They keep each other company, give the cat a familiar animal to relate to, keep them from getting lonely, … If you are planning to get a cat, consider getting two of them. If you bring a second kitten into the equation, you’ll have a lot less work on your hands, because together, they’ll teach each other life lessons. Obviously, we love cats, but let's be honest here: Litterbox duty is no … This is a risky move. Bear this in mind before adopting a kitten. Cats, on the other hand, can take as long as a year to stop squabbling and start hanging out together. It works best this way. Sharing your home with a cat is a very rewarding experience. Selecting your second cat. Learn about the benefits of adopting a second cat for your family. Even if your first cat was bought from the latter, now is your chance to do a good deed and adopt a cat from the shelter. They won’t have to jump and climb so much because they’ll have their buddy to play with instead. If you’re really ready for another cat, getting through these obstacles will be a breeze. We can get two cats at once. Follow us on Twitter. When Rescuers Arrived to Help This Homeless German Shepherd, She Cried Out Just Like a Human! So, for example, if you have three cats, you need four boxes. One Cat is Cruel. If you do get a second cat to keep the first one company, it can be a challenge to help them become friends. While cats can learn to appreciate the company of other cats, there’s no certainty that the new pairing will work. It's a lot of work! Reply Get another one. Have you ever wondered if your cat gets lonely all on his own? And, of course, provide plenty of scratching posts and toys to keep everyone happy. Cats, as a rule of paw, do not like to share litter boxes. There are two important factors to consider before adopting a second cat: your current cat's age and personality. The positive impact of having multiple cats can be negated by “cohabitation anxiety” if the cats do not get along. These differences must be considered when making a match. However, you need to be sure your cat is ready and in the right position to deal with a kitten. That’s great! It’s also pertinent to keep both cats up to date on their shots, if one picks up something they are likely to pass it one to the other – it might be good to consider pet insurance for added medical costs. In other words, you’ll be a total hero. Sociable interaction with another cat can greatly enrich their daily lives. Two cats might still wake the owner by tearing around the home, but at least the owner isn’t getting up out of bed to entertain the cat. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer. If you are adopting a cat that has already lived in a group at the shelter, consider adopting one of his/her friends. Although cats have a reputation as solitary animals, they are social creatures and can thrive on forming close bonds with other creatures. Two cats might still wake the owner by tearing around the home, but at least the owner isn’t getting up out of bed to entertain the cat. But if you are ready and in the position to adopt another cat, we can tell you that there are lots of benefits to doing so. Many States and Counties set a limit on how many household pets you can have, so always check that first. Cats housed together have more opportunity to “be cats” by socializing and playing with each other, and this means they are less likely to be destructive or engage in other problematic behavior. 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Food and water can be placed in a common area, as cats seem to enjoy congregating to eat. Your cats would face a similar situation, especially if they’re in close proximity of an apartment or a small house. Once sufficient time has passed, usually anywhere from a few days to a few weeks (depending on your cats’ personalities), and both cats seem content, it is time to allow for a slow introduction. It’s certainly true that many owners get the cat bug. Cats housed in groups are less likely to exhibit aggressive or anxious behavior when each cat has at least 1 m2 of floor space and 2 m of vertical space, such as window sills and shelving. That’s why it’s vital that you know your cat and his relationship with other felines. Try not to let your cats even come into contact on … What Should You Do With The Waste From Your Morning Coffee? Don’t worry too much about the gender of the cats involved. In some cases, the new arrival will … Yes. One a woman in California, for example, owns over 700 cats. The other side of that coin is also important to consider. She just wanted her own space so we got our 2nd cat a friend and they’re all happy now. Other suitable matches include pairing a kitten with an experienced adult female, so the female can take on a “motherly” role, or pairing a “bratty” adolescent with an older, more experienced cat. That