Do cats need another cat in the house as a friend?

Question

I had a dog and a cat and they were great friends. Then the dog passed away last year, and the cat seem to miss him. So I got another cat from the rescue centre to keep her company. At first there was a lot of hissing and spitting, then after awhile they got used to one another. Sadly, the first cat passed away a couple off months ago. Now I'm wondering if I should get a new cat to keep this one company? I read in a cat book, that cats are 'lone' hunters and don't realy need another cat. In fact, it would be cruel to keep more than three in the house. I would realy like some opinions on this, as I can't make up my mind.

Answer 1

I don't think they need company. They are very independant animals. I think kittens are different and it might be nice for them to have company whilst they grow up, but as your cat is older, I think it's probably fine by itself. As long as you're home in the evenings. Also, a cat flap might be nice because then he can still go out and about if he wants to.

Answer 2

No. Cats do NOT necessarily need another cat in the house to make them happy. Yes, the remaining cat is going to miss her companion, but in time, she will become much more loving towards you. So, the deal with this is: It depends a lot on YOUR life-style. Are you away from home a good deal of the time? I'm not talking about simply working an 8 hour day. This is fine, the cat adjusts to your schedule and knows when to expect you home. But, if you must travel a few days a week and leave home completely, it is nice for a cat to have a companion. But, in these conditions, they will be much more "bonded" to each other than either of them will be to YOU.

Answer 3

I do believe that cats can get lonely. But you can make it better by having some toys he can play with and having a nice big scratch post he can climb on. Your cat being affectionate when you come home, that is normal, and most likely he is also hungry so it pays to be friendly and to be noticed. I have a 4 year old siamese cat, and got another kitten for the same reason as you. In the beginning there was a lot of hissing and spatting and growling, but not for long. they started to play with each other, sometimes they would even sleep together. But as the younger cat became adult, sometimes they have play fights, and sometimes there is a bit of competition over who is 'boss' of the house. But if the younger cat show distress over something, the older cat immediately come to lick his face. I spend time with them individually, and also they have time out from each other, like one will be outside in the cat enclosure, and one will be inside, and vice versa. That way they each get some space and private time.

Answer 4

I used to have 3 cats until one got run over. The other 2 cats were very sad and missed him a lot - they looked for him and called him all the time. It took about 6 months until they got their act together again. I believe they do build relationships with animals they live with. Also, cats are bored if they are alone unless they can go out anytime. Then again, I believe it depends on the breed. Some cats just want to be on their own.

Answer 5

A quick answer is NO. Cats are often solitary hunters and many seem to prefer a solo life.

However, 40 years of cat ownership tells me that a more thoughtful answer is YES. My boys (8&6 y.o.) spend alot of time in separate places....separate rooms, separate favorite places in the yard. I'm sure either would be okay as a solo act.... but they often entertain each other...with new smells to sniff, new chances to playfully hunt each other....and sometimes competing for food or my attention.

Both of my boys are 'rescue' cats......but I know the history of both before they became my family.

My 8 y.o. Maine Coon lived in a happy home where he was cared for & a patient of a vet as needed. (The former owners had to give up their animals.) He is very independent.

My 6 y.o. DSH came from an abusive neighbor. He was the one survivor in a litter of 5. ( I could tell he was abused by his reaction to strangers, brooms and loud noises. I asked my neighbor's 8 y.o. child about him and was told....we don't care....he's just a stupid cat'. I didn't blame the child...but I cannot imagine people feeling that way.) That was 5 years ago.....and he has adjusted to a loving home just fine. But he is still insecure around loud people or quick movements...and tends to be a 'hog' at feeding time. If he sees his older associate head for the food bowl.....he has to get there first and nudge the gentle-spirited Coon Cat aside. However....they seem to enjoy being close to each other........both for occasional entertainment and security.

I think most cats and dogs like having familiar four-legged friends sharing their world.

There is a special new friend waiting at your local shelter.

Answer 6

I think it would be a good idea to get a companion for your cat. We had two and when one died- we didnt replace him- it was well over a year before we considered getting another cat (or feline baby as I like to call them!). Bonni- the girl who was left on her own became very clingy to us. We are at work all day and even though my Mum comes round every day to see her- she was still a bit lonely. We got a new baby and they do get on well- they sleep on the bed together and although they may not be as close as Bonni was with her brother, I like to think they bring each some comfort when alone and they often fly around the house playing! I think it can keep an older cat young at heart if they have a younger companion around. Cats may seem solitary animals but in the wild they wouldn't spend all their time alone- so why should our domesticated ones? Enjoy the new baby if you get one!

Answer 7

Cats don't necessarily need company.... But if your cat was used to having a friend there, it might be a good idea. If you do get another cat, it will be very difficult at first...they will hate eachother. You have to keep the new cat locked in a room for the first day or two before you introduce them to eachother. this allows your cat to getused to the scent of the new one. Then once you introduce them, the will still hate eachother, but they will warm up to eachother quicker than if you just let them go at it from the beginning...

Answer 8

I have 2 kittens in my apartment. One is 3 and a half months old (Female) and one four months old (male). Before Friday I only had the female. She was always making messes when I was gone. Now that she has a friend in the house I can leave them for hours and still have a clean house. They play with each other and are not making messes. I really love having two kittens in the house and would never get rid of either one of them. I would say to get another one.

Answer 9

I had one cat years ago, then we got another. There wasn't any hissing and now and again I would hear bangs and crashes where the 2 cats would chase eachother and play fight and destroy my house in the meantime. I was quite surprised as since then after they died I got another one and did the same again and got a 2nd cat. This time the reverse happened and I ended up splitting them up as they hated each other.

Answer 10

I had one cat, but we worked long hours and felt she would benefit from other interaction. To start with she hated they kitten a bit like your first experience. But now I know she would not be without him. When we took him to the vet the first time, she cried and cried until he came home, then she whacked him on the head and started to clean him! I think if you work long hours or are away a lot then your cat would love some company, but like humans they are not always guaranteed to get along.