The debate between cat and dog lovers is almost as old as the one about which came first, chicken or egg. Which animal you should choose as a pet, and how much care they need, is a matter of individual preference. Cats don’t really have a ‘pack mentality’ like dogs do, but this doesn’t mean that felines are antisocial creatures who want to be left alone all the time. Cats crave companionship as much as the rest of us, whether it’s with other animals or their favorite humans. And like any other sentient being, they need to form connections with others in order to be happy and emotionally healthy. Yes, cats need their alone time too…but don’t we all?
One thing is sure, whatever you choose, you will not make a mistake. Having a loving pet by your side means to have someone who will give you a lot of attention and love, without expecting too much in return. It’s always nice to take care of someone who will love you back unconditionally.
If you're as attached to your adorable little kitty as I am to mine, you probably imagine your cat spending their days lounging in a perfectly sunny spot, pining for you to return from work or school.
Some behaviours that might seem to you like loneliness, could actually be signs of anxiety. If your cat is spending a lot more time than usual grooming himself or hiding, there may be something wrong.Your cat can feel loneliness and anxiety, but there are many different ways to address it. Consult with your veterinarian if you notice that your cat appears depressed or lethargic, as this could indicate a medical issue, rather than simply loneliness or boredom.
You certainly need to spend quality time with your cat when you can. Spend time with your kitty to prevent loneliness and to bond with her. Most often when your cat is lonely, what they’re craving is you.
Even if you have a cat that doesn’t give you obvious signs of affection all the time, your cat likely still enjoys knowing you’re around.
Set aside time during the day to play and interact with your cat. Engage her in interactive play for 15 to 20 minutes each day to keep him mentally and physically active.
This will also reduce the chances of him becoming obese. Pull out an old favourite toy, or maybe cuddle up with your kitty on your couch. As long as you look out for your cat and let them know that you love them, they will love you back for the rest of their life.
Many people still have a wrong picture of cats as totally independent beings that do not need any high socialising because they are self-sufficient. It’s been commonly thought that cats are ‘loner’ animals that are happiest on their own, and this may be true in certain circumstances like when they are hunting and eating. Most other times cats crave affection and interactions just like any other animal would. Through the centuries, cats were dependent on humans and developed a special bond with them.
If you feel that you have the resources to support another pet, a feline friend for your kitty could be just the thing to keep her active and relieve her boredom when you aren't there with her. But remember adopting another kitty is a serious commitment, requiring medical care, food and attention for his entire life. Companionship, whether with humans or other cats, is an important part of any healthy feline’s life. Leaving your cat at home while you go to work should not prove problematic. However, longer periods away from home during which your cat has no other animal or person with which to interact can lead to loneliness.
If you’re worried your cat is lonely, there are few warning signs that you may look out for:
- Clinginess - if your cat frequently demands attention or follows you around the house then it may be a sign that he/she is feeling lonely.
- Aggressive behaviour - uncharacteristic aggressive displays may be indicative of loneliness. Swiping at your feet when you walk by, nipping your hand when you try to pet her, or lash out at you unpredictably could be because of loneliness and the frustration that accompanies it.
- Litter box issues - urinating on anything that has your scent on this could be a disapproving behavior showing they do not like to be left alone.
- Excessive grooming - licking their fur, chewing on their feet or pulling their hair out in clumps, could be a sign that they’re yearning for attention.
- Change in eating habits - a change in the speed and amount of food your cat is eating could be an indication that they are bored, lonely or depressed.
- A change in energy levels - if your cat is lethargic or has become low in energy it could be because they are becoming lonely, bored or depressed.
- Change in eating habits - a change in the speed and amount of food they eat could be an indication that they are bored, lonely or depressed.
If you need to leave your cat at home for a short period of time, there are a couple of things you can do to make the situation less stressful for your cat. You can provide stimulation to keep your cat busy. Making sure your cat has access to scratching posts and toys can help keep them distracted while you’re away. Sometimes leaving the radio or TV on low in the background can help your cat to feel less alone too.Ensure they have enough food and water and that the litter tray is clean.
Your cat should be fine if left alone for a short time but if you are going to be away for longer then, it is important to plan ahead and make sure your cat is looked after and has everything they need.Many believe that some cat behaviors are naughty and should be discouraged. But cat’s actions often fulfill a purpose. We should offer our cats plenty of opportunities to satisfy these captivating cat behaviors.They also tend to misbehave more often, simply because they need to do something to pass the time. Trust me, if you were stuck in a house by yourself with nothing to do for days on end, I’m pretty sure you’d be getting into mischief too. All these signs can mean that your pet feels neglected, depressed, or anxious. Still, before you jump to conclusions, it’s best to rule out medical issues. Take your cat to the vet for a checkup and don’t leave out any physical symptoms, behavioral changes, and changes in your home life or daily routines.