What can I do to make my cat feel less lonely?

While some cats prefer their own company, others are less independent and need to enjoy frequent interaction with pet parents to stay happy.

Each cat is an individual, however, which means they’ll accept attention on their terms. So, for many of our feline friends, letting us know that they’re feeling lonely can be tricky. Your cat might be trying to communicate that they’re suffering from loneliness in a variety of unexpected ways…

We’re going to explore the possible reasons behind their loneliness, the ways your cat could convey that they’re lonely, and how to help your cat to feel less lonely.

Potential reasons for your cat’s loneliness

Although their reputation might make you believe that they’re solitary animals, the majority of domestic cats actually thrive in the company of humans!

Whether they’re aloof or cuddly, your cat can experience loneliness for many different reasons, including:

• Loss of a feline (or canine) friend.
• Family members leaving their home (e.g. to go to university).
• Lack of interaction with pet parents.
• Separation anxiety.
• Stress.
• Sudden change of circumstances.

Ways your cat may communicate that they’re feeling lonely

Here are some of the ways your cat might be trying to communicate to you that they’re feeling lonely:

• Meowing, yowling, or mewing more than usual.
• Clingy behaviour (they won’t leave your side).
• Over-grooming (excessively grooming themselves).
• Destructive behaviour.
• Toileting in inappropriate places.
• Aggressive behaviour.
• Scent-marking around the house.
• Eating or drinking less than usual.
• Anxious behaviour (e.g. hiding, shaking, looking tense, etc.).

Please note: Sometimes, changes to your cat’s behaviour could indicate illness, so it’s worth speaking to your vet if your cat isn’t feeling themselves.

What you can do to help your cat to feel less lonely

Luckily, there are several strategies you could implement to help your cat feel less lonely, including:

Spend more time with them

Simple yet effective, spending more quality time with your feline friend will support their need for companionship, and as such, prevent them from feeling lonely.

If you know you’re leaving the house soon, it’ll mean so much to your cat if you enjoy playtime together before you have to go. By burning energy while enjoying time spent with you, your feline friend is more likely to settle after you’ve left. 

Introduce interactive toys and games

Interactive toys and games can distract your cat from their feelings of loneliness.

Your feline friend instinctively loves any opportunity to imitate natural behaviours! So, providing them with pet-safe food puzzles and DIY interactive toys can help to keep them occupied while you’re not at home.

Set up a new ‘leaving the house’ routine

Giving your cat lots of cuddles each time you leave the house can cause them to link affection with being left alone – leading to behaviours associated with separation anxiety.

The steps taken before leaving your house should be completed at different times throughout the day, instead of right before you leave, to desensitise your cat to your departure. Provided your cat can’t anticipate your actions, the level of stress they feel when you’re about to leave can be lessened.

A few examples of how you can create a new ‘leaving the house’ routine:

• Leave the house for a few minutes, then return – to show your cat that you won’t necessarily be leaving them alone for a long time whenever you’re out.
• Check their food and water bowls throughout the day, as opposed to making a point of checking them before you depart.
• Providing they enjoy your attention, make a fuss of your cat at random points throughout the day, in the same way you would when you leave.
• Periodically put your coat on and pick up your keys, wander around the house, then return them without leaving.

Listen to our podcast about pet behaviour and separation anxiety, for expert advice on easing your cat’s distress about being left alone! 

Hire a pet sitter if you’re away for 12 hours or more 

Are you planning to be out of the house for 12 hours or more? If so, it may ease your feline friend’s anxieties about being left alone (especially for indoor cats!) by asking someone to check on them while you’re not home.

Should a relative or friend be unable to visit your cat when you’re out, you could hire a pet sitter to check your feline friend is alright.

Find them a feline friend

Since they’re such social animals, some cats are likely to appreciate the company of a fellow feline. However, if you intend to add another cat to your family, we highly recommend making sure they’re neutered and that their personality will complement your current cat’s character. 

You’ll also need to be certain you’re able to fulfil your new cat’s needs for the rest of their life, and can afford all costs associated with their care.

Adopting a cat from a rescue centre, to keep your feline friend company, will enable you to assess whether they get along well before bringing your new kitty home.

Check out our guide to introducing a new cat if you’d like more information.

Does your cat still struggle with loneliness, even after trying the above steps? It’s important to call your vet about it, as they’ll check your feline friend’s health before referring you to a qualified cat behaviourist, if needed.

For expert advice from the comfort of your own home, download the Joii Pet Care app and chat to a vet, vet nurse, or animal behaviourist today!