My cat is depressed and lonely. Should I get another cat for her?

Yes, another cat may help Sugilite with her separation anxiety, and if you can afford the cost of another cat, it may be worth looking into getting her a companion. If you do get another cat or kitten, you will have to slowly introduce them to each other. I will give you the method I recommend for introducing new kittens to the home, and it works for adult cats as well :-) Take the kitten, and put her in her own room with her own food, water, and litter box. Keep the door closed, and for a few days, feed them both treats on other side of door so they associate each other's smell with a good experience. Then let the other cat in the kitten's room while the kitten is in a cat carrier. They can smell each other, but not be in contact. If either becomes upset or show signs of aggression, remove the second cat from the room, and try again later. Praise them when they interact appropriately. When they are interacting well with each other through the carrier, you can let the kitten out of her room, and see how she interacts with the other cat. Praise them when they interact appropriately, and separate them with any sign of aggression or upset. I would get a cat tree with lots of shelves to give the cats vertical space to get away from each other. I would keep the kitten in her room when you go out until they are comfortable with each other.

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.

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/

Feliway pheromone plug ins, sprays or collars, as well as VetriScience Composure liquid given daily may help with her depression. Both are available online without a prescription. Introducing new toys, catnip and even a new cat under close supervision (after making sure that the new cat doesn’t have intestinal parasites, fleas, FeLV/FIV or other transmissible diseases and won’t get get your cat pregnant) may help as well! Good luck!

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

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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would not be alarmed by this at all. The beauty of cats is how particular and unique they are and some cats just like to keep to their own more. You may get another cat for sure though this is not necessary. Best of luck!