Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: December 5, 2023 by Crystal Uys
Allegra was never supposed to be an only cat. When I adopted the then 7-month-old kitten last April, the plan was for Amber, who was 12 at the time, to show her the ropes, and for the two of them to become playmates and best friends.
Less than five weeks after Allegra’s arrival, Amber passed away after a sudden, brief illness. I was devastated, and in addition to coping with my grief, which took up almost all the energy I had, I now had a sweet, but rambunctious, slightly juvenile delinquent kitten on my hands.
I knew if I wanted Allegra to be happy, and address some of her behavioral challenges at the same time (she chewed on everything from picture frames to books to the edges of my bedroom dresser, and she was slightly play aggressive), I needed to keep her entertained. Ideally, I should have gotten her a companion of similar temperament, but I wasn’t emotionally ready for that yet (and I’m still not quite ready). So it was up to me to keep her active, stimulated and challenged.
All my cats always have been, and always will be, indoor cats. I thought my home was kitty paradise already. There are lots of windows with views of trees, birds and squirrels. There are window perches in two bedrooms for the cats’ viewing pleasure and for naps in the sun. There are cat toys everywhere.
But it was kitty paradise for older cats, not for a young, energetic kitten. So I worked on what behaviorists call environmental enrichment. I created hiding spaces for Allegra. Cardboard boxes work just fine, as do grocery bags with the handles cut off. Cat igloos and crinkly tunnels are fun, too. I bought extra scratching posts. I added vertical space. There are numerous ways to do this: cat trees, cat condos, shelves or window perches. I got puzzle toys for her; they’re a great way to keep a young cat entertained. I set up treasure hunts to keep her busy, hiding treats throughout the house and letting her find them.
All of this environmental enrichment was designed to keep Allegra entertained when I couldn’t play with her, but it was never meant to be a substitute for regular playtime. I use a lot of interactive, fishing pole type toys to play with her. These toys are designed to imitate prey behavior and they help wake the hunting instinct in cats. Tossing balls or other small toys for her sends her racing through the house. I haven’t managed to teach her to retrieve, although cats can learn how to do this. I have a laser pointer toy, but rarely use it. Even though Allegra goes nuts chasing after the red dot, it’s a very unsatisfactory way to play for her. Cats’ play mimics hunting behavior, and it’s no fun for them if they can never catch their prey.
With young cats like Allegra, burning off excess energy is important. We established regular play sessions of 10-15 minute each, at least twice a day, sometimes more frequently. Playing before meals, or just before bedtime, works best. Once we had these regular play sessions in place, a lot of Allegra’s behavior issues disappeared because she was no longer bored.
Eventually, we’ll add another cat to our family. For now, Allegra is very happy to be the only cat in her environmentally enriched home.
Featured Image Credit: Jumpstory
About the author
Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.
My cat Pumpkin is about 11 years old. He has been an only cat for quite a while. He seems to be sleeping alot lately, and I don’t know if its in my head or not, but I feel he is lonely. Would it be a good idea to get him a companion or do you think it is just him getting old?
Hi Barbara,
If Pumpkin’s behaviour has changed we would recommend a health check at your veterinary clinic. They will also be able to advise if getting another cat is a good option for him. Some cats take well to a feline companion but many do not and prefer to live as single cats. These websites have a lot of useful information on behaviour in cats. https://icatcare.org/advice/adding-an-additional-cat/ & https://catfriendly.com
Did you ever get her a feline friend or do you think she’s happy and well-adjusted as a “solo” cat?
This post was written in January of 2011. In April of that year, 9-month-old Ruby joined our family. She and Allegra spent eight happy years together until Ruby passed away in December of 2019. Allegra, who is now almost 13, has been very happy being my one and only again since then.
Hi, I know this is an older article, but I’ve been having this struggle for a while now. My husband and I adopted our two-year-old Schrodinger half a year ago. He is gentle, sweet, silly, and most of the time a laid back cat. We make sure to have a 20 min play time with him everyday, he has toys lying around the place when we are gone, and he seems happy with it. He is a surprisingly well-behaved little fella. But it breaks my heart a little every time I think about the hours he is alone at home when we are off to work. I almost talked my husband into adopting another cat, but recently Schrodinger had a URI flaring up and we had to go to the vet. I just don’t think we could handle it emotionally if two cats catch that from one another, the worrier, the anxiety… But at the same time, I just feel so bad Schrodinger doesn’t have a playmate to spend the day with.
