Will a single kitten / cat be happy?

[mum2daisy]

I'm not sure if this is the right forum to ask this one but I was wondering if a cat living in a home without another cat will be happy & content or lonely? I've read a lot recently about cats in pairs or more being happier so was wondering.

The reason I ask is I took in a pregnant stray and she had 4 kittens 8 weeks ago, we are keeping one of them (and the mum obviously) and I've found homes with friends / family friends for the other 3, of those 2 are going to a home where there is another cat but one will be a single cat and seeing them together now how they groom each other, play and fight and always curl up to sleep together I worry that little Mr Tickles will be lonely so was looking for some reassurance

 

[jennyr]

It really depends on several things - the amount of stimulation provided in the way of human companionship, toys, access to window space to watch the world outside and space to run around in. And of course, the cat's own personality. Some cats actually prefer to be the only cat (probably males rather than females although again this is a generalisation and there are many cats who prove the opposite!) and some thrive on having feline companions. All kittens in litters play and groom each other, so it is hard to tell at that stage. I would advise that if a kitten is going to be left on its own all day, then it probably would benefit from being one of two. But cats are usually very adaptable, so with the right environment most of them will be fine. It may take some time to adjust though, and I would also say that if a kitten is to be kept on its own it is very important that it be left with its mom and any other cats for as long as possible as that is the best way to teach it manners and socialise it. Otherwise you may get a kitten that just does not know how to play gently and it could, for example, be so happy to see its owners in the evening that it gets over exuberant and uses claws and teeth in an effort to be noticed and to to get its way. Also, it may sleep much of the day if left alone and then keep its owner awake all night!

 

[llinda]

I recently brought home a single kitten and within 2 weeks went to shelter for a playmate and it made a difference Cleo was alone and now with her brother is happier and more stimulated. I had 2 cats before. I should of known better. I suggest 2

 

[skyefoxx]

I had a single cat, Thomas, for nearly twenty years and since he passed away, I adopted three others.  I feel like having two is better if possible.  I currently have a mother and a daughter and they are very attached to one another as they groom and play together.  You usually don't find one without the other!  I find that having the two as a pair, they are far more gentle than my previous cat as they've learned to teach each other how rough is too rough.  However, Thomas lived a long, perfectly happy life on his own.  He was a quiet, laid back sort of guy so the single life suited him well.

 

[mum2daisy]

It is a male cat so hopefully that helps, it's my sons friend he's going to so although I know the boy I don't really know the parents so not sure about whether he'd be alone most of the day or not, I will find out, I'm keeping them with me for a couple more weeks yet anyway but will give some serious thought to keeping him longer if I feel it's better, thanks for the advice.

 

[jcat]

Some cats actually prefer to be the only feline in the house. We're on our second male "only cat", though not really by choice. One was brought home as a second cat, but he never got along with our elderly first cat or others we tried to integrate after the latter's death. He'd started fighting with his siblings before he was 10 weeks old. Our current cat was returned to the shelter because he didn't get along with his first family's other cat, and despite lots of effort on the shelter's part, he refused to accept other cats, so was adopted to us as a singleton.

Since we both work on different schedules and can provide plenty of company and stimulation, it hasn't been a problem.