Lonely cat

Question
QUESTION: Would interactions with humans be enough with cats or do cats need interaction with other cats?

ANSWER: Jeremy,

Well, it's like you being human and living with only cats...no other people in your life. But there are cats, just like some people, who prefer to be alone and not have others around them. But there is still the option available to a person.

The younger the cat the more he needs the companionship of another cat. People can't play the kitty games that cats play, like chase and roughhousing. They also need the comfort of another cat to snuggle with and to keep them company when you are gone. It's easier to have 2 cats because it take the pressure off of you to keep your cat entertained and helps the need for constant attention. A bored cat can be a destructive cat or a depressed cat which may, in the long run, change an outgoing, playful, friendly cat.

Getting another cat requires the time and patience to do the introductions correctly and usually takes two weeks or longer for things to smooth out.

The only way you will know if your cat would be happy with a friend is to try it and see how it goes. Ideally, another cat should be approximately the same age and temperment.

Carol

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the answer. I am asking because my indoor cat (14-16 years old) has been interacting with cats that walks through my backyard. He was doing a lot of loud meowing and when i pull him away he went back to the mesh door to meow some more. I am not sure what this means, but his tail got puffy.(he is neutered)  He also started meowing loudly to demand for things after an encounter with a female cat(which no longer shows up) around 6 months ago.

Answer
Jeremy,

Your cat is 72-80 years old in human years old. At this age I would NOT recommend getting a companion animal. It would be too stressful and elderly cats do cannot take stress as well as a younger cat. It can cause a number of health and behavior related problems.

If your cat's tail got fluffy at the other cat then he is NOT being friendly to the other cat. He is more than likely upset at the intruder cats and wants to defend his territory.

A cat his age can have (or be getting) 'kitty Alzheimers' and start acting in a bizarre manner. That is part of the aging process.
They also get more vocal because they are confused about the changes in their body and mind. Give the cats LOTS of reassurance and love. Don't ever get upset at the cat for getting old and any behavior or health related issues that results from it.

There is also a behavior called Redirected Aggression. That is when an inside cat sees other cats in their territory but can't get to them. It causes stress related behavior. The cure for that is to block the window or door that the cat sees the other cats from. But if your cat is just meowing (no improper elimination or attacking you) then I would let him act like a 'big, tough guy' if it makes him happy. Make sure he can't get out to get injured by another cat.

When an elderly cat starts meowing alot it could also be related to a health issue. He needs to be given an 'elderly cat exam' by a vet to check the function of his liver, kidneys, and thyroid. Things will start giving out and early detection and medication can help make his senior years more comfortable.

I am NOT suggesting that your cat is not healthy now, or that something may be wrong with him, but at his age it will happen at some point. Being prepared and knowledgable about elderly cats will make things easier for the cat and for you.

I am including some very good links about elderly cats. Copy and paste, or type, the whole links into your address bar:

http://www.sniksnak.com/resources/geriatric.html

http://www.messybeast.com/towards-end.htm

http://www.2ndchance.info/oldcat.htm

I hope this helped. He must have had good care and been loved to have lived to be this age. He's a lucky cat to have such a good home and a caring owner.

Carol