It sounds like Schrodinger is a happy little guy, Mei. As long as he has an enriched environment that provides opportunities for stimulation while you’re at work, I wouldn’t worry too much about him being alone. Make sure he has places where he can watch what’s going on outside, consider giving him puzzle toys filled with healthy treats to give him something to “hunt” during the day. Maybe add a second play session before you go to work.
I have a kitty about 14 weeks old but got her at 9 weeks; she is semi-feral and is the 7th and runt of a litter. Her siblings have all found homes 2 by 2 but she is single. The mother is feral and lives on the farm and she saw her mother before being removed. She has had two vet checks and did well while at the vet but the fight she put up getting her into the carrier; really the act of catching her was very difficult. She tore my arms to shreds and my cloth carrier zipper was broken and I ended up getting her into a zippered purse to take her to the vet. My question is she seems happy and acts normally except for not allowing any human contact; she won’t even take a treat from my outreached hand let alone let me pet her. She kneads her paws and purrs though when I’m in bed quiet and still. I long to pet her but when I try she runs away. I don’t know what to do with her other than not feed her and offering her a treat until she takes it from me but is this the right thing to do? It seems to be a test of wills. She acts like she wants and needs affection but is too scared to act on it. Do I ignore her and let her acclimate longer or do I try to do something?
Taming a feral cat takes a lot of patience, Colleen, and it’s not my area of expertise. I would recommend contacting someone who has experience with this, possibly an organization like Alley Cat Allies?
Hello,
I enjoyed reading your article. I have a single cat, and I really do not want another one. I tend to play with her, also around the same times you do. She is absolutely adored by her human parents. Luckily, one of us is home every week day but one, so she gets a lot of attention. Sometimes, though, she just wants to nap near one of us, and she goes where she pleases, as long as it’s inside. I’m, quite frankly, afraid to let her outdoors. She’s a Himalayan (rescued cat!), and I have visions of someone snatching her. What a heartbreak that would be. Not to mention, the possibility that she’d get hit by a car, get into fights, diseases, etc…Feeling the guilt, though, because she obviously wants to go out. Any tips? She has plenty of spaces from which to observe the great beyond, including a cat tree. I just bought her litter that has grasses to supposedly bring the outdoors in, and I also purchased grasses that grow in a bag (you clip the blades and sprinkle in food). Anyway, I look forward to any suggestions you might have that would assuage my guilt.
Don’t feel guilty, Christina – I’m a firm proponent of keeping cats indoors. Here’s more information on how to keep an indoor cat happy: https://consciouscat.net/2014/11/12/keep-indoor-cat-happy/ I also highly recommend Jackson Galaxy’s book Catification – you’ll get lots of ideas on how you can enrich your kitty’s environment: http://bit.ly/catificationbook
Oh, thank you! Oh, and I forgot to say that while I don’t want another cat, I’m open to getting a kitty to provide companionship. I haven’t crossed that bridge, yet: Double the vet costs, food, grooming. I just don’t know…:(
Hi Ingrid, We attempted a friend this weekend and thought I would give you feedback. When Mercury was a kitten like a mentioned she got along with my mom’s dog so well, yesterday we thought we would bring the same small dog over for a visit. Lets just say it did not go off as planned with my back almost ripped to shreds by my little girl, she got such a fright and just clawed and ran for the hills.
We got her when she was we presume only 3 weeks old, her mother had abandoned her litter of kittens in a roof at my hubby’s work, all the kittens got homes except for her, that when we decided to take her in. So she has been on her own from a very small age, could this be the reason she does not get along with other animals? She is very tiny due to the first 3 weeks of her little life being under nourished, however now she eats well loves her food hehehehe. We allow her to play in the garden sometimes while we outside and keep a eye on her, but she slipped my view and when I saw again she was chasing our neighbours cat that is almost double her size, I think she think she is a mountain lion hehehehe.
