Do Cats Get Lonely?

Cats have a reputation for being independent, but does that mean they never feel lonely? If you’ve ever wondered whether your feline friend secretly wants a BFF (Best Furry Friend) or if they’re perfectly content ruling the house solo, you’re not alone. 

The truth about cat companionship isn’t as simple as one-size-fits-all, and we’re here to break it down.

 Let’s take a deeper dive into the dynamics of cats with expert insights from cat behaviorist, Saba Sayyed, on how to keep your kitty happy—whether they’re living the solo dream or sharing their space with a fellow feline.

Do cats get lonely?

Yes and no.

Cats don’t experience loneliness like humans do. That being said, indoor cats are more prone to separation anxiety and confusion, compared to outdoor cats, especially when there are sudden changes in their routine or the absence of a familiar companion, according to cat behaviorist Saba Sayyed.

But more often than not, what looks like loneliness is really just a lack of stimulation. So your cat is suddenly extra chatty, zooming around the house, or getting into mischief, they might just need a little more action in their day.

Sayyed elaborates that outdoor cats—who are naturally active and curious—typically walk 10 to 15 kilometers daily, hunting and exploring. Indoor cats, in contrast, lack such opportunities and often rely on brief play sessions with their guardians to stay engaged. 

This lack of stimulation can result in behaviors often mistaken for loneliness, such as:

• Excessive meowing: Seeking attention.
• Destructive behavior: Scratching furniture or over grooming out of frustration.

Cats thrive on consistency and mental stimulation. While they can adapt to an indoor environment, sudden changes in routine or environment may trigger separation anxiety or confusion rather than loneliness.

Saba Sayyed

How to enrich your cat’s environment

Cats need more than just food and a cozy bed—they need mental stimulation and physical exercise to stay healthy and content. A bored cat can quickly turn into a mischievous—or even destructive—one. Luckily, small adjustments can make a big difference in keeping them entertained and stress-free.

Here are some ways to keep your cat engaged and prevent boredom-driven behaviors:

• Interactive cat toys: Puzzle feeders, catnip toys, and moving toys mimic hunting behaviors.
• Scratching posts and climbing spaces: Helps prevent destructive behavior and provides mental engagement.
• Social interaction: Even independent cats benefit from daily cuddles and play sessions.
• Fresh water and proper nutrition: A well-balanced diet keeps cats feeling good overall.

Even something as simple as rotating their cat toys can make a huge difference in keeping your cat happy and entertained.

Sayyed emphasizes that cats thrive on consistency:

Feed, play, and interact with your cat simultaneously daily, but avoid constant attention. Let your cat come to you when they’re ready. Use toys, puzzle feeders, and training activities to spark their curiosity and encourage exploration. As they grow more comfortable, introduce higher spaces like shelves or trees to boost their confidence and create safe observation points.

Saba Sayyed

Is your cat lonely or just independent?

Many pet parents worry that leaving their cat alone for long periods, like during the workday, might make them feel lonely.

Sayyed breaks down the key signs to look out for when differentiating between an independent cat and one that may be feeling lonely:

Behavioral patterns	Independent cat	Lonely cat
Social interaction	Enjoys alone time but still engages in play or affection when they choose. Doesn’t actively seek constant attention.	Frequently meows, follows you around, or becomes overly clingy. May seem restless when left alone.
Play and exploration	Entertains themselves with toys, exploring, or simply watching the world go by.	Loses interest in play if left alone for too long. May become destructive or overactive out of frustration.
Signs of anxiety	Comfortable being alone, sleeps for long periods without distress.	Shows signs of anxiety, like excessive vocalization, pacing, or avoiding food/litter box use when stressed.

Are cats better in pairs?

Many believe that cats, like humans, get lonely and need a companion. But the reality is a bit more nuanced. While some adult cats enjoy the company of other felines, loneliness isn’t as much of a concern as people often think.

Sayyed challenges the common belief that a second cat is always the answer: 

While it’s common to hear advice suggesting that getting another cat can cure a lonely cat, I believe loneliness in cats is often misunderstood—it’s usually boredom that’s the real issue. Cats are solitary hunters by nature but also social creatures that bond with their owners and other animals.

Saba Sayyed

While cats can form bonds with their owners and other pets, their needs are different from those of pack animals like dogs.

Having two cats can seem like a simple solution to loneliness, but it’s not always necessary. While some cats enjoy the company of another feline, not all do, and introducing a new cat can sometimes cause more stress than it resolves. 

In fact, Sayyed explains that bringing another cat into the home without careful planning can lead to unexpected challenges,:

It’s not natural for cats to share their territory with other animals. While proper strategies and slow introductions can help them coexist, forcing them to share space without preparation can lead to serious issues like litter box avoidance or marking behaviors.

Saba Sayyed

However, if you’re considering adopting two cats, there are benefits to choosing two cats that are already familiar with each other. Adopting kittens from the same litter or older cats that get along well can provide companionship without the risks of introducing two entirely unfamiliar animals. In certain cases, having a pair of cats can help alleviate stress and provide each cat with a playmate.

Some of the key benefits of having two cats include:

• Built-in socialization: Cats that grow up together learn appropriate play behaviors, reducing the risk of aggressive play or overstimulation.
• Mental stimulation: Having another cat around means more opportunities for interactive play, which helps prevent boredom.
• Emotional support: Cats can form strong bonds with each other, which may help reduce anxiety, especially in stressful situations like a new environment or routine changes.
• Health benefits: Engaging in play with a fellow feline can encourage exercise, helping maintain a healthy weight and reducing the risk of obesity-related issues.

That said, just because a cat is the only pet in the house doesn’t mean they’re unhappy. Creating a well-enriched cat home with interactive toys, scratching posts, and climbing areas can prevent boredom-driven behaviors and help your cat thrive.

Single Cat Syndrome (aka Tarzan Syndrome)

Single Cat Syndrome—also known as Tarzan Syndrome—is the idea that cats who live solo might get a little too wild without a feline friend to keep them in check. But this concept can be pretty misleading, as plenty of single cats are living their best lives, ruling their kingdoms without any need for a roommate. 

The idea behind Single Cat Syndrome is that some cats struggle to regulate their energy or social behaviors when they grow up without another feline around. 

Kittens who are raised alone might not learn important boundaries, like how rough is too rough during play. This can sometimes lead to overly intense biting, scratching, or a cat that’s a little too eager to pounce on unsuspecting ankles.

If your cat is an only child, like we said earlier, making their environment more engaging can go a long way. Rotating toys, setting up a cat tree near a window, or introducing food puzzles can help prevent boredom and unwanted behaviors.

Before we go…

Beyond playtime and environmental enrichment, pet insurance can help you focus on your cat’s well-being without stressing over unexpected costs. Lemonade pet even offers a behavioral add-on to help cover treatments if your cat needs extra support.

With a little patience (and maybe a few more toys), you and your cat can find the right balance!

FAQs

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