Dear Ms. Kitty: I was taught that cats are independent, aloof and don’t need much human interaction. But my cat Monty wants to be around us all the time! He talks to us, flirts, plays and loves to snuggle. I sometimes wonder if he’d like a kitty friend. Signed, Playful

Dear Playful: Cats can be independent, but they’re also social creatures. They are only aloof around humans if that’s what they learned as kittens. 

It sounds like Monty had a good upbringing that helped him be social with humans. Knowing his history might help you decide if he would like to have a feline friend too. 

In the wild, cats are solitary hunters. But if there is a reliable food source, they often live in family groups called colonies. 

Cats who grew up with other cats tend to be more accepting of other animals in their territory, unless they had a bad experience with one. In fact, many cats are quite lonely without another cat or dog in the house.

Cat-oriented cats and kittens have the best chance of learning behaviors that help them “speak” with other cats. These can include approaching stranger cats in a non-threatening way and avoiding conflict with gentle, playful movements or chirps.

Kittens raised by humans who handled them well and gradually exposed them to new things generally have more confidence. They may better adapt to new situations, like sharing territory. If Monty had a good upbringing with both felines and humans, he’ll be more likely to get along with another cat. 

Cats stay alive in the wild by defending their territory. That’s why we require so much of them when it comes to introducing a new pet.

Gender matters less than personality when matching cats. A big size difference can play a role but a cat’s past experiences with other cats usually matters more. 

If you don’t know Monty’s history with other cats, you might introduce a younger cat with a similar personality. This may allow Monty to take the lead and feel less threatened. 

You’ll want to follow these best practices for introducing your new kitty:

1. Set up a Safe Room and allow plenty of time to settle in.

2. Keep introductions slow. Start with scent swapping, then move to brief, calm visual contact through a covered baby gate or a slightly cracked door.

When you bring in a new cat, you’ve just cut Monty’s territory in half, which includes his food, litter boxes, nests, toys and most importantly, you! 

Make sure Monty has more than he needs on all fronts, so he’ll feel more like sharing than competing. That’s the best way to end up with a wonderful companion—just like he is. 

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