If you’re reading this, you’re either thinking of adding a cat to your family or have already gotten one and wondering if you made the right decision.
The good news is that getting a cat is always a good addition to your life. These animals clean themselves all the time, and their grooming requirements aren’t that difficult to handle, at least compared to doggos.
That being said, not all popular cat breeds are suitable for everyone. The list I’m about to show has 10 kitties that absolutely HATE being alone for long periods of time.
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1. Ragdoll
Ragdoll cats are known for their affectionate and people-oriented personalities. These creamy-white fur balls thrive on companionship and can struggle when left alone for long periods.
Ragdolls often form strong bonds with their owners and may become distressed or anxious if separated.
They love cuddling, playing, and following their humans around the house. Providing a Ragdoll with plenty of interaction, toys, and enrichment is key to keeping them happy and content when their favourite people aren’t around.
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2. Siamese
Siamese cats are infamous for their vocal and demanding nature. These social felines crave attention and can become quite distressed when left to their own devices.
Siamese are notorious “velcro cats” that want to be by their owner’s side at all times. They may resort to excessive meowing, scratching, or even destructive behaviours if they don’t get the companionship they crave.
Siamese cats do best in homes where someone is around for most of the day to provide playtime, cuddles, and mental stimulation.
Read Next: 10 Things Your Cat Would Love to Tell You if You Could Understand
3. Maine Coon
Ahh, the Maine Coon. The magnificent Maine Coon is often referred to as the “gentle giant” of the cat world. While these big, fluffy cats may look intimidating, they are actually very social and affectionate. Maine Coons thrive on human interaction and companionship.
They can become clingy and even depressed when left alone for extended periods. Maine Coons love following their owners around the house and may even greet them at the door when they return home.
Providing a Maine Coon with plenty of toys, scratching posts, and opportunities to play will help curb any potential boredom or separation anxiety when their favourite people aren’t around.
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4. Scottish Fold Munchkin cat
I had to include a munchkin cat. I just had to. Scottish Fold cats are known for their distinctive, folded ears and sweet, docile personalities, and of course, them tootsies!
However, these adorable felines can struggle with loneliness. Scottish Folds form incredibly strong bonds with their owners and hate being left alone.
They often follow their humans from room to room, seeking constant companionship and attention. Without enough playtime, cuddles, and interaction, Scottish Folds may become anxious, depressed, or even develop behavioural issues.
It’s a good idea to give your Scottish Fold another pet companion or making sure someone is home for most of the day can help prevent separation problems.
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5. Burmese
Burmese cats are often described as “dog-like” due to their loyal, affectionate personalities. These social felines thrive on human interaction and can become quite distressed when left alone.
In fact, some Burmese cats are known to actually wait by the door for their owners to come home – a quirky behaviour that has earned them the nickname “Velcro cats.” Burmese cats hate being ignored and will often chirp or meow persistently to get their owner’s attention.
Providing a Burmese with plenty of playtime, cuddles, and mental stimulation is crucial to keeping these people-oriented kitties happy and content.
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6. Tonkinese
Tonkinese cats are a delightful blend of Siamese and Burmese breeds, inheriting the best traits from both (including the social needs, though!). These curious, energetic felines thrive on human companionship and can become distressed when left alone.
Get this: some Tonkinese are so attached to their owners that they have been known to hop into the shower just to be near them. (Talk about dedication!)
Tonkinese cats are extremely social and will often greet their owners at the door, follow them around the house, and even sleep cuddled up next to them.
Leaving a Tonkinese cat alone for long stretches is a big no no. It can lead to separation anxiety, excessive vocalisation, and even destructive behaviours. Providing plenty of playtime, enrichment, and affection is key to keeping these affectionate cats happy and content.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Cat is Stressed
7. Ragamuffin
Ragamuffin cats are true cuddle bugs, known for their plush, cuddly coats and adorable teddy bear-like appearances. However, don’t let their fluffy exterior fool you – these cats have big personalities and even bigger social needs.
Ragamuffins are happiest when they’re by their owner’s side, soaking up attention and affection. Some Ragamuffins actually hold their owner’s hand during nap time, refusing to let go until playtime resumes. Clinginess at its best.
Without constant companionship, Ragamuffins can become anxious, and depressed, and even develop unwanted behaviours like excessive meowing or scratching.
A feline-friendly enrichment, lots of playtime, and plenty of cuddles are essential to keeping these muffins content when their favourite humans are away.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Cat is Mad at You
8. Abyssinian
Abyssinian cats are known for their high energy and playful nature. They also have that cat stare. If you have one, get ready to be watched in your sleep. I mean it.
Also, these active felines need constant stimulation and hate being left alone with nothing to do. Unlike many cats who might nap the day away, Abyssinians are always on the move. Get those if you hate sleep.
Here’s a funny tidbit: some Abyssinian owners have reported their cats learning to turn on light switches and faucets just to keep themselves entertained. Another reason to get them if you hate sleep!
When left alone for too long, they might resort to mischief or become anxious and stressed. Puzzle toys, climbing spaces, and ideally another pet companion can help prevent boredom and loneliness when you’re not around. They’re kind of a no-brainer with this breed, actually.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Cat Sees You as a Protector
9. Birman
Have you watched those TikTok cats that sort of…melt in their place? That’s a Birman!
Birmans stand out with their stunning blue eyes and colour-point coats, but their loving personalities make them truly special. These gentle cats form deep bonds with their owners and struggle with solitude.
A peculiar fact about Birmans: they have such a strong desire to help their humans that many owners report their cats “supervising” household chores. You’ll be stared at pretty much while doing…everything.
Like all kitties on the list, Birmans need constant companionship to stay happy and can become withdrawn or anxious when left alone for long periods.
These social cats do best in homes where someone is usually around, or when they have another pet friend to keep them company. Regular playtime, gentle attention, and lots of cuddles are essential to keep a Birman kitty content.
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10. Exotic Shorthair
Exotic Shorthairs share many traits with their Persian cousins, including an intense need for human companionship. These round-faced sweethearts love nothing more than being close to their owners.
Their social needs made them adopt a rather unorthodox approach. Many Exotic Shorthairs have mastered the art of “synchronised napping” – they’ll adjust their sleep schedule to match their owner’s routine perfectly!
Despite their laid-back nature, these cats hate being alone and can become quite unhappy without regular attention. Exotic Shorthairs need plenty of cuddle time, gentle play sessions, and consistent companionship to stay content.
They do best in homes where someone is usually around, or with another pet friend to keep them company during lonely hours.
Read Next: 10 Signs of a Happy Cat
Final Words
There you have it, 10 cats that may not be your best pick if you’re too busy to meet their social needs. It’s true that cats may not need as much attention as dogs, but if you do leave these 10 alone for a long time, one of two things will happen.
They will either suffer, or make YOU suffer. So, I strongly recommend playing with them as much as they would like. You’ll both appreciate it, trust me.
Read Next: 10 Signs Your Cat doesn’t Listen to You
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Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud parent of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is passionate about understanding cats and different cat breeds.