The Only Cat

If we have a cat who doesn't get along with other cats, we have an Only Cat. This comes from the shelter designation: Must be only cat.

Sometimes, this works out fine. There's nothing wrong with this cat's relationship with humans.

They are an excellent choice for group housing or assisted living situations where the rules restrict a person to one pet. Seniors who want only one cat at a time can choose them with confidence. I've placed many Only Cats with people who needed such a companion because of their mobility or cognitive challenges. They weren't up to more cats; they wanted a single serving.

These cats work as well as any other kinds of cats when it comes to fixing loneliness!

The problem comes from those times when the rules change. When we are in a bigger place, or meet someone with their own cat, or we enjoy having a cat so much we want more... that's when we look at our Only Cat and wonder If Only.

We should understand that Only Cat need not be a life sentence. These cats don't know how to be social. They can learn.

I see Only Cats as a cat in need of healing. After all, every cat comes into this world as part of a group. Feral cat colonies exist because cats can get along great with each other when they have a bit of shelter and a reliable source of food. Cats love to have friends!

So we should look at our Only Cat in the same way. If we are happy, they are happy. If we want more cats... we can make them even happier. But it's all the more important that we do it right.


Learn more about helping them be more social with The Only Cat.