As a cat behaviour consultant with years of experience helping clients to navigate this process, I have written this post to help walk cat caregivers through four key areas: pre-adoption considerations, understanding sociability in cats, choosing the right companion, and setting the environment up for success.
Let’s get started!
Important Considerations Before Adding Another Cat
Does My Cat Really Want/Need a Feline Companion?
A cat who approaches unfamiliar cats with confidence, curiosity, playfulness, and openness is more likely to be receptive to sharing their space – provided their new companion has a compatible temperament, the environment is well set up to support a positive relationship, and introductions are carried out carefully and appropriately.
More often than not, the decision to add another cat stems from a caregiver’s awareness of boredom or loneliness related behaviours from their resident cat, and an admirable desire to meet unmet needs. But what do those behaviours actually look like? Below I provide an overview of behaviours that may indicate a cat is suffering from boredom/loneliness, as well as some other important variables to consider:
Excessive Vocalisation: If your cat is meowing more than usual, it could be an attempt to seek attention or companionship because their social needs are not being met. However, excessive vocalisation could also be an innate breed trait (i.e. as with the Siamese breed), or a response to anxiety, illness, or unmet physical needs (e.g., hunger or thirst)
Clingy Behaviour: A cat who follows their human(s) obsessively and demands excessive levels of attention could indicate that their social needs are not being met. It is worth noting however that some breeds of cat (i.e. Tonkinese cats) are highly human oriented and a strong interest in human interaction may be normal behaviour for your cat’s particular breed- please engage in breed research prior to adoption to ensure that any cat you intend to adopt is a good fit for the levels of interaction you are able and willing to provide.
Destructive Actions: Scratching furniture, knocking objects over, or chewing on non-food items are common behaviours that may occur when a cat is lacking stimulation.
Changes in Grooming: Cats typically spend an average of 30% - 50% of their waking hours engaging in grooming. Cat’s who spend significantly more or less time engaged in grooming could indicate that they are suffering from boredom or stress.
Altered Eating Habits: The average sized cat needs to consume roughly 200-300 kcals a day to maintain a healthy weight. Eating too much (to alleviate boredom) or too little (due to stress or depression) could indicate they are suffering from an emotional imbalance.
Excessive Sleeping: Whilst the amount of time a cat spends sleeping will vary with age and activity level, on average a healthy adult cat will sleep anywhere between 12 – 16 hours per day. Cats who routinely sleep for longer than average may be feeling apathetic, under stimulated and bored.
Other factors for consideration:
The behaviours listed above can indicate boredom/loneliness, but they may also point towards other factors- i.e.:
Health Conditions: Medical issues can lead to behavioural changes that might be mistaken for loneliness. Cats are adept at hiding pain, so any sudden changes in behaviour should prompt a vet visit to rule out physical health issues.
Environmental Stressors: Cats are sensitive to changes in their environment. A move, new people or animals in the household, or changes in routine can cause stress and result in coping behaviours that mimic loneliness.
Lack of Mental Stimulation: Cats need regular mental stimulation and without it, they can become bored and potentially destructive. Interactive toys, 1:1 play with a human, puzzle feeders and other enrichment activities can help to keep a cat entertained, mentally healthy and engaged.
Insufficient Social Interaction: While some cats have a high tolerance (or even preference for) solitude, many will feel lonely if they don't get enough interaction from their human companions. Cats that are left alone for long periods may show signs of distress, but this can be linked to a need for more play or attention rather than true loneliness or a desire for feline companionship.
Signs Your Cat May Be Perfectly Content Solo
Sometimes it is easy to miss the signs that our cats are actually very happy living a solo life. Some of the behaviours we can expect to see from a perfectly content solo cat include:
Healthy Routine: Eating, sleeping, and grooming habits are consistent. A well-groomed coat, healthy eating habits and regular litter box use indicates that your cat is most likely content.
