You may be all too acquainted with the sight of your cat alone in the home. You want to provide the time and care that your beloved pet deserves, but your hectic schedule prevents you from doing so.
Your acts toward your cat make you feel bad, and you question whether having only one cat is cruel.
Is it cruel to have only one cat?
No, not at all, having only one cat is not cruel. Cats are naturally autonomous, yet enough time and relationships are necessary for their well-being and enjoyment.
Cats do not associate in groups by nature. They can function without the company of others.
The advantages and disadvantages of owning just one cat will be discussed in this article. We’ll also address some of the most common queries regarding having only one cat. Finally, we’ll give you some pointers on how to build a lonely cat.
1. Is It Okay to Have Only One Cat?
Yes, It’s OK to have just one cat. Cats are sociable creatures. They have little trouble surviving on their own. Getting only one cat is ideal if you are not an active person.
However, it is normal for cats to want companionship. You can become a multi-pet owner if you can handle the duties of keeping two or more pets.
It’s not cruelled to have just one pet. As a single cat owner, you must make certain that your feline’s requirements are addressed. The need for amusement must be satisfied in particular.
It is simpler to care for a single cat than numerous cats from a maintenance standpoint. Having two cats necessitates purchasing twice the food, additional toys, and two or more litter boxes.
2. Is Having One or Two Cats Better?
In general, having two cats is preferable. A pair of cats is typically healthier than a single cat. Cats are notorious for entertaining each other.
Because they receive more activity, a pair of cats performs better than a single cat. Two mated cats run and play together. There are no toys that can match to having a natural companion for your cat if you only have one.
A pair of cats gets plenty of activity, which lowers their chance of contracting certain ailments.
According to the findings, a linked pair of cats may learn from one other. Cats develop vital social skills from one another in the same way that people do.
If you have an obstinate single cat, consider adopting another cat with a good track record. The misbehaving cat would teach the obstinate cat.
Is it cruel to have only one cat? (Explained)
3. Are Cats Happier Together?
Cats are often happiest in pairs, according to research. Cats’ sociable nature makes them want for company within the house.
However, just because they like company does not imply that a single cat cannot exist on its own. In couples, they grow happy.
When bringing another adult kitty into your household, you should proceed with extreme care. Cats are naturally territorial. When another adult cat is brought into the house, the two adult cats may fight.
Above all, your cat’s personality will determine whether or not it would welcome another kitty into the house. Some felines are friendlier than others.
Before bringing a new cat into your house, you should undertake some preliminary research. Is your cat more aggressive when he’s with other cats, or is he pleased with the new group? The following test may indicate how your cat may react to the introduction of a new cat.
4. Do Single Cats Experience Loneliness?
When there aren’t enough activities to keep a single cat interested and stimulated, they get lonely. A solitary cat becomes bored if it does not get enough attention from its owner.
If a cat is bored or lonely, it may develop various health problems. A healthy cat is a happy cat, as you may know. Loneliness causes cats to act in the most irrational ways.
Even if you just have one cat, there are methods to keep him cognitively active. The products listed below will keep your cat cognitively stimulated:
- Toys and food puzzles
- Cat-friendly furniture
- A view from your room
- Fish tank amusement
- Boxes made of cardboard
The products listed above offer fun for your cat while you are away. A fish tank, for example, offers visual stimulation for your cat.
Ensure, however, that your cat does not have access to the fish tank. You may also keep your cat engaged with a cat television to help him cope with loneliness. A cat television is especially handy if you have a senior cat that seldom leaps about.
5. Are Cats Depressed When They’re Alone at Home?
When cats are left alone, they grow depressed. When cats are left alone, they show indicators of separation anxiety. The following are symptoms of separation anxiety:
- A lot of meowing or sobbing
- Self-grooming that is excessive
- A destructive mindset
- Not eating properly
Defecating outside the litter box is the most aggravating indicator of separation anxiety in cats. Have you ever found your cat urinating on your bed or in your shoe? Experiencing such things might be aggravating.
Another clue that your cat is lonely at home is that when you get home after a long day at work, he becomes unduly enthusiastic.
He’s been bored and is pleased to see you! When it’s difficult to avoid leaving your cat alone, make sure he has enough of food. Additionally, remove any items that might harm your cat.
Final words
It is fine to have just one cat at home. Keep your cat away from potentially harmful substances, sharp objects, wires, and plants.
Make safety a priority, even if your cat is upset about being left alone. There is no cure for loneliness, but there is no cure for the loss of a pet.
If you detect any unusual behavior in your cat, make an appointment with your veterinarian to examine the situation.