Is my pet lonely?

Human beings are social animals and in general we like to live together, so when we see an animal in captivity, on it's own we often feel sorry for it and inclined to get it a friend, but this is not always the best thing to do.

Certain types of hamsters can be very territorial and if they are kept together they will fight but others are happy living together if they are the same sex. 

We also hear of many stories of goldfish being put together and not surviving but this is not necessarily the fish not getting on, but is more down to the space they are provided. Two goldfish together need at least 40 gallons of water to live happily in and bowls are just not big enough even for one goldfish. Given the proper environment goldfish can live up to 20 years!!

Cats and dogs can get lonely too and depressed or aggresive, but if you give them lots of love, attention and entertainment, they will generally be happy.

Have you ever worried about your pet being lonely or even depressed?