Should I Get a Second Cat?
Many cat owners ask themselves, “Does my cat need a friend? Should I get a second cat?” While cats have a reputation as independent and solitary in nature, many still prefer and can benefit from a feline friend in the household. However, it’s important to consider several factors before making the decision to add another cat to the family.
Cats are social creatures and enjoy companionship but they don’t always show it. Cats can form something like friendship but social pairings among cats are complicated. Not all will work out. Kittens need kittens but adults are more challenging.
Don’t just get a second cat because you feel sorry for it or fall for that cute cat you see on Petfinder or in the local adoption center. I won’t deny I’ve done it. Sometimes it worked out fine. But the only adoption I’ve ever really regretted was that sort of a situation.
You should put a lot of thought in before you get a second cat. Cats are territorial at heart and don’t necessarily want to share space. They also hate change. Introductions need to be handled carefully. Bringing in a new cat may stress out your existing cat. It can cause anxiety and even physical problems if your kitty is prone to flare ups of underlying illness.
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Key Takeaways
- Pay attention to signs that your cat may want a friend, such as boredom or loneliness.
- Consider whether a multiple cat family fits your lifestyle before making the decision to get a second cat.
- Choose the right second cat based on factors such as temperament and age.
- Introduce the cats slowly.
Signs Your Cat Wants a Friend
If you’re considering getting a second cat, it’s important to know if your current cat actually wants a feline companion. Here are some signs that your cat might be lonely and in need of a friend.
Neediness
If your cat is constantly seeking your attention and following you around the house, this could be a sign that they are craving social interaction. While cats are often seen as independent animals, they still have social needs that need to be met. If your cat is always seeking attention from you, they might benefit from having another cat around to play with.
Eating Too Much or Too Little
Just like people, cats may eat out of boredom if there is nothing else to do. Some cats overeat when they are feeling anxious. Others may get depressed and lose their appetite altogether. If you notice a sudden change in your cat’s eating habits, it’s worth considering whether they might be feeling lonely and in need of a companion. Have your vet check Kitty out first before you come to the conclusion.
Over or Under Grooming
If your cat is over-grooming themselves, it could be a sign of stress or anxiety. On the other hand, if they are neglecting their grooming routine, it could be a sign that they are feeling lonely and depressed. A second cat could help provide the social stimulation your cat needs to feel happy and content.
Sleeping Too Much
Anyone who lives with cats knows they sleeping a lot. Still, increased, or excessive, sleeping could be a sign that Kitty is bored. A second cat could provide your cat with a playmate to keep them entertained, which could help reduce the amount of time they spend sleeping.
Litter Box Issues
Cats are such creatures of habit that litter box issues are an obvious message to us. If Kitty begins to pee around the house, you should visit veterinarian immediately to make sure there is no medical problem. A furry friend could help if the problem is separation anxiety, loneliness or boredom. The social interaction may relax Kitty and let her be more content, which could help resolve litter box issues.
Destructive Behavior
If your cat is scratching furniture, chewing on cords, or engaging in other destructive behaviors, it could be a sign that they are feeling stressed or bored. “If there’s nothing to do and no one to play with, the cat will find something,” Behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett says. “Because they’re predators, they are born to move and discover.” Providing your cat with a companion could help redirect their energy into more positive activities, like playing or cuddling with their new friend.
Any of these signs might indicate Kitty would benefit from having a feline companion. However, it is important to get Kitty checked out by your vet first because these signs could also be symptoms of a medical problem.
Does a Multiple Cat Family Fit Your Lifestyle?
When considering adding a second cat to your household, it’s important to assess whether a multiple cat family would fit your lifestyle.
Are Your Expectations of a Second Cat Reasonable?
It’s important to have reasonable expectations when adding a second cat to your household. While some cats may become fast friends, others may take longer to adjust to each other’s presence. It’s important to understand that cats are individuals with their own personalities and preferences. It can take weeks or even months for your cats to make up their minds about each other.
“We have expectations about what it should look like — that these two cats should be cuddling and grooming each other — and that’s what causes adoptions [of second cats] to fail,”
Jackson Galaxy, cat behavioristhttps://nypost.com/2015/09/06/5-questions-to-ask-before-adopting-a-second-cat/
If you’re expecting your cats to cuddle and play together all the time from the beginning, you may be disappointed. However, if you are patient and willing to give your cats time and space to get to know each other, you are likely rewarded with a happy and harmonious multi-cat household.
Do You Have the Resources to Support a Second Cat?
