We frequently observe families with two or more dogs keeping multiple cats for years without any problem. Since cats are considered solitary, independent, and aloof, you may wonder, “should I get another cat” or “can two or more cats get along together.” Let’s discuss the matter in detail.
Is It a Good Idea To Get the 2nd Cat?
You can answer this question both ways: yes and no. It always depends on the personality of the cat you already have. Though naturally, cats are a bit solitary and territorial to some extent, this doesn’t mean cats are antisocial.
Most cats are social but may be in a different way than we expect. Let’s discuss the reason or circumstances when you should get another cat for your feline companion.
Your Cat Is Extrovert & Wants To Make Friends
Suppose your cat spends much time outside or is often seen with other cats playing or sharing a sunbath place. In that case, it means that your cat has a social personality and likes to make friends.
In addition, a cat that goes outside often is more likely to involve in fights or accidents. So it’s a good idea to add another feline to your family because cats with such personalities are sure to welcome a new friend. When your cat has a friend at home, he is less likely to go outside and get injured.
Your Cat Recently Lost His Companion
If you already have two cats living in harmony with each other for a long time, and suddenly one of them is lost or dies for any reason, the cat left behind may feel grieved, sad and lonely. In such a case, getting another cat is necessary to provide companionship to the grieved cat. Since your cat was already living with another cat, he will accept the new one quickly and will return to everyday life soon.
You Adopted Your Cat From a Rescue
Mostly at rescue centers, cats are kept in pairs (or sometimes in groups). So if you are adopting a cat from the shelter (where he was kept as pair), it’s always a good decision to adopt the other cat too.
If you separate the already bonded cats, both members of the pair (especially the cat alone at your home) are likely to suffer from separation anxiety. However, if your cat’s pair mate is unavailable for whatever reason, consider adopting another cat who appears to like other cats.
You Are Adopting a New Kitten
If you want to keep two cats at home, it’s best to adopt two kittens (instead of one) when you adopt a kitten. This is so because; kittens are more playful (rather than solitary and territorial) and accept each other quickly. So cats paired from kittenhood and brought up together go along well with one another for their whole life.
Things To Consider Before Getting Another Cat
- The most crucial aspect of adopting a second cat is to consider the personality of your feline friend already present in the house. Some cats are happy on their own and may not accept another inclusion or may not like to share their space with a newcomer.
- The age of the cat also matters a lot. As mentioned earlier, kittens accept each other easily and quickly, while adult cats take more time to become familiar with each other, depending on their personalities.
- Consider adopting a second cat only if you have enough space for two cats to accommodate. Primarily territorial conflicts arise among cats when there is not enough space for them to live. However, it’s ok if you have enough room in your house to install multiple cat trees, window perches, litter boxes, and cat beds.
- Another essential factor is the cost; can you afford to have two cats? In addition to the installments mentioned above, feeding and medical expenses will also increase.
- Knowing how to introduce a new cat to the previous one is necessary. Suppose you don’t introduce both cats properly. In that case, even social cats may not get along, and you may have to reconsider your decision to adopt a second cat.
Conclusion
So should you get another cat? Of course, it’s up to you, but remember to consider all the tips above before making this change. Ourselves, we like to say the more cats, the better! But we can not deny that there are some important things to consider before turning into a crazy cat lady or a gentleman.
Thank you for reading. Hopefully, deciding if you should get another furry friend will be much easier.
