The data is present and up-to-date in accordance with the most recent veterinarian analysis.
Study extra »
If you realize something about cats, you in all probability know that, for essentially the most half, they’re solitary animals that spend quite a lot of time on their very own. That, nevertheless, doesn’t negate the truth that cats are additionally social animals and prefer to be round different cats and people now and again. Many imagine having just one cat in your house isn’t a good suggestion, however is that true or simply an city fantasy?
The reality is, having a single one poses no hurt to a cat, and most will get alongside simply advantageous so long as their human treats them with loads of TLC. Are you curious to be taught extra about what it’s like solely to have one cat, plus the benefits and downsides? If that’s the case, learn on! We’ve got glorious data, suggestions, and recommendation about proudly owning one cat!
Is It Dangerous to Have One Cat Solely?
Moat cat specialists and veterinarians agree {that a} single cat received’t be harmed by rising up and dwelling alone if raised with love, consideration, and care. A single cat can dwell alone as they’re typically solitary animals, however they want some consideration. That needs to be offered by you as a lot as potential in order that your cat doesn’t develop a few of the supposed (however not confirmed) syndromes that may occur to a single cat, like “single-cat syndrome,” which is often known as “Tarzan syndrome.”
Picture Credit score: Tatyana Vyc, Shutterstock
Is It Higher to Have One Cat or Two?
Whereas a cat can actually dwell in a house with out different cats, many cat specialists and vets nonetheless advocate adopting at the least two cats fairly than only one. wo cats which have a particular relationship are also known as a “bonded pair.” From all experiences, that is good for each cats. Under are three explanation why adopting a bonded pair of cats is best than a single feline.
1. Bonded Cat Pairs Appear Higher Adjusted
Picture Credit score: Magui RF, Shutterstock
At the very least from anecdotal proof, a bonded pair of cats are higher adjusted than single cats, with fewer behavioral issues famous.
2. Bonded Cats Stay Longer
Cats are social animals, as we all know, and love taking part in with, entertaining, and snuggling with different cats. This helps them really feel safer, too, and lots of bonded cat pairs dwell longer lives.
3. Bonded Pairs Train Every Different
Picture Credit score: Veera, Shutterstock
Cats be taught life expertise all through life, however with out one other cat, they could be taught the mistaken classes. To stop that, it’s higher to have a bonded pair.
Will One Cat be Lonely in Your Dwelling?
The reply to this query relies on many components, together with what number of hours you spend at residence, how a lot time you spend together with your cat, and a number of other extra. For those who can spend loads of time together with your cat, possibly from working at residence or being retired, the chance they are going to change into lonely with out one other cat round is low.
Alternatively, in case you’ve at all times gone and your cat is residence alone many of the day, it may possibly change into lonely. That’s when it’s a good suggestion to contemplate adopting a 2nd cat as a playmate and companion.
Picture Credit score: Lia Koltyrina, Shutterstock
What Is Single-Cat Syndrome?
Single cat syndrome, often known as Tarzan syndrome, isn’t a confirmed syndrome however extra an concept that when a kitten is raised alone, it’s much less more likely to develop right into a well-adjusted cat. Cats affected by single-cat syndrome develop a number of problematic habits, together with biting their house owners and consciously avoiding their litter field when it’s time to go potty.
Many cats with single-cat syndrome get into damaging conduct like chewing and scratching on issues round the home, together with furnishings, curtains, and many others. Cats with single-cat syndrome may endure from separation nervousness as a result of they should be round their house owners as a lot as potential.
What Is “Tarzan Syndrome” in Cats?
The traditional literary character Tarzan, launched by author Edgar Rice Burroughs, was raised alone by wolves fairly than people. When he was lastly launched to people, in case you recall, Tarzan was uncertain of the best way to act, typically aggressive, and unable to precise himself in a conventional human method.
The identical factor occurs to cats which can be raised alone, which is why a cat with the single-cat syndrome can also be mentioned to have Tarzan syndrome. What’s the finest answer for this uncommon syndrome with a well-known title? Introduce a “Jane” (or Jim) into your single cat (or kitten’s) world as early as potential.
How Can You Inform if Your Cat Is Lonely & Wants a Buddy?
Picture Credit score: medveda, Shutterstock
As we speak, we’ve seen that cats could be raised alone (with plenty of TLC) however do properly in bonded pairs. That begs the query of the best way to inform in case your cat is OK alone or lonely. Under are just a few telltale indicators that your favourite feline is perhaps lonely.
Your cat could be very clingy and needy, typically to the intense.
Your cat stops grooming.
Your cat’s consuming habits change drastically. Both they eat an excessive amount of or little or no.
You discover your cat instantly partaking in damaging conduct, like clawing on the couch.
The litter field instantly appears off-limits as your cat does its enterprise in different areas of the home.
Your cat begins sleeping rather more than regular (and ignoring you extra).
Your cat’s vitality degree appears to have dropped off a cliff (they usually’re younger and wholesome).
Methods to Introduce a New Cat Into Your Family
Introducing a brand new cat right into a cat’s residence should be completed accurately in order that neither cat will get too wired. Under are the steps to accurately introduce a brand new cat with few or little issues into your family.
Step 1: Once you convey your second cat residence, separate each cats for just a few days, together with their litter containers, toys, beds, and many others. Protecting your new cat in a spare bed room or spare lavatory is ideal.
Step 2: Rub a towel on each cats and let each odor the scent of the opposite. This is a wonderful method to “introduce” your cats with out truly introducing them. Rub a towel gently in your new cat, and let your current cat odor the scent whilst you supply some treats. Do the identical on your present cat, and let your new cat odor it. Do that for two or 3 days.
Step 3: Place each of your cats’ meals and water bowls on reverse sides of the door the place your new cat is being stored. The sound, odor, and motion from each can be an introduction however with out the potential hissing, growling, and combating.
Step 4: Enable your new cat to roam round your property on his or her personal whereas conserving your current cat in a room alone. After a bit, change the cats and let your present cat do the identical.
Step 5: Open the door between the place each cats are being stored and permit them to see one another. Keep in mind, hissing and growling are regular. Nonetheless, if one cat tries to smack the opposite, shut the door and check out once more later. You are able to do this a number of instances a day till your cats change into used to one another.
Step 6: As soon as your cats appear to have change into used to one another, allow them to roam round your home collectively. Maintain an in depth eye on each cats whilst you do, and supply them treats if they’re appearing calm and pleasant towards one another. Separate them once more for a few additional days if both one will get indignant, burdened, or anxious..
Step 7: In case your cats appear to love one another and respect one another, you’ll be able to depart them alone once you depart the home. If not, it’s best to separate them once you accomplish that that you just don’t come again to an enormous mess (or a wounded cat).
Remaining Ideas
For those who had been questioning about having just one cat and if it’s dangerous, you now know that it’s not. Nonetheless, you additionally know that having two cats is usually a more sensible choice as cats are social creatures and is perhaps happier and more healthy with one other cat round to maintain them firm. Many imagine cats raised and stored alone from different cats develop Tarzan syndrome, appearing out as a result of they don’t know the correct cat etiquette. That mentioned, there are thousands and thousands of pleased, content material single cats in america, which proves that they’ll do OK on their very own. Whether or not adopting one cat, two, or a dozen, we want you the very best of luck conserving them pleased, wholesome, and purring loudly.
Featured Picture Credit score: Seregraff, Shutterstock
Discussion about this post