Independence and Playfulness: If your cat happily entertains themselves with toys, enjoys playing and interacting with the humans in their household, is content watching the world go by through a window or roaming their territory solo, they may be quite happy with their current lifestyle.
Affectionate with Humans: If your cat regularly (but not excessively) seeks out attention and company, their need for companionship may be being fully met by the people in their household.
Aggression Toward Other Cats: Firstly, it is important to note that cats are highly territorial animals and it is completely normal and natural for cats to respond to an unknown or strange cat as if they were a threat. With careful, slow and considered introductions this initial response can be overcome, if the cats are a good match and mutually predisposed towards sociability. However, cats that have a known history of exhibiting repeated hostility towards other felines may be much happier living without the company of other cats.
Stable Personality: A solo cat at peace with their lot will not display signs of loneliness such as excessive vocalisation, attention seeking behaviour, destructive behaviour, or overgrooming.
Before deciding to bring another cat into your home, it’s essential to reflect on whether your current cat is genuinely lonely or simply seeking more enrichment, interaction, or potentially medical care.
Take a moment to ask yourself: is the desire for another cat driven by your cat’s need for companionship, or is it motivated by your own desire for another feline?
Keep in mind that introducing a new cat when your resident cat is already content could lead to unforeseen challenges. Careful consideration of your cat’s individual needs will ensure the best decision for everyone involved.
Factors That Influence Sociability In Cats:
Human beings are a socially obligate species, meaning we require social interaction for survival, reproduction, and care of offspring. This fundamental need for social living can lead us to project our own social needs onto our pets. However, cats are socially flexible, not socially obligate. They don’t need complex or lasting social interaction for survival or reproduction (though they may choose it), and can thrive alone or in carefully selected groups.
This flexibility however does not mean that every cat can easily switch between solitary and social living. A cat’s ability to live independently or with others depends on a variety of factors. When considering introducing a new cat, it is important to assess both the resident cat’s sociability and that of their potential companion to ensure we truly are making the best possible match with the highest chance of success.
Below are some of the key factors that influence a cat’s sociability:
1. Early Socialisation
The critical 2–7 week period is foundational for a kitten’s social development. Kittens exposed to positive human interaction, gentle handling, and positive interaction with other animals during this time tend to be more adaptable, sociable, and comfortable in diverse environments. Lack of positive socialisation exposure during this window can result in a kitten who is more fearful/wary, less sociable, lower in resilience, and lower in their capacity to adapt positively with regard to change.
2. Genetics and Heritability
Sociability is partly heritable. Outgoing, friendly parent cats (particularly sires) are more likely to produce kittens with similar temperaments. Boldness and friendliness have measurable genetic components, with studies showing that sires are capable of genetically passing their friendly disposition down to their kittens.
The mother cats behaviour also significantly impacts upon her kittens sociability. Friendly, calm queens who model trust in humans and confidence around other household pets teach their kittens to be more at ease. Mothers who are stressed, poorly socialised, lacking in confidence, fearful or aggressive can inadvertently raise more fearful, less sociable offspring.
3. Personality and Temperament
Individual traits such as curiosity, tolerance, and confidence play a role in determining how well a cat may adapt to new experiences or social situations. Cats who are naturally playful, confident and curious are more likely to thrive in environments with other animals, while highly territorial, timid or fearful cats may find the same environments to be stressful rather than stimulating and fun.
4. Breed Tendencies
Some breeds (i.e. Tonkinese, Maine Coons, Ragdolls, Burmese, and Abyssinians) are known for displaying outgoing, playful, social and affectionate personalities, traits which make them more socially adaptable and amenable to living in a multi-cat environment. Other breeds (i.e. Persians) are reputed to be more independent and predisposed to preferring life as a solo cat- this does not mean that they lack the capacity to live happily in a multi-cat environment, just that the odds are slightly less stacked towards that outcome.
Having said that, these are broad generalities. Individual variation between cats (even members of the same breed) is significant and each cat’s unique personality, genetics and socialisation history matters far more than their breed.
