Felines prefer frolicking with friends

By Beth Leermakers

Your cat would probably never admit it, but she misses you when you’re gone. If you’ve recently returned to the office after working from home for months, your feline friend may be lonely and even a little depressed. Although they may seem like independent, solitary beasts, cats are social creatures. 

Does your cat need a feline friend? How can you tell if your kitty is lonely? Cats are creatures of habit, so changes in their behavior are usually signs that something is wrong. Behavioral changes may indicate a physical — not mental — health problem, so take your kitty to your veterinarian to rule out a medical condition before concluding that your cat needs a buddy.

Seven signs that 

your cat may be lonely:

1. Clingy, needy behavior. Does your cat meow excessively, follow you around, and rarely leave you alone? Extreme clinginess may be a sign that your cat has separation issues and needs more social interaction.

2. Too much or too little grooming. If your normally tidy cat looks disheveled and isn’t grooming herself as much as usual, she could be distressed or lonely. Obsessive over-grooming — a form of self-soothing — may also indicate your cat needs a buddy. Changes in grooming habits may indicate health problems, so visit your vet to rule out medical causes. 

3. Changes in eating habits. Eating too much may be a sign that your cat is bored and/or lacks social stimulation. Cats, like people, may turn to food when they don’t have anything else to do. Undereating may be a sign of depression. Changes in appetite may have medical causes, so consult your veterinarian first.

4. Destructive behavior. Does your cat turn into a furry wrecking ball when you’re away? Knocking things off counters or tearing up furniture may indicate that he’s bored and lonely. Cats are predators that need to move and explore their world.

5. “Going” outside the box. When your litter-box-trained cat starts having “accidents” in other parts of the house, he may be trying to tell you something. Again, be sure to rule out an underlying medical condition that may be causing incontinence.

6. Sleeping too much. If your cat sleeps more than usual and doesn’t interact with you, she may be depressed and lonely.

7. Lethargy. A low-energy, listless cat isn’t a happy cat. A feline companion may not be the only solution. Your kitty may benefit from more mental stimulation via toys and more interaction with you. 

If your vet agrees your cat seems lonely, and you’re ready to welcome another feline into your home, it’s time to visit your local animal shelter or cat rescue group. If you’re looking to adopt a particular breed, check petfinder.com, adoptapet.com or petango.com. 

Tips for Adopting a Cat

Think “kitten.” Adult cats will usually accept a new kitten much more easily than they will accept a new adult cat. Cats are territorial, and your cat may resent an adult feline intruder. If you have your heart set on adopting an adult cat, and your cat isn’t laid-back, you may want to adopt from a cat rescue group that allows a home trial, so you can be sure the cats get along well before finalizing the adoption. 

Stock up on supplies. You’ll need more food and water bowls, and another cat tree or perch so that each kitty can have her own space. You should have one more litter box than the number of cats in your household, so you’ll need three boxes for two cats. 

You may also need another cat tree or perch, so each kitty can have his/her own space. 

Kitten proof your home. Protect your kitten and your belongings by moving fragile items off counters, tables and other surfaces that your kitten may explore. Keep toilet lids, washers and dryers closed at all times. Keep string, yarn and thread — that can be dangerous if swallowed — out of reach. 

Introduce your new cat to your other cat slowly. Put your new cat in her own “safe room” with her own litter box, food, water, bed and perch for at least a week. Then slowly permit the resident cat to meet her new roommate. Start by feeding them on opposite sides of the same, closed door (so they can smell but not see each other), gradually moving the bowls closer to the door with each feeding. When the cats can eat calmly with both bowls close to the door, open the door a crack — for a few seconds — so they can see each other as they eat. Visit animalhumanesociety.org/behavior/adding-second-cat-your-household for more tips for peaceful cat introductions. 

By following these steps, you’ll set your cats up for a lifetime of happy companionship — and you won’t have to work so hard to entertain your bored cat. Let the playful antics begin!