Cats Need Companionship Too

By Tanya M. Petrokov

From The Lanark Animal Welfare Society (LAWS):

Did you know that new evidence would suggest that cats may not be the solitary creatures we once thought? A recent “Fact Column” in the Globe and Mail revealed that single house cats can suffer from separation anxiety. According to a survey of Veterinarians, our feline friends can develop behavioural problems if left alone too long. To avoid depression, it may be advisable to get your cat a feline companion. Generally, an older cat will take quite well to a younger feline of the opposite gender. Consider coming by the shelter to find a friend for your beloved cat. The wonderful thing about getting a shelter cat, in this instance, is that it has already been socialized around other cats. As a result, when you introduce it to your own cat it will not necessarily feel as threatened. This will help to calm your own cat’s initial feelings of confrontation. If you do bring a new cat home, introduce it to your existing feline slowly. Don’t force a meeting but give each cat time to retreat and come together at their own pace. It has been the author’s experience that two older cats adapted very well to the introduction of a small kitten rescued from a barn. In fact, it would appear as though the older cats have suddenly recalled a more playful part of their personality. Although it may take a few weeks for the old and new cat to become friends, chances are you will come upon them one day snuggling together without a care in the world and they will give you a glance which would seem to suggest that they are surprised you thought it was your idea in the first place!