Can cats be happy if they're the only cat in the house?

Question

Have one little kitten, and she seems to be happy; plays a lot and always wants in our lap etc. Of course we can't be home 24/7, but one of us is home quite often. Can she be happy being the only cat or does she need a friend?

Answer 1

Our cat was very happy until we brought her a friend home and then the fit really hit the shan.  They were both miserable after that (the other one had been a loner too).  They hated each other.  Unless your cat is acting out, I wouldn't worry about it.  Bringing home another cat if she's showing no signs of stress might be very stressful for her.

You know what they say, if it ain't broke.....

Answer 2

Most cats are better by themselves. But my cousin has 15 cats and they all get along fine. I guess it just depends on how long that cat goes without having another cat around. If you just go and get another one, your cat could get jealous. Just like when you have a cat/dog, then have a baby. The baby gets all the attention, and the pet gets jealous. If you do want to get a friend for your cat, its better to do it when it's young.

Answer 3

I only had 1 cat for 11 years and he was perfectly happy, very affectionate always puring and playing.  Recently he was showing his age a lot and seemed quite slow and slept a lot.  4 months ago we got another kitten, and all of a sudden my 11 year old has a new lease of life.  He is like a young cat again, he runs around with the kitten and they play fight on the floor, the kitten follows him around like a dog.

Then 2 weeks ago we got another cat, she is 7 months old.  They was a lot of hissing a growling at first but now everyone gets on really well.  The two kittens are always playing together, then when they get tired they curl up together and go to sleep.

My older cat has stopped playing with them now, but he says close by and watches them, then when they get close enough he pins the kittens down and gives them a good wash!!

I think my point is that my cat was perfectly happy on his own, but he is equally happy with company too, so it really is down to how many cats you want to have.

If you look at wild cats some, like the lions, live in groups, yet tigers and leopards are quite solitary, so it really depends on the cat.

Answer 4

It depends on the cat. Some cats love to be alone but others prefer other cats around. As long as she seems happy I don't think you need to worry about it unless you would like to get her a friend. If she's used to being by herself she may fight with an intruder. My friend has a cat that she had to get a friend for because he didn't seem happy by himself. On the other hand my ten month old kitten that I've had since he was two months old loves to be the only kitty in the house. He loves to be the little protector and a love bug at times. When he was to be played with or wants attention he's sure to tell you. There really isn't a set answer to your question. It really depends on what you think is best for your kitty. After all, you know her better than we do! Good luck!

Answer 5

Our cat is perfectly happy by himself... I don't think he'd enjoy having a companion much.. I guess it differs from cat to cat, like humans... ours needs a LOT of attention!

Answer 6

Cats can live a happy life alone, especially if someone is home most of the time. As long as the cat has little play sessions with you and has toys to play with its fine. A playmate can be an extra bonus as it is good but not essential to enable your cat to interact with its own species.

Answer 7

yes she can be happy as long as one of you show it lots of love

Answer 8

of course. I have one cat and she is perfectly happy. As long as they have human company most of the day. in fact my cat likes to be on her own too.  

Answer 9

Yes. cats perfer to be on there own

Answer 10

Ours is very happy by herself. We have a small dog she harrasses at will, but he's only out when we're home. The cat just naps the day away anyway, and seems to enjoy her free range of the place as the house boss.

Answer 11

of course! cats r kinda loners, anyway!

Answer 12

They will be happy but not as happy as they could be. Our first cat was always lonely when in the house by himself, but now we have two cats and they get on so well. Our vet said cats prefer to be with another cat, male or female.

Answer 13

Yes, of course.

Answer 14

I loved my cat

Answer 15

Well...I can't really tell you the exact answer, but I can tell you a few things.

It depends on the behaviour of cats. Different cats have different thoughts...

And from what i would have done, I would first think about how would i feel if i were the cat.

Well...I don't think my answers are much useful......0.o