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Can a cat get lonely?
- Thread starter catman159
- Start Date
It is perfectly ok to have them in a little apartment... You can do things to maximize the space - shelves on the walls are a great solution... You can put carpet on the shelves, if you choose... A window perch an a cat tree are also great help...Originally Posted by CatMan159
I've always wanted to get a cat, but here is my problem. I live by myself in a very very small apartment.
1. Are cats OK with small living space?
2. When I am away for work, will the cat get lonely? Thanks
Have you already gotten the kitty? If you are worried about him getting lonely, you can get a second kitty - I would get littermates, if you haven't already gotten one...
Cats sleep for most of the day, so I don't think he will get too lonely... You can leave the TV or the radio on...
Good Luck!
Yes, they do get lonely, but most of them will learn to deal with it. And happily welcome you back home everyday. Just be prepared especailly with a younger cat they may nap all day and save their energy for your return!
If I might suggest, older cats deal better with long 'alone times' than kittens who are essentailly cat children. My Aya gets very crazy when she knows I'm going to go and when I come back home. They're also harder to find home for so if you're going to adopt get an older cat or 2. Our local HS often has what they call 'bonded pairs' cats that grew up together. And since they don't like to separate them, they'll do a 2-fer deal on the adoption fee.
If I might suggest, older cats deal better with long 'alone times' than kittens who are essentailly cat children. My Aya gets very crazy when she knows I'm going to go and when I come back home. They're also harder to find home for so if you're going to adopt get an older cat or 2. Our local HS often has what they call 'bonded pairs' cats that grew up together. And since they don't like to separate them, they'll do a 2-fer deal on the adoption fee.
Getting 2 littermates or 2 kittens under a year old of a similar age is ideal. They do need room to exercise and stretch their legs, but you can acheive this in 3 dimensions by making sure they have plenty of opportunity to use the vertical space in your flat - as others have said, put shelves up the walls for them to use and a couple of bits of ceiling height cat furniture. - My boys really enjoy my ceiling height bookcases with multiple shelves and hiding spaces, with scratch posts on the top at the ends of the cases (we have wrapped sisal rope around the tops of the rack-style bookcases and they love it!)
I would just say that before getting cats, make sure that each cat has enough space to get away from the other if s/he desires - even cats that get along well sometimes need a bit of alone time to prevent stress in their relationship - if you have a seperate living area and bedroom that should be sufficient for 2 cats of the same age
I would just say that before getting cats, make sure that each cat has enough space to get away from the other if s/he desires - even cats that get along well sometimes need a bit of alone time to prevent stress in their relationship - if you have a seperate living area and bedroom that should be sufficient for 2 cats of the same age
They definitely can get lonely, but that simply means they are more excited for your return home each day! I don't know if it's best to get to kitties in a small apartment unless they are already use to living together.
The most important thing is to make sure they get plenty of attention when you are home and have plenty of self entertainment and challenges in the home. Window perches, ramps, toys, kitty condo.......
Maia is a single kitty in a small, 1 bedroom apartment. I adopted her at 6 weeks but had plenty of time to spend with her while she was growing up. She also has always had carpeted ramps, window perches, and high resting places just for her. Shes my best friend! I have seasonal work that is very demanding at times, some days I'm gone for 13-15 hours. When I come home she is meowing before I get to the door and so happy I'm home, and I will usually find some toys scattered across the floor!
The most important thing is to make sure they get plenty of attention when you are home and have plenty of self entertainment and challenges in the home. Window perches, ramps, toys, kitty condo.......
Maia is a single kitty in a small, 1 bedroom apartment. I adopted her at 6 weeks but had plenty of time to spend with her while she was growing up. She also has always had carpeted ramps, window perches, and high resting places just for her. Shes my best friend! I have seasonal work that is very demanding at times, some days I'm gone for 13-15 hours. When I come home she is meowing before I get to the door and so happy I'm home, and I will usually find some toys scattered across the floor!
All cats are different. Some are very "self-possessed" - like my Buddy, who is quite full of himself!
My late cat, Casey, was quite shy and used to having someone around the house all day, so he was not happy being by himself. And he was rarely left alone anyway. He did not exhibit any abnormal behavior, but it was obvious he was VERY happy when someone was with him.
Some cats do quite well with a buddy, some do not. It appears to help if they are adopted together - and as kittens - but that does not always hold true either.
Cats are such interesting creatures!
Some cats do quite well with a buddy, some do not. It appears to help if they are adopted together - and as kittens - but that does not always hold true either.
I think it depends on the cat. I also think that it is ok to have two cats in a small apartment. I lived in a small apartment with 3 adult cats and 6 kittens at one point. That was hard and I really had to stay on top of the cleaning. Having that many cats was not intentional my roomates cat got out and got pregnant. Most of the klittens were adopted out as soon as they were old enough I kept 2. My hubby and I had 5 cats in a one bedroom apartment and they were fine intially. Later on two of the 5 had to re-homed because of issues and they went to live with people we knew that they were comfortable around.
I think one cat would be fine. My first cat was an only cat. My second cat is an only cat. Neither one was a kitten when I adopted them, however. I do think a kitten would get lonely. But many cats are much happier as "only" cats. If you would adopt one from the shelter, they could advise you on this.
I have noticed on many of the breeder sites, many of the retired breeders are designated to go to homes where they will be the only cat.
I have noticed on many of the breeder sites, many of the retired breeders are designated to go to homes where they will be the only cat.
I agree to maybe get two cats. Cats are such easy keepers. Two aren't any more to care for than one. Make sure you have them spayed or neutered. Personally, I would always have two cats. They keep eachother company and truly bond with eachother. Good luck