happened in my house. Are We Eating the World’s Whales and Dolphins Into Extinction? Reasons Why You Need At Least Two Cats. Cats will groom each other’s ears and coat, often getting at places the cat can’t reach on its own! Having one poorly trained dog is bad enough, but having two can cause chaos. The fact that your cat is sweet and loving with you doesn't mean they're going to be sweet to another cat. Whoever invited that squirrel who hangs outside your porch door should get a good smack, because he's your cat's arch-nemesis. Space is an absolute necessity for multiple cat homes. Cats will groom each other’s ears and coat, often getting at places the cat … Realize that multiple cats are not likely to be best buddies immediately. Get your favorite articles delivered right to your inbox! Expel Ted Cruz from Senate, Pass Keeping All Students Safe Act, and Protect Gray Wolves From Extinction: 10 Petitions to Sign this Week to Help People, Animals, and the Planet! Being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high quality content. Many people adopt a second cat thinking that the resident cat will be appreciate the companionship. Before you take in another cat, be sure you have enough space for them to live together comfortably and enough space to be able to accommodate two separate litter boxes. There are no guarantees and it’s always best to be super-cautious when introducing cats to each other. Adult cats with a history of living alone are better off remaining solitary unless you can provide so much space that the cats essentially live alone in the same home. For cats that are left on their own for long periods each day, it is a good idea to consider providing another cat for company. Kittens, as you probably already know, are energetic little creatures and they can be a lot of hard work. Well we got just the video for you! Still, there are so many reasons why two cats can be even better than one. Sometimes, the best solution is to avoid the Second Cat Problem altogether. That means training each dog separately, then training the two together. They’re litter-trained: Usually, and if not, can be taught fairly easily. Something about that puffy, twitchy tails whips your baby into a frenzy. Kittens have very little respect for territory and boundaries. Living a “green” lifestyle can be difficult, but a cat is a great … Welcoming a new cat into the family is a wonderful experience – we truly hope you and your feline companion enjoy it! “ My dog is fearful , so I … You really need to work on training with your current dog before you get another dog. Multiple litterboxes are also advisable so the cats can feel safe while eliminating. While cats are known for being solitary creatures, they do, in fact, enjoy companionship. Getting two cats who are already well-matched avoids conflicts with our present cat. Have you been thinking of getting a second cat? It’s no secret that cats can be the masters of destruction at times. Learn how your comment data is processed. In some cases, a calm mature adult with a history of maternal or social behavior can tolerate the inappropriate behavior of a younger cat with limited social skills, and in the process “teach” more socially acceptable behavior. Before you decide to add a second cat to your home, ask yourself if your cat needs a friend and if you are prepared to meet the needs of multiple cats. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. That’s probably a senior cat’s worst nightmare: his peaceful existence shattered by the antics of a … Dogs usually decide to be friends, or not, within a few hours or days. The Worst Reasons to Get a Second Dog If the reason for getting a new puppy is among the ones below, I recommend that you wait. Provided that they are well-matched and have plenty of space to live together, two cats provide each other with their necessary needs: social interaction, exercise, and mental stimulation. That is something you might consider if you’re thinking of getting a second cat. Age and temperament are the most important factors. Original Question: Should I get a second cat? Next Steps for Introducing a Second Cat. Providing access to an outdoor enclosure also significantly increases living space, except during the colder months when cats have little desire to be outside. Sign up for daily news from OneGreenPlanet. (VIDEO), Balloon Releases Are Killing Wildlife and Marine Animals – Here’s What You Can Do Instead, Why Factory Farming Is a Broken System Where Extreme Animal Cruelty and Abuse Is the Norm, 5 Ways to Naturally Protect Wood From Water Damage, Yaki Onigiri: Japanese Rice Balls With Sweet Potato and Avocado Filling [Vegan]. Does Your Cat Need a Friend? By getting another cat, there’ll be no excuse for your cat to be bored. No matter how besotted you are with that kitten you’ve seen at the shelter, remember this: if your cat is old, bringing home a young and energetic kitten is only going to cause problems. I stopped reading at 'Should I get a second cat' because i think it's tremendously beneficial to cats to have a partner around (as long as they are peaceful). Lead image source: amandanuneztejera/Pixabay. An extra cat friend (or partner in crime) provides extra mental and physical stimulation, not to mention a warm pillow to sleep on. If present cat wants to be alone, it can be arranged. Adding a second cat. This could possibly be the easiest transition. 