Adding a second cat to your household also means doubling up on resources. You’ll need to have enough space, feeding stations, litter boxes, and toys for both cats. It’s important to provide each cat with their own set of resources to avoid territorial competition and potential conflicts.
It’s also important to consider the financial aspect of adding a second cat. Veterinary care, food, and litter can add up quickly, so make sure you have the resources to provide for both cats.
Time is the final resource to consider. Do you have time to socialize, play, and cuddle with your furbabies both together and each alone?
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Second Cat
Now that you’ve decided to get a second cat, here are some important factors to keep in mind when choosing your new feline friend.
Personality of Your Resident Cat
The personality of your resident cat is possibly the most important factor to consider when choosing a second cat. It’s important to choose a second cat that has a similar temperament. If you have a timid cat, she would probably do better with a laid-back, calm, mellow cat. A dominant cat will most likely do better with a self-assured, calmer cat.
Now that you’ve decided to get a second cat and have a handle on your resident cat’s personality, create a profile for the cat you are looking to adopt. Consider these factors:
Age
Age is one of the most important factors to consider when you get a second cat. A cat close in age to your resident cat is a better match than one that’s much younger or much older.
Size
Size is also an important factor to consider when choosing a second cat. Size can make a difference, especially if you have a more dominant cat. It may not be a good idea to introduce a much larger cat to the household if your current cat is small. Larger cats can be intimidating to smaller cats, which can lead to aggression and other behavioral issues. This is obviously somewhat related to age.
Temperament
The temperament and personality of the second cat is should complement your cat. If your resident cat is very friendly and outgoing, a more reserved and shy cat may not be the best match. On the other hand, if your resident cat is shy and introverted, a more outgoing and friendly cat may help bring them out of their shell. Two very shy cats is not the best choice. They are likely to bond with each other rather than with you. Two exceptionally dominant cats will be harder to blend.
Gender
It is not always necessary to choose a cat of the opposite gender, especially if both cats are spayed/neutered. But it can help reduce the chances of aggression and territorial behavior. If you have a male cat, it may be a good idea to get a female cat as a second cat. Two males will likely bond more easily than two females. Females are the hardest to blend overall.
Related Post: Does Gender Matter When Adopting a Second Cat?
Breed
The breeds of your kitty and of the kitty you are considering adopting give you some clues of their personalities. Do you want a lap cat or something more active? Do you mind a cat with a lot of grooming needs? How about a talkative Siamese or an energetic Bengal?
Choose the breed that suits your lifestyle best. Maybe you want to choose a cat that is the same breed you already have, or maybe you want something different. The positives of choosing a pedigreed cat is that making guesses about their personalities are more predictable. Go by appearance and best guess if you prefer a mixed breed.
Background
Some cats are just naturally more socially inclined than others. But the more you can find out about the kitty’s background the better. A cat with a nurturing kittenhood will become a better adjusted cat than one that was on the street or in an abusive or neglectful environment.
Shelter cats who have spent time in community rooms with others are usually more accepting of living with others than one that was alone. Kittens are very adaptable. Younger cats will be young enough to remember the fun of playing with littermates and kittens are always up for play.
Introduction
Overall, choosing a second cat requires careful consideration of several factors. By choosing a cat that complements your resident cat’s personality, age, size, temperament, and gender, you can increase the chances of a successful introduction and a happy household. It is important to introduce new cats slowly and carefully to ensure that both cats are happy and comfortable in their new living situation.
The process that is usually recommended is one of desensitizing Kitty to the existence of his new friend gradually:
- Swap scents. Cats’ sense of smell is much stronger than their eyesight. Let them use it. Keep the new cat in his own space. Don’t let the two meet until they are curious rather than stressed.
- Swap spaces. Let the cats take turns exploring the main space and the safe space of the new cat without seeing each other.
- Feeding the cats on opposite sides of the door. Then try it with a tall pet gate or screen door between them so they can see each other but not get to each other.
- Supervised visitation and playtime. Make it fun. Toss treats and play with wand style toys. Lengthen the time they spend together until they are relaxed in the other’s presence.
For more information on how to introduce cats, click on the post below.
Related Post: How to Introduce a New Cat to Your Home
Conclusion
Deciding whether to get a second cat can be a difficult decision. There are many factors to consider, including the personalities of the cats, the living space available, and the financial cost of owning another pet.
A second cat can provide companionship for both cats and reduce destructive behavior. Cats are social animals and often thrive in the company of other cats. However, introducing a new cat to an existing cat can be challenging and may result in territorial behavior or fighting. It is important to take the time to properly introduce the cats and to monitor their behavior closely.
