Is It Ok to Have Just One Cat? Vet-Verified Facts & Care Tips
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Cats, although seemingly aloof, are social creatures that need to be around other cats or animals to live happy lives. Most cats love being around their humans and the attention they get, but there’s one question many cat owners have when they have just one cat: Is it OK, or is it cruel to have only one cat? It’s an important question that seemingly has a huge impact on your cat’s life. Yes, it’s perfectly OK to have just one cat since they don’t tend to live in socially structured groups, as long as you ensure that your cat has enough enrichment. However, two or more cats can happily live together as long as they have enough food and resources for all of them.
At the same time, there’s no way to predict how two adult cats will get on, and their relationship won’t replace a cat’s relationship with their humans. There are a few reasons why having two cats could be beneficial, which we discuss below. If you’re curious to find out more about whether two or more cats are better than one, read on!
The 4 Reasons Having Two Cats Can Be Beneficial
If you decide to adopt two adult cats that have never met before, keep in mind that it can be difficult to make them friends if they don't get along well. If they do get along, there are several excellent benefits, both physically and mentally, including the following:
1. More Exercise
One bored and lonely cat will exercise less than two cats that can play, run, fight, and otherwise keep each other excited and moving around.
While some cats have no trouble getting in their daily dose of exercise via the zoomies, others require a bit more encouragement to get active. The innovative Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher offers a 3-position design that provides cats with a variety of levels to play on, each engaging their full body and muscles. The durable cardboard scratching pad is an enticing cat-friendly place to climb, stretch, and claw, fulfilling their instinctual need to scratch.
If you are looking to improve your cat's health and increase their energy, check out the Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher.
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2. More Mental Stimulation
Even if you adore your cat, spending 24 hours a day with them is probably not feasible, which means less mental stimulation for your feline friend. However, if there’s another cat around, both cats will be much more stimulated.
3. More Companionship and Emotional Wellbeing
Cats are independent by nature, but they are still social animals that can benefit from companionship, provided they get along well with one another. In households with multiple cats that enjoy each other’s company, this companionship can offer a sense of emotional support, especially when you’re not around. They can interact, groom each other, and engage in playful behaviors, fostering a deeper sense of connection between them. These benefits are limited to cats who accept and enjoy the company of others.
Additionally, the companionship of another cat might reduce stress and anxiety, especially for cats that suffer from separation-related problems. Cats that get along well often create a fun environment where they can thrive. Keep in mind that every cat is unique, and some may prefer being the only pet in the home. Understanding your cat’s personality and needs is key to determining whether adding another cat to the family would be beneficial for their emotional well-being.
Having two cats isn't much different or more expensive than only having one. You’ll need two litter boxes, but the cats can share toys and climbing equipment like cat trees.
Do Cats Get Lonely?
While it’s difficult to say exactly what your cat feels, experts believe cats can feel lonely if they don’t get the attention they need. Before adopting your cat or if you change your working schedule, you should ensure that your cat’s needs are met.
Is It Cruel to Only Have One Cat?
Millions of people worldwide have only one cat, and they do perfectly fine with the right amount of mental stimulation and attention. As long as you interact with your cat daily, give them plenty of TLC, and ensure they live in an enriched environment, keeping a single cat isn’t cruel and can be an excellent option for the majority of cats.
What Is Single Kitten Syndrome?
Single kitten syndrome refers to behaviors shown by some cats when they have been raised without other kittens and their mother or when they are adopted as single cats. This is not a term recognized by veterinary experts and is somewhat controversial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to Know if Your Cat Needs a Companion
It’s not always easy to know if your cat feels lonely and needs a companion. There are some behaviors that could indicate that your furry buddy needs a companion or that they have separation anxiety if they are not with you.
The signs that they do include the following:
How Can You Tell if It Will Be Difficult to Have Another Cat in the House?
There are a few signs that could indicate that it will be difficult for your cat to adapt to living with another cat.
- Your cat doesn’t get along with other cats in the neighborhood
- Your cat is older and set in its ways
- Your house or apartment is small
- Your cat is still intact
What Should You Do if You Have Two Cats and One Dies?
If you have two cats and one passes away, your first impulse might be to get another cat immediately. That, however, isn’t necessary and can impede your surviving cat’s grieving process. It’s better to wait a few weeks or longer before introducing a new cat into your home.
Final Thoughts
It is perfectly fine to keep just one cat. While some cats may benefit from the companionship of another cat, there’s no guarantee that any two cats will become friends. Cats are highly individual creatures, and their ability to coexist depends on their personalities and the environment. A single cat can live a happy and fulfilled life as long as they are mentally stimulated and receives plenty of love and attention from their human companions. Ultimately, the decision to add another cat should be based on your current cat’s needs and temperament, not the idea that two cats will always be better than one.
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Featured Image Credit: Wanwajee Weeraphukdee, Shutterstock
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Gregory Iacono former chiropractor and self-taught writer. Greg has experience in a wide variety of subjects including video script. As a man of clinical experience, Greg has the ability to digest a complex subject and make it accessible to the reader. Greg enjoys traveling and spending time with his two daughters and son.
