Will 1 cat get lonely?

I've always owned 2 cats because I felt that one would be lonely but they never seemed to like each other too much- even after 15 years, they just tolerated each other.
Those 2 have passed away & I really miss having a cat around.
It would be much easier with just 1 (changing litter, less throw up & hair to clean) but I feel a little bad to have just one.
I'm currently staying home with my 3year old so we're around a lot but in a couple years we won't be home much at all.
Do you think having just 1 cat will get lonely or would it be ok?

Re: Will 1 cat get lonely?

Some cats prefer to be solitary. I don't see an issue at all.

Re: Will 1 cat get lonely?

We adopted a kitten and a year later adopted another one. Our first cat totally changed when we brought #2 home…she was not too thrilled with the new addition. #2 got very sick and had to be put down a week before his first bday It was terrible for DH and me but cat #1 seemed happier to be the only cat again. That was 6 years ago and even though we've wanted to adopt more, we haven't because of cat #1.

Re: Will 1 cat get lonely?

we got a 2nd cat because we felt that my first cat was lonely.. it was one of the best decisions we ever made. they LOVE each other.. they cuddle and play together and even groom each other. its so cute. we were lucky because I have heard some cats will not get along. we have a male and female idk if that helps.

eta- I do think 1 cat could be fine on its own. both my inlaws and aunt have 1 cat and they are fine.

Message edited 8/12/2014 5:41:10 PM.

Re: Will 1 cat get lonely?

are you planning on adopting a kitten? I think kittens should be adopted in pairs That said, an older cat probably would be fine as an only cat.

We have two cats because when my son was born I thought Sushi should have someone to play with. If I had it to do again I would have kept her as an only cat since my two hate each other

Re: Will 1 cat get lonely?

Posted by Domino

are you planning on adopting a kitten? I think kittens should be adopted in pairs That said, an older cat probably would be fine as an only cat.

We have two cats because when my son was born I thought Sushi should have someone to play with. If I had it to do again I would have kept her as an only cat since my two hate each other

Will 1 cat get lonely?

I would say if youre getting kittens, or even if you're going to adopt older cats but want two, to try and get siblings. Many shelters will have siblings together and say that they would prefer for the two to go to the same home.

Most adoption agencies will also say if a cat prefers to be the only cat, or if they are friendly with other cats, dogs, children, etc.

My DH and I have two cats. Originally, our older cat was 3 when we got a kitten, and they loved each other. She ended up passing when she was only 6 and we thought the kitten (then 3) was lonely, so we got her kitten. That backfired. lol. She hates the new cat, even now 2 years later. He's the most loving thing, but if we would have known how miserable it made her, we would never have done it.

So yeah. If you want pairs, I vote siblings - if not, check with the adoption agency about with cat would be alright with being the only one :) Good luck!

Message edited 8/14/2014 9:42:56 AM.

Re: Will 1 cat get lonely?

Re: Will 1 cat get lonely?

I agree that if you get a pair, get siblings.
My 2 are siblings and grew up together so they get along great.
Older cats who aren't used to each other will tend to fight.

But to answer your question- if you only can take one cat, it will be fine.
I used to have just one and I don't feel like she was lonely. Cats tend to be solitary.