10 Plant-Based Ramen Recipes to Keep You Cozy All Winter! Yes, sometimes, some cats can be a handful – especially if their young or you’ve taken them directly from the streets. We’re proud of you. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations. Whenever Rocket J. makes an appearance, the butt wiggle … Cats are social animals that live in colonies in the wild. One benefit is that the two cats provide each other with exercise, social interaction, and other forms of mental stimulation. Cats are huge on valuing kin, so the brotherly or sisterly love will be swell for your duo. It may be difficult to tell, as your cat might be clingy and needy with her human but not necessarily do well with another cat around her, Krieger says. I have a 1 yo neutered male cat that spends 10+ hours a day alone and sleeps by himself almost every night because I keep my bedroom door closed. So why not get your cat a buddy from the rescue shelter? Kittens, adolescents, and young adults can satisfy each other’s need to play by engaging in stalk-chase and wrestling games. Cats need to have spots for hiding so they can be alone and undisturbed. However, if you have a particularly timid cat, you may need to provide extra rations in a secluded area. While doubling the feline fun sounds appealing, there are pros and cons of getting a second cat that you need to understand first. People often ask me if they should get a kitten to help liven up their older cat. Maybe one of your cats just wants to be left alone and the other is looking for a friend. If not, you're really going to have your hands full with a second dog. Benefits of Adopting a Second Kitty … Everyone needs at least two cats. It is preferred that if you’re going to get two cats, you might as well get them from the same litter. Creamy Spinach Pasta [Vegan, Gluten-Free]. Take in another cat from the shelter and you’ll have saved not one, but two lives. So – now that you know the many perks that come along with adopting a second feline, be sure to think over the responsibilities that come with two cats before taking the plunge. Indoor cats do best with multiple sites for resting and hiding, so each cat can control how much it interacts with others. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The last thing your elderly cat needs is more stress. Now’s her chance to take on a motherly role by adopting a kitten from the shelter. Don’t rush! For cats the number is often between three and five. Petition: Pregnant Whales in Norway are Slaughtered for Commercial Whaling. This is another life you’re bringing into your home, remember. Reasons Why You Should Get A Second Cat. Of course the answer won’t be the same for everyone and getting two cats instead of one can be more of a handful. Heartbroken Dog Who Refused to Eat for 10 Days After Losing Her Guardian Says One Last Goodbye, provide each other with their necessary needs. For example, some single cats annoy their owners by trying to wake them during the night for play. To get the latest on pet adoption and pet care, sign up to hear from us. If you like the idea of getting another cat, here are some points to keep in mind: Adopt a cat who is a similar age with similar activity levels to your cat at home. By getting another cat, the two will keep each other company and stay out of trouble. They will entertain and play with one another, so even if you have to work long hours, they’ll have one another. So why do so many people stick to only having one cat and no more? As funny as it may sound, some cats genuinely do not get along with other cats. Cats are territorial, and your cat … Cats don't typically accept new members into their family right away, so … In this section we will go through the positives and negatives of getting two cats. Considerations When Getting a Second Cat | VCA Animal Hospital Regardless of what most people think, cats are social animals who thrive in bonded pairs. Another benefit of two cats is that they are sometimes cleaner than a cat living by itself. The Top Things to Look for When Choosing a Vitamin B12 Supplement, Healthy, Fiber-Rich Foods to Add to Your Smoothie to Stay Fuller Longer, 15 Healthy Plant-Based Recipes to Prevent Dry Skin and Eczema, Acid to Alkaline: Naturally Acidic Plant-Based Foods That Alkalize the Body. If you