How to Tell if Your Cat Wants Another Cat

Are you wondering if your cat is longing for a feline friend? Picking up on the subtle signs that your cat craves companionship can be a game-changer for their happiness and well-being.

So, let’s look at 10 signs that your cat might be ready for a new kitty companion.

1. Your cat often seems lonely or bored.

Cats are known for their independence, but they can experience loneliness and boredom as well. If your cat spends a lot of time alone, they might not be getting enough stimulation. This lack of stimulation could negatively impact their mental and emotional health.

When your cat frequently seeks your company, it could be a sign of loneliness. Repetitive behaviors, such as pacing or over-grooming, may also indicate boredom. Providing a stimulating environment for your cat is important, but even with toys and puzzles, they might still crave the companionship of another cat.

Research shows that cats can form strong bonds with one another. These relationships offer social interaction and mental stimulation that humans may not be able to provide as effectively. A bored or lonely cat could benefit from having another feline companion to engage in mutual grooming, play, and communication.

It’s important to observe your cat’s behavior to determine if they are experiencing loneliness or boredom. Signs to look for include sleeping more than usual, showing less interest in their surroundings, or not engaging in play as much as before. If you notice these signs, think about introducing another cat to your home.

2. Excessively meows, seeking attention.

Cats communicate in various ways, and meowing is one of their primary methods of expression. If your cat is excessively meowing, it could be an indication that they are seeking attention, which might suggest they would benefit from the company of another cat.

Occasional meowing is normal for most cats, but constant or excessive meowing can signal that something is amiss. Your cat might be trying to express their needs or feelings, such as hunger, thirst, or discomfort. However, if all their basic needs are met and they still meow excessively, it could be a sign of loneliness or boredom.

Some cats may require more social interaction than others, and excessive meowing could be their way of vocalizing this need. In such cases, introducing another cat into the household could provide the additional social interaction they crave, potentially reducing their need to meow for attention.

Before considering adding another cat, you need to rule out any medical issues that could be causing the excessive meowing. A visit to the veterinarian is advisable to ensure your cat’s health is in good condition. If your cat is healthy and still meowing excessively, it’s worth considering the possibility that they could benefit from the companionship of another cat.

3. Displays territorial behaviors.

Cats are territorial animals, and they may exhibit various behaviors to assert their dominance or protect their space. If your cat is displaying territorial behaviors, it could be a sign that they are seeking the companionship of another cat, but it’s important to interpret these behaviors correctly and ensure the introduction of a new cat is done carefully.

Territorial behaviors in cats can include:

• Marking their territory: Cats may mark their territory by rubbing their face or body against objects, spraying urine, or scratching surfaces. These actions release pheromones that help establish their presence and define boundaries.
• Guarding resources: Cats may protect their food, water, or sleeping areas from other animals or people, showing a strong attachment to their resources.
• Hissing, growling, or swatting: If your cat exhibits aggressive behavior when another cat or animal comes close to their territory, it could be an indication that they feel threatened or want to maintain control over their space.
• Monitoring or patrolling: Cats may patrol their territory by walking around, sniffing, and investigating any changes to their environment. This behavior helps them stay informed about potential intruders or competitors.
• Claiming elevated spaces: Cats may choose to perch on high locations, such as shelves or cat trees, to establish dominance and keep an eye on their surroundings.

4. Watches or shows interest in other cats.

Cats are naturally curious animals, and their interest in other cats can provide insights into their social needs and preferences. If your cat watches or shows interest in other cats, it might indicate that they could benefit from having a feline companion.

When your cat intently watches other cats through windows, it demonstrates their curiosity about their feline counterparts. This behavior may also be observed during outdoor walks when your cat attempts to approach or interact with other cats. Some cats may even display excitement when they hear or see another cat nearby, which can suggest a strong inclination towards socializing with other felines.

It is essential to recognize that not all cats will exhibit the same level of interest in other cats. Reactions can vary depending on the personalities involved. While some cats may be more reserved or cautious around others, there are those that might be outgoing and eager to engage.

5. Has a history of good feline relationships.

A cat’s past experiences with other cats can be a valuable indicator of whether they might benefit from having another cat in the household. If your cat has a history of forming positive relationships with other felines, it suggests they are likely to be more receptive to the idea of having a feline companion.

