My only cat seems bored and lonely. Is this normal? Get another cat?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Cats are finicky creatures. Cats tend to only like the cats they know. Even though your cat seems to like the ones she lives with doesn't mean she will like a new cat. Cats are territorial and like their own personal space. I would first allow your cat to get used to your new house with your boyfriend. See how is goes over several months. She will be stressed for a while just because of the move. Then see how she is once she is settled. If you want to get another cat for company consider it in a few months. Good luck!

It sounds like she’s a pretty normal, happy playful young cat. You can get her some self propelled or automatic toys to keep her interested and engaged such as https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07F391BX2/ref=psdcmw_2975306011_t2_B07D9J137D Orhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B072WCZQ4V/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1543707973&sr=8-10-spons&keywords=cat+activated+toy&psc=1 It may also be helpful to rotate the toys in and out of use. Hide some toys away, bring in a couple new ones, then in a week or 2, bring out the old ones and put away the new ones. Getting a second cat MAY be helpful, but it also may rock the boat a little too much. If she seems overall content, I don’t think you should feel like you NEED to get a playmate, but it’s something to consider. If you DO decide to get another kitty, here’s an article about introducing them. Good luck!! https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-steps-to-introducing-your-cat-to-a-new-feline/

This all sounds like normal behavior for an older cat - as they become adults they are often less interested in playing and cuddling. I doubt a new kitten would make Sammy more likely to play or cuddle, and it can sometimes be difficult to introduce a new cat into the house depending on the personality of your cat. Sometimes it goes great and the old cat enjoys the new cats companionship and other times it can cause stress and make an anxious cat feel more anxious. If you do decide to get a new cat this information can help with an introduction: https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/introducing-cats-to-cats/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA-c_iBRChARIsAGCOpB3pz_xbrEjo5QJNK5yK8odrEGEQte7aR1lpVwVAlyUTp21ppH-_bP4aAk95EALw_wcB

It is perfectly find to have one cat even if you are going to be gone for hours. Many cats are single animal households. If you want to get another cat you can try to make sure they still get along but they may not even interact with each other while you are gone. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It is possible that another cat could help to entertain Biber if she is social, but conversely, another cat could create a lot of new stress for her. This all depends upon her personality and if she prefers socializing or being independent. Before acquiring a new cat, consider using toys in your apartment, such as a laser pointer that she can chase around the room or interactive foraging toys. Some examples include: The Catch by Northgate, The Green by Northgate, The Peek-a-Prize or Peek-and-Play Box by SmartCat (sold by Pioneer Pet), The Dog Tornado by Nina Ottoson of Sweden, The Fishbowl by PetSafe. If toys and indoor activity does not seem to satisfy Biber, bringing a friend home is possible, but be sure to introduce new pets slowly and assure that both cats are healthy with no communicable diseases before they meet. A kitten may be easier to introduce than another young adult or older cat.

I would have a health exam performed on her first to make sure there is no hidden illness that can cause this in such a young cat. Otherwise, If you are willing and able to provide a good home for a second cat then that is great way to give your kitten someone to play with if she likes other cats. If taking care of 2 cats is too much, then you can look into other ways to help her not be bored. You can find different toys for cats and a tower for her to climb that looks out window to relieve boredom.

Cats can live alone if it would be too hard to get another cat, however it really varies on the individual. If you feel your cat is lonely or benefited from having a friend around, looking to adopt another cat may help them both bond and feel more comfortable. If your cat seems OK being on his own, you may just want to spend some more time bonding together, with extra cuddle or play sessions, treats, toys, etc.