10 Indicators Your Cat Needs One other Cat

In the event you’re a cat particular person, you already know all the nice issues about sharing your life with a cat. In any case, is there something higher than cozying as much as watch tv on a night with a cat curled, contented in your lap? Cats might help cut back loneliness and stress while you share an affectionate second of fusses and cuddles.

So, with all these advantages, absolutely one feline member of the family simply isn’t sufficient? However what if you happen to requested your cat whether or not they wished a brand new companion? What do you assume they might say?

Do Cats Do Higher In Pairs?

Is getting a second cat a good suggestion? You may naturally assume that your cat would get pleasure from having a feline good friend round for firm. However truly, cats are naturally fairly solitary creatures. They need their alone time and may discover the presence of different cats a bit traumatic.

Additionally Learn: How To Assist Cats Get Alongside?

Similar to some individuals desire their very own firm and to please themselves, cats are often happier being the one cat within the family. After all, bonded pairs of cats do exist, both as littermates who’ve at all times been collectively or different cats who’ve constructed a relationship over time.

These pairs of cats who’re used to one another’s firm ought to ideally not be separated. Nonetheless, as a common rule, cats do higher on their very own than as a part of a multi-cat family.

The right way to Inform if Your Cat Needs One other Cat

It’s not at all times an awesome concept to tackle one other cat when you have already got one. Nonetheless, in case you are contemplating including to your cat brood, you need to contemplate the next factors to resolve whether or not it’s more likely to work. Bear in mind, although, that cats will take time to heat up to one another, so don’t be alarmed if, initially, your cat appears unimpressed with the brand new arrival!

1. They’re Used To Having A Feline Good friend

In case your cat was a part of a bonded pair, however one has handed away, you may wish to contemplate rehoming a brand new cat to maintain them firm. It’s vital to appreciate, although, that your cat will want a interval of adjustment after shedding their good friend, so the extra stress of a brand new cat round the home is likely to be an excessive amount of.

Due to this fact, it’s finest to attend and see how they behave earlier than deciding when the time is correct to convey a brand new furry member of the family house.

Additionally Learn: How To Introduce Cats To A New Residence

2. They’re Younger

Cats are creatures of behavior, so older cats are typically fairly caught of their methods! Due to this fact, if you will tackle a brand new cat, it is likely to be finest to do it whereas your present cat is younger and extra adaptable. Which means the brand new addition is much less more likely to trigger your cat an excessive amount of stress, and so they could change into shut over time.

3. They Have Feline Associates In The Neighborhood

In case your cat is pleasant with different cats, they is likely to be extra more likely to settle for a brand new cat within the household. So, in case your cat often sits or sunbathes close to one other cat within the backyard and appears relaxed of their presence, this may very well be a optimistic signal. Nonetheless, simply because your cat enjoys the corporate of different cats doesn’t imply they’ll wish to share their territory with them!

4. They Are Laid-Again

Each cat is completely different. Some are shy; some are outgoing. Some are on edge and simply confused, whereas others are extra laid-back. In case your cat is the laid-back kind, it’s extra doubtless they’ll be open to the concept of a brand new furry housemate. Nonetheless, even probably the most laid-back cat won’t welcome a brand new brother or sister, so be ready to be affected person.

5. They’re Left Alone A Lot

In case your cat is left on their very own rather a lot, particularly in the event that they’re stored indoors, they could admire some firm. Don’t anticipate them to thanks instantly, although. They’ll in all probability take a while to return round to the concept!

6. You Have A lot Of Indoor And Outside House

Cats are fairly small, aren’t they? Since they don’t take up a lot house, you may assume you’ll be able to match a number of hundred extra in your house! Nonetheless, cats want loads of room to permit them to stay stress-free when residing with different cats. Guaranteeing they’ve bought house to get away for some alone time when wanted will assist cement their friendship with their new fur-brother or sister.

Additionally Learn: How Many Cats Are Too Many?

Too many cats in a small space might result in bullying conduct and stress, so it’s vital to verify you’ve bought the house earlier than committing to a different cat.