Thanks again for the advice
Hi, I have a little kitten… Ok maybe little but not kitten any more she is one! Mercury has always been our only little girl although we do have our lovebirds that she loves watching (her soapie)! She is a very energetic little girl but also enjoy her naps, its been bugging me if we should get her a little play mate but every time when I am about to take the step I find my self unable to go through with it. I mean yes I think she will enjoy a buddy but she sleeps all day and at night when we get home she plays with us and naps while we watch TV on our laps, to split our attention we give her in two will feel cruel, she is truly a spoiled little girl with a huge scratch post leading up to steps and has all her little hart desires. When she was a kitten my mom looked after her for us during the day, my mom has two adult cats and she used to hiss at them she only allowed the Maltese dog to get close to her and play with her. Am I wrong by keeping her as our only baby girl, I am so in two
Mercury sounds like a delightful and happy kitten, Chantal. Unfortunately, there’s just no way of predicting whether she’d enjoy having a buddy, or whether she’s happier being the one and only. From what you’re describing, it sounds like she’s getting plenty of attention. I wish I could answer the question with a definitive yes or no for you, but instead, I’m going to tell you to follow your heart. You know your little girl best.
Hi Ingrid
Thank you so much, you will not believe how this answer helps. Most people have been judging me for only haveing on little girl, even though I feel its best for her.
Thank you Ingrid *Hug*
I have been trying to overcome one of the deepest states of depression I have ever encountered over the course of my life. I’m 35. If I out poured what has happened over the last 2 yrs, nobody would believe me but it is actually the truth. The reason I am posting this is because I worry about the well being of my cat Sophia. I feel like I have the sweetest cat on the planet, I’ve had her for almost 9 yrs, but I know I am being emotionally neglectful to her. I am also allegeric to her since I adopted her as a stray. At the very least, I need to wash my hands thoroughly after I pet her. Lately, I come home tired and distressed and can’t even pay much attention to her due to said ailments. She is so loyal and attached to me that I can’t stand the option of giving her up for a fear of a worse situation. I really do love her, but I sincerely want her to have a happy life. I thought I was a responsible pet care taker as far as regular vet appts, but I do know that cats can be just as, if not more, a true and loyal companion over the best of dogs.
I’m sorry you’re having such a difficult time, Amir. I hope you’re getting professional help for your depression – if not, I strongly encourage you to do so. Cats can play a significant role in helping humans overcome all sorts of challenges, including depression, but they’re also very sensitive creatures who tend to take on their humans’ energy and illnesses. Combine that with you not feeling able to pay much attention to her, and you’ve created a very tough situation for yourself, and your cat. I urge you to discuss this with both your physician and with your cat’s veterinarian. You both deserve a happy life.
My kitten is like five months old and has had diarrhea for almost a week is there something I need to do? I haven’t changed his food nothing new at all. What should I do….Could someone email me with a helpful hint or something…
Amanda, I think you need to take your kitten to the vet. Five days of diarrhea is a long time, and your kitten may be dehydrated. Better safe than sorry.
That may be one of the sweetest photos of Allegre yet. I agree with play time-it is important to engage with the kitties as they play. What are the puzzle toys. I bought a toy for our neighbor’s cat and left it on the counter-I do know Penelope will hop up there looking for food-needless to say she attacked the toy and it is now hers.
These two could donate toys to less fortunate cats everywhere.
I’m so sorry, gosh aren’t cats just the best? Well perhaps we better not ask Hurricane that question because I’m afraid his answer might incriminate him 🙂
I personally think cats need a companion..be it another cat or companion, especially if that is what they are use to…but if you get a kitten, she’ll definitely be ‘Top Cat’
Good Luck and keep me posted on the outcome!
Oh, Ingrid I didn’t know about Amber and your recent loss. 🙁
I think Allegra is very lucky to have you as a mom! And she is such a sweet juvenile delinquent. (luv that!)
Allegra’s sweetness has gotten her out of trouble many times, Ann 🙂
Thanks for the article! I just tweeted this morning how rambunctious my kittens are. I haven’t been spending as much time playing with them as I used to – I really must get back in the habit!