5. Past Experiences
Cats who have experienced consistent, positive interactions with other members of their own species (or other domestic pets) are more likely to embrace sociability and companionship with the species with which they have had positive experiences with.
Conversely, traumatic past experiences i.e. territorial conflicts, living in a situation where resources were scarce and competition for those resources was high, experiencing maternal aggression, or being attacked by another cat (or another domestic pet) can condition cats to be wary or defensively aggressive towards other members of their own species.
Given the above, we begin to see the importance of factoring in sociability when deciding whether to add a new cat to an established household. Understanding the sociability of both the resident cat and the potential new companion is crucial for setting the stage for a successful introduction, as opposed to introducing stress or conflict into the household.
Feeling Confident That Your Cat Needs a Companion?
If you’ve read this far and still feel that your cat would benefit from a companion, it’s important to delve deeper into the specifics of the potential match. Choosing the right companion is not just about sociability and breed traits, but also about considering factors such as age, neuter status, individual temperament and the environment the cats will be expected to share.
In the next section, we’ll explore some of these key considerations in more detail to help you make the best decision.
1. Age-Related Considerations
Kittens and Teenagers: Kittens and young cats tend to be more adaptable and can integrate into a household more easily. They are generally more readily accepted by older cats as they are often seen as less of a threat. However, when there is a significant age gap and difference in activity levels, this can pose challenges. For example, just as a 17-year-old and a 70-year-old may not share the same energy, interests, or tolerance levels, the same considerations apply to cats.
If there is a large difference in age, it might be best to let your older cat live out their life peacefully as a solo cat. However, if you are certain your older cat would benefit from companionship and is in good health, adopting two kittens may be the most sensible option. This approach allows the kittens to play and expend their energy together, giving your older cat the choice of whether or not to engage. A single kitten may become fixated on an older cat potentially causing stress and ill health in the older cat, but two kittens will allow your older cat more freedom to opt in or out of interactions.
If you decide to add two kittens it is vital to ensure that your home is properly set up with enough resources for all cats involved- this is discussed in detail further on.
Social Maturity: Once a cat reaches social maturity—usually between 2 and 5 years of age—they have often developed a keen awareness of their existence as a territorial animal. Territory and protection of resources within that territory become a matter of vital importance to the cat, and any newcomer is far more likely to be perceived as a threat. As such, introductions involving a cat that has already reached social maturity often require more time, patience, and commitment to pave the way for a positive relationship.
Introducing Adults to Adults: One advantage of adopting an adult cat is that their personality is already formed, making it easier to assess how they may get along with other cats.
However, an adult cat has most likely reached social maturity and may be more territorial, take more time, patience and effort to introduce to your established cat than a kitten, and their history may be unknown or inaccurately represented- making their addition somewhat of a gamble.
2. Neuter Status
The neuter status of both cats is perhaps one of the most critical factors influencing their ability to coexist. Intact cats are more likely to engage in territorial aggression, such as fighting or marking, particularly when being introduced to one another.
Neutering reduces these behaviours in both sexes, helping to facilitate a calmer environment that is more conducive to the establishment of a positive ongoing relationship.
3. Sex/Gender
If all parties are neutered, sex is by and large an irrelevant factor and one considerably overshadowed by other factors including age and activity level, play style, individual temperament, sociability, learning history and the environment both cats will be expected to share. Give careful consideration to the individuals in question, rather than their sex/gender.
4. Temperament
I touched upon temperament briefly earlier in this post, but as this factor can make or break a successful pairing it is worth expanding upon. A compatible pairing serves to reduce stress, fosters positive interactions, and helps to support a harmonious household. By contrast, a poor temperament match can lead to tension, aggression, and ongoing behavioural issues, making life difficult and stressful for both cats and their people.
What Does a Positive Pairing Look Like?
A good temperament match pairs cats with complementary or compatible personalities, ensuring their interactions are balanced and likely to be positive.
For example:
A playful, energetic, sociable young cat paired with another playful, energetic and sociable cat.