7. They’re Already Bonded With A Buddy

In case your cat is a part of a bonded pair, both with certainly one of their siblings or one other cat, you shouldn’t separate them. In the event you’ve rehomed a cat with out their finest buddy, you may discover that they pine for them and develop indicators of stress like peeing and pooping outdoors the litter field or pulling their fur out. If that is so, you need to contemplate whether or not you could have the house and the means to tackle one other feline good friend.

If it’s not possible to have two cats, it is likely to be kinder to return your cat and contemplate adopting a single cat who isn’t intently bonded to a different cat.

8. They’re Used To Being In A Multi-Cat Family

If you have already got multiple cat and also you’re rehoming a cat that has lived with different cats earlier than, the introduction is extra more likely to go easily. Though cats are naturally solitary and unbiased, they’ll develop a style for being in a gaggle if that’s what they’re used to.

9. They’ve Obtained No Medical Issues

Do not forget that most cats will initially discover the presence of a brand new cat traumatic, regardless of how laborious you strive. So, in case your cat is unwell, has a long-term well being situation, or has power ache, you may wish to contemplate whether or not the stress of a brand new cat is of their finest curiosity.

Equally, you need to be sure to are financially ready for the burden of a brand new cat, particularly in case your present cat has change into a little bit of a daily on the vet and also you’re feeling stretched.

10. They’re Vaccinated And Neutered!

Bringing house a brand new cat is a stunning, thrilling time. If the scenario is dealt with appropriately, your cats can dwell in concord. Nonetheless, the very last thing you need is to threat your present cat’s well being and well-being.

Additionally Learn: How A lot Does It Price Spay or Neuter A Cat?

Due to this fact, if you happen to’re adopting a brand new cat, you need to guarantee each cats are vaccinated to guard them from severe illnesses. Equally, if you happen to don’t wish to hear the pitter-patter of a number of tiny toes, you need to guarantee they’re each spayed or neutered too!

Selecting A Second Cat

In the event you’ve determined to get a second cat, you need to contemplate the next factors that can assist you select the right purry pal.

Age

Though there isn’t a hard-fast rule for what age of cat you need to select to your second cat, there are a number of concerns. Firstly, in case your present cat is younger, they might admire the playful nature of a kitten or one other younger cat companion.

However, an older cat who simply desires some peace and quiet won’t admire the mayhem {that a} kitten or boisterous younger cat might convey! Your older cat may really feel extra comfy with one other older cat, though they might nonetheless not just like the disruption to their routine.

Gender

It’s an age-old query, must you select a second cat that’s the identical gender as your present cat, or must you select the alternative? Sadly, there are not any ensures that your cat will get on with one other cat, no matter gender. Nonetheless, it does appear to assist if they’re neutered.

Historical past

It’s important to think about the historical past of any cat you’re contemplating welcoming into your loved ones. Try to be conscious of any well being issues or vital accidents and know their vaccination and neuter standing. It will guarantee which you can present them with the care they want, and also you gained’t get any nasty surprises.

Ideas For Bringing A Second Cat Into The Residence

While you convey house a brand new cat, there are some things you are able to do to strive to ensure it goes as easily as attainable.

Preparation

Guarantee you could have sufficient litter trays, feeding bowls, and ingesting stations to maintain your cats content material. Cats don’t wish to compete, in order a rule of thumb, you need to have one litter field per cat plus one further. Separate meals bowls for every of them and plenty of water bowls or fountains across the house can even assist stop any bullying conduct and assist your cats really feel extra comfortable.

Earlier than bringing your furry new addition house, it’s a good suggestion to pay money for some cat calming spray or diffusers, like Feliway or Pet Treatment. These merchandise will cut back your cat’s stress ranges and assist each cats keep calm throughout the transition interval.

What To Do If It’s Not Going To Plan

It’s fairly regular for cats to hiss, growl, and even swipe at one another throughout their first conferences, particularly in the event that they aren’t launched regularly. It could usually take three or 4 weeks, and even longer, for the dynamic between them to enhance. Nonetheless, if issues aren’t going properly after a month or two, it’s price talking to your veterinarian or a certified behaviorist for some recommendation.