Do Cats Get Lonely?

Despite their seemingly unsocial demeanor, cats are social creatures that need interaction and companionship. When they lack social interaction, cats act out in different ways. Many cats may become clingy, while others may become more withdrawn. Some people will find that their cats become destructive. To prevent loneliness in your cat, learn the signs of loneliness and tips for relieving it.

  1. About Separation Anxiety in Cats

    • Lonely cats may develop separation anxiety. Normally associated with dogs, cats also experience anxiety when away from their loved ones, whether it's their owners or other pets in the household. Cats experiencing separation anxiety may become clingy to their owners, refusing to leave their owner's side. They may also start acting aloof and hide. Some cats begin to chew or scratch up furniture, or they may urinate or defecate outside the litter box. Cats often choose to urinate on their owner's belongings.

    Other Signs that Your Cat is Lonely

    • Seventy-six percent of cat owners don't recognize the signs of cat loneliness, according to a Harris Interactive survey. Other telltale signs of loneliness include behaviors such as oversleeping, aggression, overeating, under-eating and an increase in hairballs because of too much grooming. Lonely cats may become more vocal, meowing more often. Sometimes odd behavior may happen when you leave the house.

    Considerations

    • If your cat exhibits signs of loneliness, those signs may also mean that something is physically wrong. Cats that both howl and urinate in other places besides the litter box may have a urinary tract infection. Hairballs caused by excessive grooming could also point to a food allergy. If symptoms of loneliness continue despite intervention, a physical examination by a veterinarian can rule out physical causes of abnormal behavior. If physical causes are ruled out, your veterinarian may prescribe short-term anti-anxiety medication. Only use medication under the supervision of a veterinarian.

    Advice for Dealing With Lonely Cats

    • Provide stimulation for your cat when you're not around. Cat toys, towers and even videos of other cats make its environment more interesting, reducing boredom and loneliness. Consider getting another cat, if you're a one-cat household. But, keep the cat's demeanor in mind. The Cat Zine suggests introducing a cat with a similar demeanor. An older and calm cat, for example, may conflict with the antics of a young kitten. Another way to keep a cat entertained is to provide a comfortable, cat-friendly area near a window where the cat can look outside.