Are Cats Always Better Off With a Friend?

Independent Creatures

• Cats are well-known for their independent ways. Unlike dogs, cats do not naturally live in packs. They often don't mind being on their own, and some of them even prefer it that way. The presence of other cats in the home can sometimes trigger competition, tension and even aggression amidst felines -- and perhaps some major headaches for their poor owners.

Some Thrive on Companionship

• Although many cats function just fine solo, other cats flourish in the company of fellow felines. However, it's usually hard to predict how a pair of cats might react to one another. A lot of different factors come into play, namely gender and age. Tension and territorial rivalries are common issues in same-sex pairings, especially when the cats are of the same age bracket. If you want to increase your odds of success in providing your pet with a pal, look for an animal that is used to being around cats on a daily basis. Adult cats also tend to be more welcoming of kittens, as well. If your cat is on the elderly side, however, a rowdy and lively cat might be too much to bear. Senior cats generally get along better with equally laid-back, calm pets.

Kittens

• Although two "stranger" adult cats together can often be a recipe for chaos, kittens from the same litter are often exactly the opposite of that. If kittens are familiar with each other from a young age, whether they are littermates or not, they often make excellent "friends" for each other, and for life. Two kittens can provide ample interaction and playtime for the other. They can prevent loneliness. They can even offer security amidst new situations and uncertainty. If kittens have playmates, it often stops them from engaging in classic kitty mischief, whether scratching sofas or leaping onto kitchen countertops.

Cats and Other Animals

• Cats sometimes can live harmoniously alongside pets that aren't cats -- such as dogs. However, that doesn't mean that a cat will always appreciate a dog as a friend. She could get along famously with him, ignore him or partake in nonstop battles with him. It all depends on the individual cat's temperament -- and that of the other animal, of course. All you can do is make sure that your cat has plenty of personal space, and take introductions to new animals as slowly and carefully as possible. Be sure to use a lot of tasty treats, too.

  Remember, however, that dividing up resources isn't usually the forte of the cat. Routine disturbances aren't, either. Patience is vital in getting a cat acclimated to another animal. If you get lucky, a friendship might even blossom after some time. When it comes to small critters like hamsters, friendship probably isn't going to happen, but it's always extremely important, safety wise, to monitor your cat's reactions with the wee rodent, especially in the beginning.