Does Your Cat Need a Feline Friend?

As a cat behaviourist, I often meet clients who, with the best of intentions, think their solo ADULT cat needs a friend.

The belief is that an additional cat will solve loneliness or behavioral issues, giving their current cat a playmate to share the home with. But the reality is, for many cats, introducing a second cat doesn’t just fail to solve issues—it often leads to a whole new set of problems. Cats are inherently territorial and independent animals. Many are much happier in a one-cat household, where they can bond deeply with their human and live without feline competition. Having said this when it comes to adopting kittens I always advocate getting two so that they can play together.

Here’s why “just one adult cat” is usually the best formula for a happy, stress-free home for both you and your cat.

1. The Nature of Cats: Solitary by Design

Cats, unlike dogs, have evolved as solitary hunters. Their ancestors spent most of their lives alone, only coming together for mating or, occasionally, in family groups when resources allowed. This is why, in general, cats don’t naturally seek out other cats for companionship. Even if you notice that your cat is friendly and calm with you, that doesn’t mean they would feel the same way about another cat. For many cats, another feline in their home isn’t a friend; it’s a competitor. Even if your cat seems friendly to some individual neighourhood cats, the chances are that inside the home, reactions would be very different. People often ask about feral cat colonies. In these situations it is in the cat’s best interest to club together as a survival mechanism. Usually these colonies have human feeders. When street cats come into a home environment many, if placed with other cats already in the home, will become aggressive and protective over the new resources and the comfort they have now acquired.

2. The “Intruder” Problem: New Cats as a Source of Stress

When you introduce a second cat, the first cat will often see this newcomer as an intruder in their territory. Cats mark and define their territory through scent and routine, so a new cat can trigger a sense of territorial threat and competition for resources. This territorial stress is expressed in various ways:

• Aggression: Hissing, growling, or physical fights.
• Anxiety: Increased hiding, fearfulness, or reduced eating.
• Behavioral Changes: Litter box avoidance or marking, as well as changes in sleep and grooming habits.
• Depression: Avoiding areas in the home, over grooming, weight loss, reduction in play and eating

These reactions are common because the cat’s natural instinct is to defend its established space. While some cats might eventually accept a new feline, many will never truly warm up to having another cat around, even after months of gradual introductions. And the point I sometimes make to clients is that toleration does not equal best life where both cats can thrive. It just means the cats have no choice.

3. The “One-and-Only” Bond: Focusing on Your Cat’s Relationship with You

Cats are capable of forming incredibly deep, rewarding bonds with humans. For a solo cat, their human is often their primary (and preferred) social connection. The time, love, and focus they can receive in a one-cat household fosters security and contentment. So rather than focusing on “keeping your cat company” by adding another cat, shift your focus to enhancing the bond you share with your current cat. The rewards are amazing.

You can deepen this bond by:

• Quality Time: Regularly engaging in activities that your cat loves, such as interactive play, grooming, or simply sitting together and enjoying down time.
• Enrichment Activities: Cats thrive on mental stimulation. Rotate toys, introduce puzzle feeders, and add climbing structures to create a satisfying environment.
• Routine and Stability: Cats love predictability. Keeping a steady routine with feeding, play, and sleep will help your cat feel secure and content.

When your cat has these needs met, their relationship with you will be strong and fulfilling, often eliminating the perceived need for a “friend.” Some of these thoughts, about adding a feline friend,  come from feelings of guilt especially if the guardian works long hours or has a busy social lifestyle.

4. Recognising Genuine Loneliness vs. Normal Feline Behaviour

Many behaviours that might look like “loneliness”—like following you around, vocalizing, or being overly energetic—are often just a sign that your cat needs more mental and physical stimulation. They don’t necessarily need a friend; they might just need more engagement.

Ask yourself these questions to assess if your cat’s behavior is due to genuine loneliness or just the need for more enrichment:

• Does your cat seem distressed or bored? Or are they simply following you out of curiosity?
• Do they vocalize a lot, especially at night, as though they’re not getting enough playtime during the day?
• Have you noticed an increase in destructive behavior, or do they seem hyperactive?

Most of the time, these signs are resolved by increasing the quality and frequency of interaction they get from their human companions—not by adding another cat.

5. When Adding Another Cat Might Work

While most cats thrive as solo pets, there are rare cases where two cats might benefit from each other’s company. This is more common if:

• The cats are siblings or have grown up together.
• Both cats are particularly social and tolerant.
• They are kittens that need and will thrive on companionship from the start in their new home.
• Careful and gradual introductions are made over a period of weeks to months.

Even in these cases, however, success isn’t guaranteed. It requires patience, space, and careful planning to help both cats feel secure. It requires a multitude of resources and also a deep understanding of each cat’s personality and background.

6. When Adding Another Cat Is Def Not A Good Idea

• When the cat is elderly and wants a quiet peaceful retirement. A kitten should not be considered.
• Your cat has never mixed with other cats or shared space.
• Your cat has a timid personality or a past traumatic start in life.
• Your cat is aggressive to other cats outside.
• Your home is not big enough to accomodate more than one cat.
• You do not have the time or patience for gradual introductions which can extend to months

7. Enjoying the Cat You Have: Building on a One-Cat Relationship

Rather than seeing your solo cat as “lonely,” consider them as a cat who has the luxury of being your only feline focus. A single-cat household can mean less stress, fewer behavioural issues, and an environment where your cat feels truly at ease. Your solo cat doesn’t need competition for your attention or their favorite spots. Instead, they can live in a space where their needs are met, and they’re free to bond deeply with you.

While it’s natural to want the best for your cat, introducing a second cat usually isn’t the solution for most single-cat households. Instead, invest time in building a strong, fulfilling bond with your one cat. By enriching their environment, understanding their unique personality, and embracing them as the solo superstar of your home, you’re giving your cat the best life possible.

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About the author

Anita Kelsey holds a first class honours degree in Feline Behaviour and Psychology (work based BA Hons) and runs a vet referral service dedicated strictly to the diagnosis and treatment of behaviour problems in cats. She is also a qualified cat groomer and specialises in grooming challenging or phobic cats. Anita, a strong advocate of a vegan lifestyle, is based in East Sussex but consults all over the UK as well as international requests. She lives with her husband, a music producer, and 1 Norwegian Forest cat, Kiki.

Click to read genuine reviews on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4grgX2M7kUB2EevJ8

Her first book ‘Claws. Confessions Of A Professional Cat Groomer‘ was published by John Blake in 2017 with her second book, Let’s Talk About Cats self published via Amazon worldwide in 2020. The Little Book Of Extraordinary Cats is Anita’s third book out now 2024.

For all enquiries please email info@catbehaviourist.com