Pairs are Happier Despite their independent natures, cats are social creatures that need companionship to thrive. Left alone, a cat can develop behavioral problems, and in some cases, even show signs of depression. Cats in bonded pairs, on the other hand, are more likely to be better adjusted.
The amount of time needed to care for more than one cat doesn't necessarily double but a lot of other things do. Two or more cats will eat more food, need more vet visits and will cost more to insure. This means that keeping more than one cat can quickly become expensive.
Raising two cats together can turn out to be a challenge the complexity of which can fluctuate on a case-by-case basis. The decision to raise two cat means double the responsibility and the patience on most of the occasions, however, if you love cats, then it's twice the cuteness and fun.
Getting a second cat can be a blessing to your home. Just try to match the cats' personalities and make sure you set up your home for success. Even the friendliest cats might feel a little stressed at first, so have a lot of patience and introduce them slowly. Over time, your two fur balls may become fast friends.
I hear people often say that they think it will be easier to start with one kitten and then, later on, adopt another. I can see the logic - getting two might seem like rushing into a bigger commitment but really, it's not much different. In fact - bringing in a second kitten later will likely be a much harder process.
If you have a young cat at home and want a second, consider adopting one kitten of the opposite sex, as same-sex cats are much more prone to fight each other for dominance. Your resident cat will still be young enough to recall having fun with her littermates, and the new kitten will be more than happy to oblige.
Follow this simple rule: one box per cat, plus one extra. So if you have two cats, you should have three boxes. Making sure everyone has their space can help ease elimination issues. Some owners prefer a hooded box, but some cats don't like them.
If you have multiple cats, they may be comfortable enough with each other to share the same litter box. However, there are several reasons, including territorial behavior, why some experts would advise at least one extra litter box in your home.
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 adopted in pairs.
Greater responsibility: Adopting a second pet also increases your responsibilities, requiring extra attention to food, water and litter box cleaning, more grooming and additional playtime when the cats aren't playing together.
After about two years of age, acceptance of another cat can be a bit random, but they will very rarely totally reject another cat in the long-term. After a time even those cats that do not become great friends can still learn to tolerate and live with each other by keeping to their own territory.
While two or more cats together certainly won't feel quite as lonely without someone coming by to check in on them during an owner's 24-hour absence, it is not appropriate to leave multiple cats alone longer than a single cat.
At first, you should place the cats in separate rooms so they don't feel overwhelmed dealing with a new environment and another cat. Consider buying a pheromone diffuser to get rid of any lingering pheromones, which will help calm the cats. Once your cats seem settled into their rooms, you can try swapping scents.
The transition to adulthood ordinarily occurs from 1 to 2 years old. At this time, and possibly after neutering, a cat may retain a lot of energy but should be notably calmer with it reaching full maturity at 2. From 3 to 10 years old, a cat is relatively calm but remains active.
A single cat can still be happy, healthy, and well-adjusted. Just make sure to set aside quality time for human companionship, and keep his environment entertaining and interesting. Guest post by Kristen Levine Pet Living, the place for stories, science & advice for living happier and healthier with pets.
Cats like their own company and should generally be kept on their own. Living with other cats is a common cause of chronic stress which, in turn, can cause all sorts of health issues for your cat. It is sometimes possible for cats from the same litter to live together.
Your furry friend may display signs of anxiety and depression if you bring home a new pet or baby, move to a new home, rearrange the furniture, or if you move the litter box to a new location. Even changes in your work schedule can cause sadness and distress! Another cause of cat depression is grieving.
However, Cats Can Share Water Bowls
But, cats tend to get thirsty and drink at different times. So, it is less likely that multiple cats will try to drink at the same time from the same water bowl. There also is usually a lot more water, enough for everyone.
It can be usually common for some cats to eat from the same bowl but not every pet owner would allow that, considering this can cause conflicts at times. Cats that live together can be friends and share food with each other, but some owners do not want their cats to eat out of the same bowl.
The cat-to-litter box ratio
So if you have one cat, you need two litter boxes; two cats, three litter boxes. Some cats just don't like sharing litter boxes, and this ratio lets each cat claim his own.
Most cats prefer an open litter box. Most cat owners prefer a covered litter box. Covered litter boxes may trap odors and make the human environment smell better but for those reasons they may not be as desirable for the cat. If boxes are not cleaned regularly, the odor may be aversive to them.
How Often Should You Change the Cat Litter? If you use a clumping litter, it's best to scoop the box daily and change it out completely at least monthly. If you have more than one cat, it may be best to change the cat litter more often, every 2-3 weeks.
Ideally, the litter box should be placed in an area away from the cat's food and water dishes, as well as away from busy areas like the kitchen or foyer. If you live in a spacious home, you may be able to place the litter box in a seldom-used bathroom or guest bedroom.
Don't worry too much about the gender of the cats involved. Age and temperament are the most important factors. Adult cats will usually accept a new kitten much more easily than they will accept a new adult cat. Cats are territorial, and your cat may resent an adult feline intruder.
Male cats tend to be more social and affectionate with both humans and other cats. They commonly form strong bonds with other cats in the home, even when they are not from the same litter. Females, on the other hand, are often more standoffish. If you are looking for a cuddle bug, adopting a male may be your best bet.