Cats with positive social experiences tend to demonstrate a range of amicable behaviors when interacting with other cats. These behaviors can include mutual grooming, snuggling, playing together, and sharing resources such as food, water, and sleeping spots. When a cat has a track record of getting along well with other cats, it is likely they have developed social skills that enable them to coexist harmoniously with their feline counterparts.

Understanding your cat’s social history can be particularly helpful in determining their compatibility with other cats. For instance, if your cat has lived with other cats before and displayed positive interactions, they might be more adaptable and open to having a new feline friend in their life. On the other hand, a cat with a history of aggression or anxiety around other cats may require a more cautious approach or may not be well-suited for a multi-cat household.

6. Curious towards visiting cats.

A cat’s curiosity and reaction towards visiting cats can be a helpful indicator of their openness to having a feline companion in their household. If your cat displays a curious and friendly demeanor when encountering other cats that visit your home, it suggests they might enjoy and benefit from having another cat as a companion.

When a cat is curious towards visiting cats, they may approach them cautiously, sniff, and engage in non-threatening body language. This can include slow blinking, an upright tail with a slight curve, and a relaxed body posture. These behaviors indicate that your cat is interested in getting to know the visiting feline and is not exhibiting signs of fear or aggression.

Cats that are curious and friendly towards visiting cats are likely to have a sociable nature and may be more inclined to accept a feline companion in their lives. This positive attitude towards other cats can make the integration of a new cat into the household smoother, as your cat is already demonstrating an openness to engaging with other felines.

7. More active and playful around others.

Cats have varying activity levels and play preferences, which can be influenced by their age, health, and personality. If your cat becomes more active and playful around other cats, it can be an indication that they would benefit from having a feline companion to engage with and stimulate their natural play instincts.

When a cat displays increased activity and playfulness in the presence of other cats, they may engage in behaviors such as chasing, pouncing, and wrestling. These actions are typical expressions of feline play and can contribute to a cat’s physical fitness, mental stimulation, and overall well-being. Playful interactions between cats also help develop their social skills and can lead to the formation of strong bonds and supportive relationships.

Cats that are more active and playful with other felines might be more likely to accept and enjoy the company of a companion cat. The presence of another cat can help fulfill their social needs, providing them with an appropriate play partner that understands and engages in natural feline play behaviors. This can result in a more enriching and satisfying social experience for your cat.

8. Constantly follows you.

Cats form strong bonds with their human caregivers and often seek their company for comfort and security. If your cat constantly follows you around, it could indicate that they are seeking additional companionship and might benefit from having another feline friend in the household.

When a cat follows you consistently, they may be trying to express their need for attention, affection, or social interaction. They might sit by your side, meow for attention, or engage in play with you. These behaviors can suggest that your cat is seeking companionship and might appreciate the presence of another cat to help fulfill their social needs.

Cats that constantly follow their caregivers may be more sociable and open to sharing their environment with another feline companion. The presence of another cat can provide them with additional social interaction, offering opportunities for play, mutual grooming, and shared exploration. These interactions can contribute to your cat’s mental and emotional well-being, as well as enhance their overall quality of life.

9. Excessively grooms itself.

Excessive grooming can manifest as a cat repeatedly licking or chewing on specific areas of their body, sometimes to the point of creating bald spots or skin irritation. This behavior can be a self-soothing mechanism for cats experiencing stress or a response to a lack of mental and physical stimulation in their environment.

Cats that excessively groom themselves may benefit from the presence of another feline companion, as it can provide them with an alternative source of social interaction and stimulation. Engaging with another cat can offer opportunities for play, exploration, and mutual grooming, which can help alleviate feelings of boredom or stress that may be contributing to their excessive grooming behavior.

A feline companion can also help your cat develop healthier grooming habits, as they can learn from and mimic each other’s grooming techniques. This can lead to a more balanced grooming routine, where both cats groom themselves and each other in moderation.

10. Destructive or negative behavior when alone.

Cats can exhibit destructive or negative behaviors when they are left alone for extended periods, which could be a sign that they are experiencing stress, anxiety, or boredom. If your cat demonstrates these behaviors when they are alone, it might indicate that they would benefit from having a feline companion to provide additional social interaction and stimulation.

Destructive or negative behaviors in cats can manifest in various ways, such as scratching furniture, knocking over items, excessive vocalization, or eliminating outside of the litter box. These actions can be a cat’s way of coping with the stress or frustration they feel when left alone, and they might be seeking additional mental and physical stimulation to alleviate their boredom.