Should I get my cat a friend?
Hi, I have an almost 5 year old male cat I’ve had since he was 3 months. He’s my baby. Spoiled, he does scratch and bite my hands/ankles but that’s my fault for playing with him as a kitten that way. He’s a handful with that, plus waking me up in the middle of the night, and he just runs the house. But I’m completely okay with it. I love how crazy he is.
I feel bad though because I learned you should get 2 after I had already had him. I personally do not want another cat, I love our bond and it just being us. However I work 4 9 hour shifts a week and occasionally go out for a few hours. I try to do everything in the same day so when I’m off, I don’t leave my house to be with him. I base my entire life and schedule around him. Sometimes all I do is just work for the week. I try not to leave my house for more than 40 hours a week.
However, I still worry he’s lonely/stir crazy since he acts crazy but I wasn’t very strict with him so he knows I have no boundaries. I do NOT mind his behavior at all. He’s my best bud and we cuddle and play fight. But I’ve been debating the last year if he would benefit from a friend. Once again, I personally don’t want another one but I would if he needs it. He does get spoiled with churros, fancy feasts, etc. he’d definitely have to cut back on those if he gets a friend.
So basically am I being a selfish owner by not getting him a friend? I feel I might be selfish because I don’t want another cat and I don’t want to ruin the bond we have. But if it’s better for him, I will do it. Looking for advice because I’ve just been struggling and feeling so guilty when I leave the house or just in general that I need to know he’s okay alone or he’s not so I need to look for a friend.
Thank you!