Concerned cat owners adopt a cute kitten to make their cat happier, and hilariously, he falls in love with her so hard, he now wants nothing to do with his owners: 'Is it normal for Charlie to be less interested in us?'

Author image for Mariel Ruvinsky
Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
Jan 31, 2026 10:00 AM EST

We would do anything to make our cats happy, even get them a cat of their own. 

It's a good solution in some situations. Adopting a cat for your cat is something that you should consider doing if you are often not home, if you are unable to spend a lot of time with your cats. It's something you should consider if the cat came from a family and is used to being around other felines. It could be a good thing for them. But if you do that… you have to be prepared for changes. 

You want your cat to love the new kitten. You want your cat and kitten to become best friends. If you're adopting a kitten for your cat to make your cat happy, then you actually want for it to work - for the two of them to bond and have fun with one another. You can't be upset about them. You can't be upset they're spending less time with you now. Well, no, we take that back. You can be upset about it. We probably would be too. But you should remember why you did it, that it's for a good cause, that it's what you wanted. 

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  • 01

    "My cat doesn't want anything to do with me after I brought home a kitten"

    Cheezburger Image 10599941376
    via ceruleanmeadows
  • 02
    So, my husband and I have had Charlie (on the right, 3 years old) for a year now. From the beginning, he was very affectionate and always needed to be in close proximity to me.
    via ceruleanmeadows
  • 03
    We always joked that he hated my husband, but really he just preferred me and almost acted like my husband wasnt around.
    via ceruleanmeadows
  • 04
    My husband and I work schedules that only left him alone for 4 hours a day three days a week, so he spent a lot of time with someone around. He seemed to be distressed when I'd get home from work, even with what little time he was home alone.
    via ceruleanmeadows
  • 05
    Around October of last year, I saw a stray kitten outside and brought her in to bring to the shelter the next morning. She stayed in the bathroom and I never let them see each other,
    via ceruleanmeadows
  • 06
    but Charlie seemed really interested in her and wasn't hissing or getting violent so we started considering getting him a friend. He's always had a very calm temperament and rarely played, so we thought a kitten might liven him up.
    via ceruleanmeadows
  • 07
    In November, we brought home Laika (on the left, 8 weeks old when we adopted her)! She's the polar opposite of Charlie (cuddly but very independent, extremely playful, classic kitten energy).
    via ceruleanmeadows
  • 08
    We kept her in our bathroom for two days before introducing them. I took two more days off of work to monitor them throughout the day, and they hit it off immediately (this picture was taken a week after we brought Laika home)!
    via ceruleanmeadows
  • 09
    Now, Charlie is so much more playful and energetic and still greets us when we get home, but he doesn't seem sad like he did before. They both get along well and I've only had to separate them once when I felt like Charlie was playing too rough, but Laika immediately went back to playing with him no problem.
    via ceruleanmeadows
  • 10
    A few weeks into having Laika, we had to bring her to the vet for some vaccines and a general check up. I heard that some cats will have a negative reaction to the smell of the cat who went to the vet so I monitored them for a couple days, but they acted completely normal. I'm sorry if this is getting long, I'm just trying to think of absolutely everything I can.
    via ceruleanmeadows
  • 11
    My question is, is it normal for Charlie to be less interested in us now that there's a kitten around? He's still sweet and affectionate, some days he'll follow me around until I hold him like a baby and kiss him still.
    via ceruleanmeadows
  • 12
    But he never plays with us anymore, even with his favorite toys, and mostly follows Laika around or hangs out alone in his tower. Laika has gotten a long clingier with us over the last few weeks, and when she comes to cuddle Charlie will follow her but tends to stay away otherwise
    via ceruleanmeadows

  • Sigh, we understand your concerns, but we cannot help but smile and sigh with joy at this whole situation. You got this kitty for your cat so that your cat could be a little happier, and it ended up working a little too well. Problems that we wish we would have. It could have gone way differently. The fact that they are so friendly with one another is an amazing thing. And your cat doesn't hate you or anything now. Your cat still cares for you, still wants your attention, still shows you love. Your kitty just has a cool, new, energetic friend to follow around and enjoy. And that is a good thing. 

  • 13
    picture of two cats cuddling
    via Unsplash / Mariellem Oliveira - mariellem

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 14
    bestgrapeinthepunnet This is such an adorable story!! I'm not an expert, but sounds like they have a bond and Charlie now has what he needs socially via the kitten, so doesn't need to come to his humans as much.
    via bestgrapeinthepunnet
  • 15
    picture of two cats cuddling
    via Unsplash / Marek Studzinski - jccards

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 16
    Razmataaza Sounds the same as human children. Once they go to kindergarten they make friends and see mom as mom more than playmate.
    via Razmataaza
  • 17
    picture of two cats cuddling
    via Unsplash / Himanshu Choudhary

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • Honestly, it would not surprise us if, over time, your kitty became more affectionate with you again. Right now, he is just excited about this new friend. And really, can we blame him? If we have a kitten anywhere near us, we are distracted too. Soon enough, the novelty of it will wear off, and your cat will be back to his regular self. Or not, and you really ended up bringing together an amazing bonded pair. Either option is an option that you should be happy about, even if it means a little less cuddle time with you guys. 

  • 18
    Many_Mud_8194 My 2 cents is cats will ask for hugs and pet also when they get bored, so I think your cat is just so busy he doesn't have the need for the hugs. But his feeling for you didn't change.
    via Many_Mud_8194
  • 19
    Imaginary-Tart9916 Sounds like you got your cat a kitten, lol. He's busy with his new kitten.
    via Imaginary-Tart9916

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aww wholesome cat adorable adoption heartwarming cute adopted story Cats rescue
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