Can a single, clingy cat be happy if left alone for hours a day?

[flyingant]

Hello,

I recently took in a stray who is super clingy. Literally follows me everywhere, constantly wants cuddles and strokes, is always by my side, lies practically on my head at night. All of this is absolutely fine by me. However, I've just started going out to work every day. Reduced hours at the mo, but will increase soon. I also think she is a cat who won't take easily to another cat. She's an adult cat and before I took her in, the only interactions I saw her have with other cats was her being chased and terrified. Recently, she saw another cat minding its own business at the vets and she instantly started growling.

I'd love to get her another cat for company when I"m not home but I'm not sure it would work out. I have friends with multiple cats who don't get on at all. I'm just wondering if others have single cats who seem happy by themselves despite being left alone for hours a day?

She's an indoor cat btw, so more chance of being bored!

How recently did you adopt her? If it was very recent then the clinginess may be temporary. She sounds very sweet!

Mine is clingy and he's happy home alone. He mostly sleeps! (I'm WFH so see what he does and it's mostly snoring for 5hrs)
When I get home he comes trotting to the door purring and shouting at me

Oh and he goes out but not when I'm out (I don't have a cat flap)

I am in this situation too (though mine cam go out, but doesn't much). I feel guilty, but actually I think she is fine. Clearly your cat has a much, much better life than she did as a stray - that's what really matters.

One of mine is also very clingy. She's fine to be left. I also get shouted at on my return. She just sleeps. I used to have a camera to check on her. Maybe leave the radio on for her.

Thanks for the responses. She kind of adopted me whilst I was on holiday for a month and has been back home with me for 5 weeks weeks, which have not been easy for her - she's had 2 surgeries (at the same time) followed by cat flu. So it's definitely been an unsettled time for her.

She was definitely a stray btw and has been for several years ( I checked with the manager of the holiday place I was at who knows her).

On another note, has anyone had success introducing an adult cat to a new adult cat?

I have a brother and sister who don't really find much comfort in each other. Either would be as happy in a single cat home. I don't have a cat flap either. I don't know if we will get one as planned, as they both started bringing mice into the house. I have tons of cat nip fake mice all around the house for them to play with. With an activity centre, scratching posts they still do my sofa and chairs .

They both sleep a lot during the day, and night. Girl goes out and sleeps in the garden in daytime in the summer. Boy cat goes to sleep on beds or chairs all year round. They have bursts of activity between sleeps. Not with each other though, as they lead separate lives. They are both quite territorial. If another cat has the audacity to come into their garden, both will hiss and growl at it. Girl cat will see it off. I don't know if you can socialise them like dogs.

Some cats do form good bonds, even if stranger cats. Others like my two litter mates, don't. Mine are individually very happy. It is like a scene from 'The Lotus Eaters' here most day; with two fat fur balls snoring between meals. Get a cam to see if the cat is content while you're away.

Yes. Mine literally sleeps the whole time I'm out, often hasn't moved from when I left. She has the life of Riley! Cats are active at dusk and dawn (and 3am!). Most prefer to sleep during the day. I would advise against another cat personally.

I have a pair of boys, who after 14 years aren't really bothered if the other one is there or not! (One was away at a hospital for two weeks and I think the other enjoyed it!) One of mine is always next to me if I'm home but is happy enough when I'm not, mainly sleeping. Congratulations on being adopted by a lovely cat!

I would have said yes, but with her being an indoor cat... Tricky.

Could you get a well-sealed heavy fish tank? Cats aren't necessarily sociable with other cats- introducing another may just add more stress. They do sleep 16 hours a day so she might just nap when you're away.

I also have quite a clingy, indoor cat. He’s FIV+ so has to be kept indoors.
As other posters say, cats are mainly active at dawn and dusk so it doesn’t seem to matter if we go out during the day. He mainly wants attention first thing in the morning and in the evening. During the day he sleeps a lot and it just seems to be a bonus if there is a warm lap to do this on!

I wouldn't feel you need to get another cat to keep her company OP. Cats are solitary creatures and are often much happier in a single cat household. If your cat tends to be bullied by other cats I would absolutely not be getting another one. She sounds happy with you. Give her a chance to adapt to you WOH. If you're doing reduced hours at present that's a good opportunity for her to get used to your absence. IME, cats often sleep when their owners are out. Mine is a lazy tyke when I go out - she's often in the same spot when I return hours later!

Also, have you got a cute picture you want to share op? One of mine has also recently had surgery so sympathies with that.

Thanks for all the responses. This is very reassuring

Another suggestion is to build some cat shelves/runways so she has something to climb and play on while you’re out. I think these are brilliant for indoor cats. Pinterest has various ideas.

Oh yes and pic please!

Awww she sounds sweet. I want to hear the story about how you met OP

If she growls at strange cats and has been a stray for awhile it's unlikely she will take to a friend she is probably enjoying the sanctuary of a safe home

Can you get an indoor camera to see what she gets up to all day see if anything stresses her out before your hours extend

Thanks again for the responses I am actually starting to see that she's probably just relieved and happy to have a safe space to live and lots of cuddles (albeit not all day). I like the idea of being able to check on how she is during the day when I'm not home. Can anyone recommend any specific cameras please?

@PandoraP she basically started hanging around more and more until she was literally by my side all day and night and she seemed so jumpy and scared when outside. She's also the most friendliest and affectionate cat I've ever met. I Just couldn't leave her behind!

You could maybe leave the radio on for her.

Also maybe get one of those cameras to see what she is actually doing as no doubt she sleeps large parts of the day. If you found she was howling you might do somethIng differently.

I’d suspect bringing in another cat in this situation wouldn’t help.

My cat only cares if I’m out all day as it means he can’t ignore me.

The camera is a fantastic idea. Sounds like she is very happy with you and that’s lovely. Dear wee soul has a great home now.