live in an apartment or are renting a space, make sure to check if multiple animals are permitted – some buildings are okay with one cat, but two may be prohibited. Disabled Goldfish Gets Life Jacket to Help Him Swim! When you consider getting a cat it is worth asking the question, should I just get one cat or should I get two? If she is getting old or has health problems, it wouldn’t be fair to pair her with an energetic kitten. Introducing the Cats Keep cats separate at first. You've accepted litterbox duty. Individual cats differ in activity level and sociability, primarily because of age differences and previous experience and exposure to other cats. You have the opportunity to save a life and give a lonely animal a lot of happiness! Some adult cats who have spent their lives alone are unable to adjust to living with other cats, so don’t stress him out by bringing home a feline if you’re sure he’s not keen. You can start by giving them each an item that contains the other one’s scent, so they can get familiar. If the only reason you’re thinking about getting a second cat is to keep your current cat company, be cautious about that. But, just as humans sometimes choose their own family, cats do the same. Another benefit of two cats is that they are sometimes cleaner than a cat living by itself. So, surely this means that the only thing that could be better than owning one cat is two cats. Each of the new cats has another cat to turn to when they want fun and companionship. Adult cats will usually accept a new kitten much more easily than they will accept a new adult cat. Otherwise, things are going to get messy. Please support us! Unlike a dog (though we have … There are two important things to consider before adding a second cat to your family: your current cat's age and his personality. What if they do get along famously, but then one of them passes away. Many cats are often left alone for hours at a time, with nothing to do. “Should I get a second cat?” If you have one kitty at home, chances are you’ve asked yourself that question at some point. How Habitat Loss is Causing Human Wildlife Conflict Around the World, 10 Reasons Why Whales and Dolphins Do NOT Belong in Tanks. By playing together, which kittens do best, they’ll learn social and hunting skills, and it will also help develop their coordination – essential for all cats. All trademarks are owned by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., or used with permission. Double the whiskers mean double the cost of cat food and litter – and way more fur on your clothing and furniture. The revved-up kitten’s attempts at playful curiosity may end up being too stressful to the senior cat. Introducing two friends to a new home can ease the transition, and you’ll be much more likely to have a successful merger. They’ll distract each other, provide twice the amount of entertainment, and sometimes you may even find them grooming each other. If your elderly cat is ill, has limited mobility or is impaired in any way then it’s not a good idea to add a second cat at all. Choosing A Second Cat. by Andrew Ilnyckyj. There are so many cats living in shelters who are in need of a forever home. It’s also important to be aware that cats can take a LONG time to learn to like each other. It’s true that many cats can benefit from having a feline buddy. Just in case you need some good excuses for adding another feline to your home, let’s take a look at why you need another cat. Improve Your Digestive Health in Just One Week With These Eating Tips! BuzzFeed Motion Pictures Staff. From their purr to their fur, there’s something so soothing about cats. Did you get your female feline spayed when you first got her? We’re all for adopting pets from shelters and against purchasing them from pet stores and breeders. Of course, like with anyone considering getting a pet, you need to give it a lot of thought before you take in another cat. America’s Funniest Videos (AFV), in association with BuzzFeed has put together these video clips to give you the reasons why you should get another cat! Adult female cats make great mothers and they can use their maternal side on a kitten – even if it’s not their own. The number of litter boxes should equal the number of cats you have, plus one. Miley Cyrus is “Head Over Heals in Love” With Angel, Her New Rescue Pit Bull! Cats are an eco-friendly pet choice. The younger they are when introduced, the greater … As much as cats love their owners, another feline friend is usually a cat's closest companion. Together, they can be lifelong best friends. 10 Plant-Based Collagen Supplements for Skin, Hair, and Nail Health, 15 Hearty and Filling High-Protein Vegan Chili Recipes, Jaw Traps and Snares: The Terrible Threat to India’s Wildlife, These Outstanding Whale Heritage Sites are Protecting and Preserving Cetacean Species Globally.