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Multiple Household Cats
For many people, a single cat is the ideal
situation. However, for others, cats seem to be like potato
chips. They can't stop with just one. This is partly because there are
so many wonderful cat breeds and partly because most cats enjoy the
companionship of other cats.
Is owning more than one cat right for the cat you already
own? If your cat is home alone for long periods of time and seems to be
lonely, he may enjoy having another cat around. In addition, an older
cat will often develop a new lease on life when a new kitten joins the
family. However, cats who enjoy their solitude or are very territorial
towards their homes and families may not appreciate sharing their lives
with another cat.
There are also a few things for the humans in the household to consider.
A new kitten means having to go through all of the frustrations of
litter box training all over again. In addition, don't forget about the
expense of vaccinating and neutering your kitten. Adding an older cat to
the family can also be a challenge, as the cat will have to adjust to a
new home and may develop behavioral or health problems.
Although some people feel that their cats will be more at home with a
cat from the same breed, many cats are quite happy to hang out with
other cat breeds. Of course, you may want to reconsider pairing a
boisterous, clownish Rex cat with a standoffish Russian Blue. Cat breeds
with similar traits do better together than cats that are completely
different. Of course, the Himilayan Persian and the Maine Coon breeds
are so laid back and friendly that they adapt well to life with the most
demanding or rambunctious cats.
Before you bring your new cat home, you will need to set up an
area for him to stay in while he adjusts. You may even want to put him
in a crate, especially if you are unsure whether he is litter box
trained. Allow him to settle in for a day or so before you worry about
introducing him to the rest of the family.
Instead of placing the cats together immediately, allow your original
cat to grow accustomed to the new arrival gradually. For a smooth
transition, be sure he does not have to share his own litter box, food
and water bowls, or toys with the newcomer. Besides the fact that your
cat may not like to share, there are important health reasons for giving
each cat his own supplies. You can reduce the chance of your cats
spreading diseases to each other and you can more easily monitor the
appetite of each cat if they have separate litter boxes and food bowls.
Also, cats who are forced to share litter boxes may decide to create
their own private litter boxes in other, less convenient places, such as
the closet floor.
Of course, there is one major problem with having multiple cats.
Once you have two or more cats, everyone with a stray or unwanted cat
will assume they can convince you to add just one more to the family.
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