You’re welcome, Amy. It’s amazing how much energy kittens have, isn’t it?
Great post, Ingrid. I have three cats, but only two of them will play together — they shun poor Saffy. Essentially, she is like an only-cat. We found that we need to exercise/play with her more often because she doesn’t get it with the other cats.
Aww, poor Saffy – being shunned by her buddies. But maybe it’s part of her grand plan, because she’d rather play with all of you!
Hats off to you for working overtime. It’s hard work keeping a solo kitten entertained and intellectually stimulated. I can’t imagine young solo cats being alone all day. Like you, we’re lucky to be mostly working at home. My seven-month-old has two older kitty “uncles” plus two devoted hoomans to nurture, guide and play with him 24/7 and he still wants more! Cats like humans have distinct personalities. I’m convinced more than ever that some cats are smarter than others. Some are okay alone and some need their own kind. It’ll be interesting to see how Allegra takes to a new feline family member.
I had certainly forgotten about kitten and young cat energy when I adopted Allegra. I think she’ll take to a new family member very easily, but I do think she’ll want to be “top cat.”
That is a great post Ingrid. I can’t imagine having just one cat. But I would imagine they would get bored and it sure sounds like you have some great solutions. But even with as many cats as I a have, they all still want that attention and they let me know. It is amazing how much attention they really want. Luckily for me, they do get to go outside, so that keeps them from being too nuts. Good information. Thanks.
Thanks, Marg. I’ve had single cats before, but they were always older, so this has been a new experience.
Just a quick note to encourage you to take in another fur baby while Allegra is still young. You’re such a great cat mom, and so many out there need good homes. But I’m sure you’ll know the time is right when you meet the right one. (Can you tell I volunteer for a shelter rescue, LOL???)
Allegra will get a new companion eventually, Debbie, and you’re absolutely right, I’ll know when the time is right. Most likely, the right one will find us 🙂
I have a juvenile delinquent who has other cats, two dogs, frequently visiting dogs and puppies and does go outside and I create mysteries for him but honestly, his punk behavior ( and I know what I’m doing!) requires massive management, especially with anything that resembles food. On the plus side, I have trained a very reliable recall from several houses away if I want to call him home and he does make me laugh. Maybe parenting 3 tween and/or teenage daughters on TOP of that is an exacerbator!!!
“Punk behavior” – I love that term, Rachel!
What a great article. Allegra is a very lucky girl. I have three cats, and we call the youngest one the terrorist. Although she doesn’t chew on stuff, she gets into everything and drives the other cat crazy. She loves hiding in the cloth grocery bags. You give some great tips on keeping an active cat stimulated. Thanks!
Thanks, Rena. I’m still laughing at your term “terrorist kitty!”
This great posts reminds me that some people think that their cats don’t like toys. I think some cats get tired of the same old, and adding play variety is a key. I have brought so many toys to my kitty charges over the years to watch them in seventh heaven. If you are convinced your cats don’t play, try something new – go to the pet supply store and pick up some different, high quality toys for your babies!
Leslie, I rotate Allegra’s toys every few days. The ones she’s played with for a while go to the bottom of the basket or into the closet. When I bring them out again, it’s like a whole new toy. The only ones I keep out all the time are her absolute favorites that she really does play with all the time.
Our cats love chasing that red dot. It gives them some exercise that way. Spunky used to like playing fetch on the stairs with little mice too. I throw it up the stairs and she runs after it, batting it back down to me. I guess she either got tired of it now or just got lazy because the last few times I tried playing that with her, she wasn’t interested.
Here’s a video of my cats enjoying that laser beam toy:
http://zemeks.blogspot.com/2009/12/spunky-and-manny-had-merry-christmas.html
Great video, Karen and Gerard! The laser pointer definitely provides great exercise, but some cats do get tired of it after a while. Allegra will chase it like crazy for a couple of minutes, then she slows down (probably because it’s starting to dawn on her that she’ll never catch it). That’s when I switch to another toy so she can have the satisfaction of “catching her prey.”
Great post with wonderful suggestions.
pawhugs, Max
Thanks, Max!