My cat is bored in our apartment. Will a second cat solve her boredom?

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/

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.

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 certainly may help! Just like people, some cats are more social than others. If you decide to get her a playmate, try to find a cat with a similiar, playful temperament and about her same age (that way the energy level is matched). Ideally get a cat who is coming from a living arrangement with other cats so that it is already use to living with other felines. Expect that there may be some hissing or unease for the first couple weeks. It’s very normal for this behavior in the beginning and does not mean they won’t like each other. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions!

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.

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!

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!