A well-adjusted, nurturing and gentle cat can be a great match for a shy or timid cat. The gentle cat can help the timid cat to feel safe in their environment, with the added benefit that the timid cats confidence may improve as a result of seeing positive behaviour modeled by their companion.
A confident, assertive cat can form a strong bond with a relaxed, easy-going cat who is happy to let others take the lead. The easy-going cat is likely to ‘go with the flow’ but may still be quietly capable of holding ground against domineering behaviour, resulting in a mutually respectful coexistence.
Two independent cats that prefer minimal social interaction but are comfortable sharing space can coexist peacefully. These cats respect each other's boundaries, avoiding conflict while enjoying the companionship of parallel living.
What Does A Challenging Pairing Look Like?
Pairings with mismatched temperaments can lead to significant challenges and stress. Some examples of pairings that are less likely to be harmonious are listed below:
An overly assertive cat paired with an anxious cat can lead to one-sided interactions where the assertive cat monopolises resources or space. The anxious cat may feel constantly intimidated and could develop stress-related behaviours like hiding, inappropriate urination, or overgrooming.
A cat with boundless energy and a love for play paired with a cat who has lower activity levels and a love of independence can result in frustration on both sides. The playful cat may pester the independent cat, leading to defensive behaviours from the aloof cat. Meanwhile, the playful cat may feel bored or lonely if its social needs are not met.
A bold and reactive cat that becomes easily overstimulated during play or interaction can be a poor match for a nervous cat that startles easily. The bold cat’s intensity can cause fear or anxiety in the nervous cat.
A friendly, overly affectionate cat that seeks constant closeness may overwhelm a cat that values its personal space and independence. While the nurturing cat is well intentioned, the more independent cat may find the attention intrusive, leading to avoidance or tension from the independent cat and frustration and unmet need for social closeness in the nurturing cat.
By carefully considering each cat’s personality, energy levels, and social preferences, we can make every effort to set the stage for a successful and harmonious relationship. If you are adopting from a shelter, do take the time to talk to the adoption department about the temperament and history of your resident cat(s), and seek guidance from them as to which cat currently up for adoption would make the most complimentary match.
If you are adopting from a breeder, first and foremost please do your research and ensure they are reputable and ethical. A reputable, ethical breeder should have intimate knowledge of the temperaments of the cats under their care as well as their sociability, and should be able to work well with you to find the most appropriate match.
Setting Your Environment Up For Success
I’ve hinted several times about the importance of setting up the environment to support positive relationships between cats sharing a home. To achieve this, we must consider the world from a cat’s perspective. Cats are territorial by nature, and conflict can arise when they are forced to compete for what they perceive to be essential resources.
By designing an environment of abundance that provides ample feline-specific resources we can help to foster harmony in a multi-cat household, ensuring that no cat feels the need to compete for or guard what they value most.
So- what resources do cats value, and what’s the best way to provide them?
1. Food and Water
Food bowls: Cats prefer predictable, consistent access to food in a safe, low-traffic area. Individual feeding stations out of sight of one another are advisable in multi-cat households to prevent resource guarding or resource competition.
Water sources: Some cats prefer fresh, running water, making cat fountains a popular option. Multiple water sources placed in different locations can help to minimise competition and create the impression of an environment of plenty. Water should be refreshed often and provided in clean bowls- ideally ceramic or stainless steel as these are less likely to harbour harmful bacteria than other mediums. It is advisable to make sure that water stations are available on every level of the home, widely dispersed and spaced well away from food and litter boxes.
2. Litter Boxes
Litter box availability: Cats value large, clean, regularly scooped, easily accessible litter boxes.
Litter box number/location: It is advisable to provide one box per cat plus a spare, all placed in quiet, low-stress areas, well apart from one another (not grouped together!) well away from food or water.
