, I can give you a definite answer that gender matters.

Things are slightly different when it comes to cats because there aren’t many studies on the topic. Cats also don’t have the same strict hierarchy as dogs.

Most specialists agree that gender isn’t that important, and that age and temperament matter most.

Still, some people would say that the best cat gender combination is cats of the opposite gender.

That’s because two males are likely to fight for the ladies’ attention or try to dominate each other.

Males are also more likely to spray their territory when they’re another male cat around. Females, on the other hand, don’t like to share territory with another female.

There can’t be more than one queen in the house, and unrelated females will compete for your attention, food, and sleeping spots.

Female cats can also be quite vicious in an attempt to chase another “queen” from their territory.

Speaking from experience, pregnant cats and nursing mothers can be ruthless towards unrelated female cats.

What Gender Cat is Better?

I’m sure that selecting the gender of your second cat is a matter of discussion among family members.

So, which gender cat is better? It’s hard to say whether female or male cats make better pets.

That’s because genetics and environment form a cat’s personality more than sex.

Both male and female cats can be affectionate, friendly, and sociable if they’re well socialized. Interestingly, some suggest that coat color might indicate personality.

For example, ginger cat breeds tend to be outgoing, friendly, and adventurous. Calico cats, on the other hand, tend to be feisty, while black cats are playful but reserved.

Instead of considering gender, you should think about whether to get a kitten or an adult cat.

Usually, cats are more receptive to kittens than grown-up cats because kittens are less of a threat, and their territorial instinct hasn’t kicked in yet.

However, kittens might be too energetic for older cats and overwhelm them with playfulness. Kittens also require more “work” because they need to learn and are more likely to get into trouble.

Wrap-Up

Introducing a new cat into the house is often a lot more stressful than owners realize.

Your cat might not see the newcomer as a potential playmate and a friend, but as an intruder and a threat that disturbs the established routine.

That’s why getting a second cat – male or female – shouldn’t be a rush decision. Think about if your cat needs a companion and consult with your vet.

What you consider loneliness might be the early stages of a disease.

Resources:

• ASPCA.org
• AnimalHumaneSociety.org
• WorldsBestCatLitter.com