Should I Get Another Cat Quiz

a tabby cat and a black and white cat lie next to each other on a bed

Multi cat households

Cats are naturally solitary animals and are oft happy without the company of their ain species. They are territorial animals who don't like conflict with other cats.
Related cats tend to get on improve than those who aren't family, so getting littermates is best if you lot desire more than than one cat
Provide one litter tray per cat, plus one more, to proceed all your cats happy
Introducing a new cat to an existing true cat in the household takes time and patience – just don't worry, nosotros take advice for this!

Domesticated cats are descendants of African wild cats and although their social structure has changed slightly during domestication, virtually of today'southward moggies maintain many of their predecessor'south natural instincts. Unlike social species such equally humans, dogs, rabbits and rats, cats are naturally lonely predators and are often content without the visitor of their own species. But these animals have adapted to alive in our modern world and, given the right circumstances and plentiful resources, cats tin often co-be peacefully with their own kind and some may even get practiced friends.

Related cats tend to get on better than those that are not, so if you lot want to have more one cat, then it's a good idea to take on littermates. However, to ensure their relationship is every bit harmonious every bit possible, you'll yet need to make sure your home is set up in a way that volition proceed them happy. If you want to introduce a new cat to an existing cat in the home, then information technology's important to practise this carefully and slowly to let them get used to each other.

Getting a cat when you already have one (or more)

It is really difficult to tell whether a cat (usually a solitary animal) will be happy to live happily alongside another cat joining their household. In that location are some questions you tin can ask yourself that will help guide y'all to the right decision for your existing cat, only post-obit a careful introduction procedure will assistance them get off on the right paw.

How does your existing cat get on with others in the neighbourhood? If your cat doesn't like other cats coming into their space and they get anxious or ambitious when this happens, this could exist a sign that they wouldn't accept sharing their home with another cat. Some breeds are best suited to being merely-cats, such equally Bengals.
Neutered cats tend to get forth much ameliorate than those which are not neutered because of the lack of hormones
Related cats become on meliorate than cats from exterior the family line
Cats tin can suffer from stress, so if your existing cat is unwell it's non the best time to get a new one
Younger cats are more likely to accepts new feline members of the household than older pusses
Is your home of a size that can let each true cat their own space where they can go abroad from other cats in the home if they wish?

When a cat who has lived with another true cat dies, information technology is mutual for owners to desire to get another cat and then their remaining cat isn't lonely. Cats have unique social needs which ways they may non feel the need for some other companion, fifty-fifty if they accept lived peacefully aslope some other true cat for many years. They may not bond with a new true cat at all. If you wish to go another true cat we recommend giving your surviving true cat fourth dimension to adapt to life without their companion and avoid getting a new cat or kitten straight away. Getting a new cat soon after the death of another cat could cause your pet even more stress. For more information virtually true cat grief, read our advice hither.

How do I know if my cats similar each other?

Cats with a close bond volition normally brandish obvious signs that they consider themselves to exist part of the same 'social group'. These signs might include grooming each other, rubbing their bodies together and sleeping or lying correct next to each other. They may greet each other regularly by touching noses or by a pocket-size meow every bit they pass.

two black and white kittens sit next to each other and look directly at the camera — Related cats get on better than cats who aren't family, so if you'd like more than one its a skillful idea to get littermates

How do I know if my cats aren't getting along?

As cats are not social in the same way that people or dogs are, they take a limited manner of communicating their feelings.
Tension between cats living together isn't very obvious, so it's of import to exist enlightened of some of the more subtle behaviours that may indicate a lack of harmony. These may include:
•   over-grooming
•   over-eating or under-eating
•   hiding
•   avoiding the other cat/cats
•   changes in character such every bit non wanting to play every bit much or seek every bit much attention from you
•   soiling and/or urine spraying around the home

You may also notice that one true cat might cake another from accessing important resource such as cat flaps, walkways, litter trays and food.

Although most cats would adopt to avert serious fighting, you may see some hissing, yowling or chasing. Some cats volition go into fights if they experience that there is no other selection and it'south important to seek assistance if this is the case as cat scratches and bites can be serious.

Keeping cats happy in a multi cat household

Cats do not instinctively savour sharing important resources with each other and when they are put in a situation where they have to exercise so, it can upshot in unnecessary stress and conflict. The good news is that pocket-size adjustments tin frequently make a big difference to the way cats feel almost living together. These tips should help them – and you – live a harmonious life:

Food

Feed your cats separately in different areas. Bated from not wanting to share, near cats do not like to eat in the presence of other felines.
If your cats are a healthy weight consider leaving food down permanently for them as most are very good at self-regulating their diet. If this isn't possible, for example if i cat needs to exist on a particular nutrition and the other(southward) does not, split their normal daily allowance into smaller, more frequent meals to give the impression that food is in abundance.

H2o

Given the option, almost cats beverage in a different location to where they are fed. This is why nosotros often see them drinking from puddles, our own spectacles of water, or the tap. Provide several water bowls effectually the business firm, allowing your cats to cull where to drink from.
Cats often prefer wide, shallow bowls filled to the brim then they can potable while keeping an eye on their surroundings. Ceramic bowls are oft favoured over plastic.

Litter trays

Cats tin can feel very vulnerable when toileting and this is specially true of cats in homes where more than 1 cat lives. Having to share litter trays is stressful for almost cats and may be a cause of stress-related cystitis.
Providing a variety of trays (both open and hooded) in different, easily accessible and quiet locations around the domicile will really help – the full general rule of thumb is one per cat, plus an extra tray. Most cats will prefer fine gravel/sand textures to dig in and it is important to remove wet/soiled litter regularly.
If y'all are concerned that your cat is having difficulty toileting, it's essential you contact your vet immediately as an obstruction tin can be very unsafe

Human interaction and play

Having time to play and be groomed by you while other cats are out of the room can exist very beneficial, especially for more than nervous or shy cats
It's important that you make some time for this if they savour it, specially if they concur back when the more confident true cat is around

Safe sleeping places/retreats

Cats spend a dandy bargain of their time resting or sleeping, and it'due south important that they feel safe when doing so. They will often choose high places to retreat to, especially if they are feeling vulnerable.
Making sure such spaces like this are available when needed (such as the top of a wardrobe or inside a cupboard) will help requite them a sense of space and prophylactic. Cat scratching posts with different platforms are too good for this.

Pheromones

The use of plug-ins and sprays such as Feliway and Felifriend release pheromones that tin help make a cat feel more secure and content
Using these in a multi cat household tin be effective at reducing stress and conflict betwixt cats

— Page final updated 27/08/2019