I am considering adopting a cat, but was told I should adopt two cats. Why?
Cats are family-oriented and usually live with their relatives. Cats will sleep together, share common feeding areas, and groom one another within family groups. For this reason, cats often do well when adopted in pairs. In addition, studies have shown that families who adopt two kittens from the same litter are far more likely to keep those cats in their home long-term than families adopting a single kitten.
Many adult cats, in contrast, are not very tolerant of other adult cats outside their family group. When adopting an adult cat, it may be best to add only one cat to the family.
If I already have a single cat, should I get another cat to keep it company?
If your cat is an adult and is already established within your home as the only cat, then you should think carefully before introducing another feline. With time, it should be possible to introduce a new cat into an existing household, but this may take days, weeks, or months for a successful, gradual introduction. Even with great care, some adult cats never accept another adult cat into the home.
That said, each cat’s personality and genetic tendency toward or away from sociability with other cats will ultimately dictate whether they enjoy living with other cats. Therefore, the decision needs to be made on a case-by-case basis. If your cat has been in the company of other cats without excessive fear or aggression, it may be possible to integrate a new cat into the household. However, if your cat shows hostility to other cats, or hisses, growls, or marks territory when cats enter your yard or garden, then obtaining another cat is probably not a good idea.
Keep in mind that relationships in cats are usually between pairs. Just because your cat liked one cat does not mean that they will accept another. Some cats are naturally easy-going and friendly; others are timid and shy; still others are very assertive and active. Those differences in personality can have a profound effect on how two cats get along. An easy-going cat may accept most other cats, while a timid and shy cat may be easily intimidated and not comfortable sharing space with another cat.
The new cat’s personality will also affect the comfort of the resident cat. An active and assertive cat may overwhelm quieter and more timid cats, making introductions difficult. Sometimes, resident house cats are tolerant or friendly, while the new cat is fearful or aggressive. It may be helpful to attempt to match personality types when seeking a companion for your cat.
My cat was raised with her litter-mate from an early age, but since her sibling died, she is now left on her own. Should I get another cat as a replacement companion?
The bond between feline litter-mates is very special and when one of a pair dies before the other, the surviving cat may show signs of feline grief and may not tolerate an unfamiliar cat.
Behavior changes after losing a sibling might include:
- Searching for the other cat
- Vocalizing
- Changes in eating (increased, decreased)
- Changes in grooming (increased, decreased)
- Changes in social behavior and seeking attention (increased or decreased)
- No changes at all
If you want to add another cat to the household as a companion for your family, wait until your surviving cat’s behavior returns to baseline. If you want to adopt another cat to give your remaining cat a new companion, please reconsider. Your cat was bonded to her sibling; sharing space with an unfamiliar cat may be stressful for her.
I have decided to adopt another cat. What age and what sex might be most acceptable to my resident adult cat?
There is no way to know what cat to adopt. It is generally accepted that related cats make the most compatible housemates, but there is a lack of research about how unrelated cats get along in homes. It may help to choose a younger kitten to join an adult cat, and to choose cats with compatible personalities. For example, pairing a very timid cat with a very outgoing cat might be too stressful for the timid cat. Pairing two highly outgoing, highly active or territorial cats may lead to fights.
I have just adopted a second cat and I want to maximize the chance of successful integration. What should I do?
Cats should be integrated slowly and carefully. Set up a separate area of the house for the new cat and provide bedding, feeding, elimination, and exercise stations.
From the moment your new cat comes home, watch for signs of stress in either cat, including:
- Hiding
- Walking crouched and hugging walls
- Moving away from/avoiding interactions
- Tense muscles
- Dilated pupils
- Hair standing up along the back
- Puffed tail
- Ears held to the side or back
- Hissing, growling, yowling, or other vocalization beyond soft meows
While monitoring for signs of stress, try the following exercises. Spend several days or more on each step to make sure there is minimal stress. If you see signs of stress, slow down the process and consider getting assistance from a behavior professional.
Bedding Rotation: When your new cat comes home, keep the two cats separate for a few days. Swap bedding between the two separate sleeping areas, so each cat can become familiar with the scent of the other cat.
Swapping Space: Next, swap sides of the house. Rotate the cats through each space for a few hours or a day at a time.
Visual Introductions with Food and Play: Use a tall baby gate, screen door, two stacked gates, or a portable pen instead of the closed door and feed each cat on opposite sides of the barrier. Start far away from the door opening, allowing your cats to associate the sight and smell of the other cat with wonderful food. If the cats remain calm, try playing with each cat on her respective side of the barrier. Move a little closer to the door with each session, over a period of several weeks or a month.
Protected Social Contact: Allow the cats to approach each other and visit through the baby gate/barrier. Allow them to play through the barrier with a common toy. Watch for signs of stress. If both cats are relaxed, begin allowing them to share some space but under supervision.
Integrating a new cat is a lot of work. It takes care and consideration to introduce a new cat to an existing cat. The natural social habits of most cats do not include associating with cats from outside the family group, except for mating, so special measures and attention are needed for the best chance of a good outcome.
Is it cruel to keep a cat as a single pet?
Cats need plenty of social interaction, physical exercise, mental stimulation, opportunities for play, and companionship. These needs can often be met by the human family! Remember to interact with your cat every day – play, petting sessions, or even training sessions, if your cat is very social and loves treats. Every cat deserves an engaged and involved family, regardless of if they are a single cat or part of a multi-cat household.