3. Vertical Space
Cats value secure, elevated resting spots where they can observe their surroundings without feeling threatened. They should be well dispersed throughout the home, and it is particularly important to ensure they are present in socially significant spaces where the bulk of activity occurs within the home. I have written a detailed blog post about vertical space, which you can read here.
4. Scratching Posts and Surfaces
Scratching options: Scratching is an essential and instinctive behaviour for cats. It enables them to confidently mark territory, maintain claw health, and also provides stress relief.
Cats prize sturdy, well-placed scratching posts or surfaces that suit their preferences (e.g., horizontal or vertical). Cats may also develop preferences for particular textures, i.e. sisal, carpet or cardboard- it is advisable to provide a variety of options to ensure your cats are able to select the texture they most prefer.
Locations: Scratching surfaces should be plentiful and spread widely throughout the home, ideally near doorways or the perimeter of the home as these areas serve to denote territorial boundaries and a well placed scratching surface can help a cat to feel more secure in their territory.
5. Safe Resting/Observations Spaces
Cats require secure, quiet areas to rest and observe their environment, especially in busy and/or multi-pet households. Providing multiple resting or hiding spots dispersed well throughout the home helps to ensure they have somewhere to retreat when feeling stressed, tired, or just in need of some alone time to recharge. Here are some examples of safe resting spaces:
High Perches or Cat Trees: Cats feel safer when elevated, allowing them to observe their surroundings from a secure vantage point.
Cave-style Beds or Boxes: Simple cardboard boxes or enclosed beds create a den-like space for comfort and security.
Floor Cubes or Cat Tunnels: Having a semi-enclosed floor space where your cat can quietly rest and observe the goings on can foster a sense of calm and security.
Dedicated Quiet Room: A separate room or area that only your cat has access to (i.e. via a microchip cat door) provides your cat with a reliable retreat from busy household bustle.
It is best practice to advise members of your household to leave cats in peace when they are occupying a place of rest or quiet observation.
6. Toys and Enrichment
Interactive and Self-Play toys: Cats possess strong hunting instincts, and in the absence of opportunities to hunt, regular play with high-value interactive toys is vital for their physical and mental well-being. For cats, daily one-on-one play with humans is as crucial as daily walks are for dogs. However, it’s equally important to provide a wide variety of engaging self-play toys, rotated frequently, to keep cats stimulated when we aren’t available to engage with them.
Environmental enrichment: Access to climbing structures, tunnels, cat wheels, leashed access to the outdoors, catio's, interactive feeders etc all add value and interest to a cat’s environment.
7. Consistent, Predictable, Positive human interaction
As one of the five key pillars of a Healthy Feline Environment, spending quality time with each cat and ensuring that our interactions with them are predictable and positive is essential. While we can’t be everywhere at once, it’s important to engage with our cats in ways that meet their individual needs. Some cats crave more human interaction than others, so it’s advisable to focus on providing attention that is equitable rather than equal.
When considering adding more cats, it’s crucial to assess whether you can meet these environmental needs comfortably. If you cannot provide enough resources or space for each cat to feel secure and safe, it may be wise to reconsider expanding your feline family. A harmonious multi-cat household requires careful planning and commitment to creating a stress-free environment where each cat’s needs are met.
In Conclusion
Introducing a new cat to your home is a process that takes time, patience, research and serious consideration with respect to the individuals involved, and the environment they will be expected to share. Even with careful planning it’s important to recognise that every cat is a unique individual and there are never any guarantees that cats will bond with one another, even if you have made an extremely well researched and careful adoption decision.
If you have taken all this information in your stride and remain confident and keen to take that next step of adding to your feline family- stay tuned for my next blog post where I will discuss what to avoid when introducing cats, and how to best set cats up for success with careful introductions!
Monique van Maanen - FBST
Helping cats and their people to live more harmoniously together
Parting words:
It’s important to acknowledge that, for the purposes of this blog, broad generalisations have been made to provide guidance that will apply to most cats. However, every cat is unique and there will always be exceptions that defy the typical patterns or behaviours described.
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