Before You Adopt a Cat
- 1. Adopting the Right Cat For You
- 2. Thinking of Adopting a Cat?
- 3. Thinking of Adopting a Cat? (Spanish Version)
- 4. Why Adopt a Second Cat?
Why Adopt a Second Cat?
Dr. Jill Goldman and Dr. Pam Reid
There are benefits to having two cats, but they apply only
when the two cats are well matched and have enough physical space
to live together comfortably. One benefit is that the two cats
provide each other with exercise, social interaction, and other
forms of mental stimulation. 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. For example,
some single cats annoy their owners by trying to wake them during
the night for play. 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. Another benefit of
two cats is that they are sometimes cleaner than a cat living by
itself. Cats will groom each other’s ears and coat, often
getting at places the cat can’t reach on its own!
The positive impact of having multiple cats can be negated by
“cohabitation anxiety” if the cats do not get along.
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. It’s also
important to be aware that cats can take a LONG time to learn to
like each other. Dogs usually decide to be friends, or not,
within a few hours or days. Cats, on the other hand, can take as
long as a year to stop squabbling and start hanging out
together.
Individual cats differ in activity level and sociability,
primarily because of age differences and previous experience and
exposure to other cats. These differences must be considered when
making a match. Kittens, adolescents, and young adults can
satisfy each other’s need to play by engaging in
stalk-chase and wrestling games. 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. 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.
Space is an absolute necessity for multiple cat homes. The
Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition found that 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. Providing access to an
outdoor enclosure also significantly increases living space,
except during the colder months when cats have little desire to
be outside. Indoor cats do best with multiple sites for resting
and hiding, so each cat can control how much it interacts with
others. Cats need to have spots for hiding so they can be alone
and undisturbed. Multiple litterboxes are also advisable so the
cats can feel safe while eliminating. The number of litter boxes
should equal the number of cats you have, plus one. So, for
example, if you have three cats, you need four boxes. And, of
course, provide plenty of scratching posts and toys to keep
everyone happy. Food and water can be placed in a common area, as
cats seem to enjoy congregating to eat. However, if you have a
particularly timid cat, you may need to provide extra rations in
a secluded area.
Realize that multiple cats are not likely to be best buddies
immediately. There are no guarantees and it’s always best
to be super-cautious when introducing cats to each other. Refer
to the ASPCA’s guidelines for introducing cats.
If you are adopting a cat that has already lived in a group at
the shelter, consider adopting one of his/her friends.
Introducing two friends to a new home can ease the transition,
and you’ll be much more likely to have a successful
merger.
© 2004 ASPCA
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Before You Adopt: Before You Adopt a Cat:
Feline Coat Colors
