How to Tell if Your Cat Wants Another Cat

Co-authored by Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT and Caroline Heiderscheit

Last Updated: March 24, 2023 References

Have you started to wonder if your cat might be lonely at home? They get tons of love and fulfillment from cuddling up with you and your family, but it's true that cats have social needs, too. If your cat needs more socialization than your human family can offer, you'll notice certain behavioral symptoms. In this article, we'll help you determine whether or not your cat might want a furry friend, so you know when to adopt or foster another sweet cat. To discover whether or not your cat wants another cat, read on!

1

They’re clingy.

If your cat is attached at your hip, they may be craving your company. Cats, like most animals, have social needs that they need to fill through play, cuddles, and other interactions. If their needs aren’t being met, they may try their hardest to get this social stimulation from their relationship with you and other people. This may mean they:^{[1]
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- Follow you around the house constantly
- Jump up onto your lap every time you sit down
- Repeatedly nudge and rub against you.
- Refuse to be away from you, even for a few minutes

2

They’ve lived with another cat in the past.

If a cat is used to feline company, they may miss their a furry friend. Cats who have lived with other cats in the past, especially recently, are more likely to crave another cat’s company. If you rescued your cat from a busy shelter or you used to have another cat in the home, especially one that this cat got along well with, there’s a chance that your cat is missing that social outlet.^{[2]
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3

They’re eating too much.

When your cat’s appetite suddenly increases, it could signal stress. Lonely cats in need of a companion may suddenly start putting on weight. If they usually leave a little food in their bowl, their bowl might regularly be licked clean instead. It can be hard to know for sure whether your cat’s appetite has increased—other signs to look out for include:^{[3]
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- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting

4

They’re eating too little.

When a cat loses interest in their food, they could miss socialization. A lonely cat might show another classic sign of stress: loss of appetite. If you notice that your cat is no longer finishing their bowls of food or that they don’t run when you shake the treat bag, this could be a sign that they’re sad and in need of more socialization. Other signs of low appetite include:^{[4]
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- Drooling
- Weight loss
- Labored breathing
- Bad breath
- Red gums

5

Their energy levels are low.

If your cat isn’t as playful, they may be bored and need more companionship. Most cats become less energetic as they get older, but if you notice a sudden drop in your cat’s interest in play, that could also be a sign that they have a need that’s not being met. If you can’t get your cat to chase their favorite toy or they’re not all about chasing birds around the yard anymore, this could mean they're in need of a companion.^{[5]
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6

They’re overly energetic.

Unusually hyper and excitable cats may be experiencing stress. If your cat is constantly running, playing, or having the “zoomies” this extra energy could be a sign that they’re not getting enough socialization. And who better to help them get their energy out than another cat!^{[6]
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- To help your cat release pent up energy, play with them more. You can even make your own toys if you don't have any!

7

They’re not grooming themselves well.

If your cat is getting smelly, this could mean they need a friend. When a cat feels lonely, they may start showing signs of stress and dissatisfaction. Though cats are skilled at keeping themselves clean when their spirits are high, a lonely cat might start to smell bad, have dirty feet, have matted or loose hair, and they may start to look a little messy.^{[7]
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8

Their sleeping habits have changed.

Your cat’s sleeping patterns can indicate their daily stress levels. Sleeping too much or too little can definitely be a sign that your cat is lonely and wishing they had a cat companion. For example, if your cat sleeps 12 hours a night and they suddenly start sleeping 18, that’s a sign of stress.^{[8]
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- It goes the other way as well. If you cat used to sleep much more than they do now, that's another sign of stress.

9

They’re showing destructive behaviors.

A lonely cat might act naughty and aggressive. These could be signs that your cat facing extra stress, and that stress could easily come from a lack of socialization. If your cat suddenly starts getting hissing or biting animals and people, that could be a sign of loneliness. Or, if they start scratching and destroying furniture (when that behavior hasn't been common in the past) that’s another sign that they might want a cat friend in the house.^{[9]
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- If your cat is have trouble with scratching, make sure you have a scratching post for them to use first. If they aren't using it regularly, there are steps you can take to get them to use it.

10

They’re having trouble with their litter box.

When your cat struggles to pee or poop properly, they might need a friend. Your cat probably learned to use the litter box a long time ago. So if they suddenly start peeing and pooping all over the house, they may be expressing an unmet social need. Or, if they start kicking around litter or knocking over their box (when that’s uncommon for them), that could signal that a need for more daily socialization.^{[10]
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11

They’re meowing constantly.

Changes in your cat’s vocal patterns can signal their loneliness. They may suddenly start meowing more, meowing louder, or meowing in sounds that you’ve never heard before. This could be your cats way of expressing their stress to you—and this could definitely be a sign that you pet is in need of another furry friend.^{[11]
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