I have one cat who seems very happy and content, but people have told me she needs other cats around to socialize with. Is that true? Or can cats be happy in one-pet homes?
2006-06-07 03:51:36 · 14 answers · asked by Ally 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
If she seems happy, then she is happy. Cat's don't have to mental capacity to dream about what might be. She might do fine with another cat, and might be happier, even, but she is not suffering without.
2006-06-07 03:54:53 · answer #1 · answered by blacksunshn 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
From my experience, cats seem to be more solitary animals than dogs. The older they get, the more difficult it is to add a new animal into the family....however, I am not saying that it cannot be done...it just really depends on personalities. My cat was a 4 yr old male when I got a 7month old female. The reason for me adopting the second cat was because my older cat had always lived with another cat (my roommates always had animals) and when he was on his own for the first time...he showed visible signs of unhappiness and restlessness. Within a very short time of adopting my girl kitty... they were best buddies and he resumed his normal happy attitude....so it was a success!
But, in your situation, it sounds like your cat is already very happy... so I would say go with your gut instinct....after all....you know your cat's personality better than anyone!
Good luck to you! I hope it all works out well!
2006-06-07 04:08:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
People who told you that your cat needs other cats to socialize with are definately wrong, considering that your cat is happy and content.
Some cats like to be the only pet in the house, and others like feline companions, it all depends.
I really dont think it is necessary to bring in a new cat. He might by uncomfortable and become jealous if you try to introduce a new feline into the home.
2006-06-07 03:59:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats can be happy alone or in groups... it depends on the cat.
I have 9 cats...
Some of them love each other and cuddle and go everywhere the other goes...
They sorta form kitty cliques :)
However - a few of them prefer to be alone... they stay to themselves for the most part... but they are not mean cats, they LOVE people..
So I think it just depends on your cats personality. If you are not home a lot and your cat doesn't get much attention, it may like a friend... but on the other hand, it may not want to share you with another cat...
If you do decide to get another cat though, you'll want to introduce them to each other very SLOWLY... ideally, you would want to keep the new cat locked in a small room (bathroom, etc) for a few days and let the old cat smell him/her ... then switch so that they can get a sense of each other before they meet face to face...
A good option to test your cat.. and how he/she would react to a new cat would be to become a foster parent for your local humane society. That way.. if your cat decided he/she wants to stay an only cat.. you wouldn't have a commitment to keep the new cat :)
Also - if your cat is not spayed/neutered... don't get another cat until he/she is... a not fixed cat can be SUPER territorial... which means that he/she may spray/pee in your house... etc. :)
2006-06-07 04:07:34 · answer #4 · answered by Lisa S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats are naturally sociable critters, but as with people, there are exceptions. Some cats appear to be content as only cats, and some actually seem to prefer it.
If kitty seems bored a companion might be what she needs, but if she seems happy and content, maybe you're better off leaving well enough alone.
2006-06-07 04:07:24 · answer #5 · answered by Mick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some cats are happy being the only pet.. we have 2 and they love each other, and are very playful together, even though the boy cat is about 6 years older than the girl kitty. he was a lone cat before we got her, but I really think he is happier with her around
2006-06-07 03:54:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a cat that is about a year old and on my birthday I got a new puppy and on mother's day I got a new kitten. The transition at first sucked but now she always wants to get in on the action.
She loves having other animals around to play with and now I dont feel quilty when I go to work for half of a day!
2006-06-07 03:58:20 · answer #7 · answered by Krystal Lynn H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats are like people, they have personalities. Some like to be social and some don't. You could try another cat and see how yours likes it. If it doens't respond to another cat then it would probably rather be alone. Some cats prefer only the company of their owners. But you can try it and see how your cat likes it. Good luck.
2006-06-07 05:04:59 · answer #8 · answered by BamaBelle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
one things about cats they can adjust most are content on being a one pet only in a home others will adjust to having other pets around..... cats only socialize when they feel like it...
2006-06-07 04:02:11 · answer #9 · answered by muffett1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Key word here is Happy. If your cat is happy-leave it alone. Don't upset the apple cart!
Dog's on the other hand are more pack animals and social creatures and enjoy the company of another dog :)
2006-06-07 04:07:09 · answer #10 · answered by educated guess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