A reader writes,

I wonder if my cat isn’t lonely when I’m at work all day. I’d love to get her a kitten, but what if they don’t get along? I have a small apartment and I’m afraid to take this step.

Dear Readers,

There are many cats who would enjoy having a cute little sidekick as much as we would enjoy getting them one. The problem is figuring out if our cat falls into that category.

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Getting a kitten can lower our risk of cat conflicts, because adult cats recognize kittens as the goofballs they are, and will not be as likely to regard them as territorial interlopers. This makes our introduction process easier.

How can we tell if our cat would appreciate kitten companionship?

• The age of the cat. The younger the better, since we are talking about kittens. Past the age of ten, cats tend to value their peace and quiet more than opportunities for play.
• The activity level of the cat. If our cat, of whatever age, is still looking for intense play, they would be likely to love the recreational opportunities of a kitten. If we notice they have been looking for ways to amuse themselves while we are gone, they are asking for more stimulation.
• The social outlook. We must consider how our cat reacts to new things in general, and living things in particular. Are they interested in visitors, of any kind? Do they hide when things get lively? Do they seem content with our company, or do we see signs that they wish to be busy beyond that?

As much as a kitten occupies our time and attention, the effect is even more so on our cat. Kittens will be constantly approaching the cat for play and cuddles, modeling their behavior after theirs, and interfering with their routines. The advantages must outweigh the disadvantages for the established cat.

Ironically, it is often the kind of cat who is least likely to welcome a kitten that can trigger a person’s wish to get them a companion. Cats who keep to themselves, don’t play much, and appear between long intervals can seem “lonely.” But they are not. They are happy and contented, and would view the constant play invitations of a kitten as harassment.

Loneliness in cats is not when the cat is quiet. Such cats are displaying their natural state, and once grown, they have a reduced ability to deal with the disruptions of kittens, who are impervious to rebuffs and don’t have the social ability to take no for an answer. These cats can’t get the kitten to leave them alone, and the kitten, seeing only one other cat in the house, can’t leave them alone. Strange as it may seem, these cats will react better to two kittens than one.

A lonely cat is an active cat. The kind of cat who is always looking for play opportunities, who requests activities, who is curious about visitors and doesn’t mind changes in the routine; these are the cats who would welcome a kitten of their own. Figuring out what type of cat we have now, and getting a kitten of that same type, is the best way to ensure harmony.

This is how cats become buddies. Shared outlooks and shared temperament builds the bonds between cats.

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There’s more about multiple cats in The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See more posts on the MULTIPLE CAT ADVANTAGE.