Well, two cats are always better than one :-)

For myself, I wouldn't be happy having a cat if there wasn't access to a
garden, I don't much like the idea of them being confined indoors on a
permanent basis.

Regarding being left alone though, different cats do have different
personalities, my Missy can sometimes be quite happy on her own for long
periods, but I do know that she misses me if I'm not there. When I spent
the night away from home a few weeks ago (there was someone else in the
house, so she wasn't on her own) she knew I was coming home before I got
in the door and she was all over me purring and demanding to be fussed and
fed :-)

Having said that a friend has three cats, and it's not unknown for one of
them to disappear for days and then wander back in as though she'd just
been gone for half an hour..!

Personally I wouldn't worry if you're only away for a few hours, but I
would never leave a cat alone for more than a day, and then only in
exceptional circumstances.

It's a fallacy that cats are loners and independent, they need love and
companionship as much as anyone else.

Ivor

They are ALWAYS happier when there are two. This is without exception.

Cats are really not as much loners as people tend to think.  It is more a
matter of how we keep them that they appear to be so.

A second cat is always better, both for the cat and for you.  If you do not
have a second cat, you will need to make sure that you provide the time with
your cat misses being with a second cat.  It can amount to an hour or two a
day in play etc and that is in addition to any regular socializing that you
do petting / lap fungus time/ etc that may go on anyway.  The cat will need
you more as you are the only living thing that it can interact with.  It can
also prevent behavioral problems that might otherwise appear.  It will not
prevent all problems but it will help.  Also if there is no other cat about
and if for some reason you cannot keep the cat, the cat will probably not be
able to be housed with another cat because it hasn't been socialized at all
and so fears/hates being around any other cat..  Best solution is to get a
couple of cats that are already together, a couple of kittens from the same
litter, or a couple of young kittens that would get along much faster than a
couple of adults.  Like some people though, some cats really are loners.

Best of luck.

Larry Osborne

I think that another cat would help him not to feel alone, but I have a cat,
who is always alone during the day.
There is no choice as I have to work so...
but he is not at all an unhappy cat, believe me. So do not worry, cats are
independent beings, they need love but as every being they need a good
quality love.

It is true, most of the time they sleep during the day, if you can be with
him it is better, but if you can't do not worry too much.
My cat is 2 years and a half old and has a big terrace, so does not suffer
during the day... he has his own activities like catching flies and some
other insects and playing with everything.

Ciao and have a nice day,

Emanuela

My Sabrina does fine being alone all day.   Actually, since she's always
been an "only cat" she has definately shown her distaste to other animals
(cats or dogs) being in the house.   Even now that we've had the dog for 9
months, she still doesn't really like her.

Also, on the weekends when we are home all day long, Sabrina tends to spend
little time out with us until the evening hours.   She will tend to spend
her daytime hours (the hours we are usually at work) either sleeping on the
bed or on the couch or sleeping just about anywhere.

But, in the evenings, that is her time to be with us.   Even if we have been
home all day and she's been sleeping on the bed, come "dinner" time (5pm for
her, when we usually get home) she's out looking for attention.   Feed me,
then I'll come love all over you for a while.

Now - if by being alone you mean overnight or for days on end, I don't think
that is healthy, even if you had 2 cats to keep each other company.   We've
done the occasional overnighter away where we'll have someoen stop in to see
her, and even if we are gone for 1 night, when we get home we hear about it
with the snotty meow and "you will sit and pet me till i'm ready for you to
stop" ... (we get lectured by her, let me tell you).

Another consideration, it is always best to get cats as pairs from the
beginning.   Introducing a second cat at a later date, you may find the 2
cats never get along together.   Just a thought.   I've seen this happen
before.

Being an indoor only cat is not breed specific. Any cat, regardless of
breed, or lack thereof, can be indoor only. I have 6 dsh's that are indoors
99.9% of the time. They have a fenced in balcony for fresh air, bird
watching and sun beams. Most breeders, (reputable ones that is), here in the
states keep their cats inside. Unless you really want a Ragdoll for whatever
reason, (other than it being an indoor cat), why not adopt from your local
shelter? Chances are you'll save money....quite a lot actually...and save a
life in the process. While there, you could look for siblings, and adopt
both.

Nina

Hi Chris, I have a Ragdoll too, they really need more company than any other
cat I have ever had, in fact my daughters Ragdoll got so lonely being left
alone for 6 hours a day, that her neighbours could hear it crying.  She has
to work more hours now so she has brought it down to me to look after.
Because the 2 Ragdolls get on so well my daughter has decided to let me keep
her for good, which I am thrilled about. We also have a half Ragdoll....

You may be better off getting 2 ragdolls, or a Ragdoll and another cat! but
please remember Ragdolls are very docile animals and do NOT defend
themselves, so please be very careful what other cat you bring into your
house! otherwise you will wind up with one very un happy Ragdoll :-(

good luck