Pros and Cons of Adding a Second Cat to Your Household
Cats have long been considered solitary animals, but as descendants of the African wildcat, they tend toward complex communal and egalitarian social structures. While it’s true that our domestic felines aren’t pack animals the way dogs are, the idea of them as antisocial loners is simply inaccurate. That’s good news for the many cat owners who’d like to add a second (or third) cat to their household. If you’re among them, here’s what you need to know before making that commitment.
Understanding Cat Social Dynamics
Domestic cats, when left to their own devices, tend to form loose-knit cooperative groups called colonies comprising primarily females and their offspring. Members recognize one another with friendly nose touches, tail hugs, and rubbing, meant to strengthen bonds and mingle scents. Unfamiliar cats, or those outside the colony, might be greeted with hostility initially, but may, with repeated exposure, be accepted into the group.
Understanding the nature of cats and how colonies operate can help smooth the transition when adding a new cat and ensure a positive experience for your whole family.
Does Your Cat Need a Friend?
While cats can enjoy living with a friend or family member, they can also enjoy solo living. If your cat is currently living alone but seems bored or lonely, they may benefit from enrichment, like a food puzzle, climbing space, new scratching surfaces, or simulated hunting toys or games. To live a fulfilled life, cats need to engage in natural, instinctive behaviors. They don’t necessarily need another cat friend.
Purrsonality Matters
Age is a common factor to consider when adding a new cat since younger cats are more adaptable. However, personality might be more important. Shy, timid, and territorial cats often struggle with the transition from only cat to kitty sibling. Social, friendly, extroverted cats are more likely to be ready to mingle. Kittens are also easier to introduce to established family members. Resident cats generally recognize that kittens are babies and extend them a bit more grace.
The Introduction Process: Slow and Sure
Once you’ve chosen your new family member, it’s time to begin the introduction process. For the best chances of success, you must go slow. Keep the resident cat’s routine the same as much as possible, and place the new cat in a room where they can remain confined with everything they need, including toys, food, water, a bed, and a litter box. Keep them separated for at least a week or until they get a clean bill of health from the vet. Take your time, and don’t rush the cats. They might not be BFFs, but with work, they can coexist peacefully.
Is Sharing Caring?
As mentioned, cats are territorial. They can share some things, but to ensure a peaceful transition, be sure that they have ample options. This means they should each have their bowls, beds, scratching posts, and toys. For litter boxes, have at least one litter box per cat and a spare. If you have two cats, that means three litter boxes.
While the biggest pros of a multi-cat household is the love you can share with your cats, there can be some cons, too. With more cats comes the possibility of bigger veterinary bills. Territorial squabbles can bring behavior issues, like inappropriate scratching or spraying. The rewards, however, often outweigh the cons for many cat owners. For them, cats are like chips, and you cannot simply have one.
At Cozy Cat Suites cat boarding, we welcome multi-cat families and offer spacious cat boarding suites that can accommodate bonded kitties. Contact us today to find out more!
