It is essential to provide at least one private area for each cat. However, if at all possible, your cats will appreciate having more than one area from which to choose. Provide plenty of toys for each of your cats. Consider rotating toys to keep your cat's interest fresh.
Add sufficient toys and playtime to help expend their energy. Or build a catio so they can safely enjoy the stimulation of the outdoors and time away from the other cats. Pay attention to each cat separately. Spread your time and affection generously among your cats so one doesn't feel neglected.
By keeping their food in “assigned” bowls, you will uphold that both your cats always feel safe and secure while eating. Provide ample litter boxes, scratching posts, and napping options around your home. One basic rule is to have a litter box for each cat in your home, plus one extra.
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.
The introduction must be gradual. Following the initial introduction, it can take a very long time for a relationship to grow. It takes most cats eight to 12 months to develop a friendship with a new cat. Although some cats certainly become close friends, others never do.
The average time frame is a few weeks but it could take months for the cats to learn to tolerate each other. Maintain a separate litter box and feeding area for the new cat in his room for a few weeks. It is highly recommended to have multiple resources for multiple cats.
Because of the attachments they form, the answer is yes; cats can feel lonely! While each kitty has a unique personality and needs, the following signs could indicate a lonely cat: Destructive behavior. Loss or increase in appetite.
The ideal number of litter boxes for a multi-cat household is one for each cat and an extra box more for security, however, if you cannot afford this or if your cats are trained to use one litter box, it is okay to use the regular one, but it is still best recommended to use the self-cleaning or automatic litter box as ...
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.
It's suggested that you choose two male cats or a male and female combination if bringing home two kittens who are not already bonded as they tend to get along better than two females. Cats generally don't like eating close together, so consider placing your kittens' food bowls across the room from each other.
By having both cats experience something positive (a meal or yummy snack) while they are nearby, they can learn to form positive associations with each other. If either cat is growling or hissing at the other through the door, donot put them together anytime soon; take things very slowly and continue feeding this way.
When you introduce them to each other in the same room, a bit of growling and hissing is to be expected. Although the two cats may be used to each other's scent; your first cat will still feel a bit awkward with your new cat being in his territory.
Because two cats tend to live happier and healthier, there's less chance of bad or destructive behavior, which means less damage to furniture and belongings, and happier pet owners. But the best reason of all to adopt a bonded pair: double the affection.
The younger they are when introduced, the greater the chances of their getting on amicably most of the time. 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.
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.
However, Cats Can Share Water Bowls
There also is usually a lot more water, enough for everyone. Although, cats can drink from the same water bowls throughout the day, have at least 2 bowls of fresh water out in a multi-cat household. Place water bowls in different rooms and on different floors in your home.
And when they are doing something as private as elimination, sharing the same litter box can be stressful for some cats. Ideally, a multi-cat household should have the same number of litter boxes as the number of cats, plus one extra box; in other words, for two cats, there should be three litter boxes.
Separate Food Bowls for Each Cat
Veterinarians and cat behaviorists agree that giving cats their own food bowls is best. In the wild, cats eat and hunt alone. They are wired to be protective of their food. Forcing cats to share bowls at home may result in cats eating too quickly, guarding bowls, or fights.
Cats with a strong link will frequently show clear indicators that they regard themselves to be members of the same social group. Grooming each other, sleeping, or lying next to each other are examples of these indicators. They may regularly greet each other by touching noses or making a little meow as they pass.
If your cat starts following you around, meowing excessively, or just simply won't leave you alone, this is a clear cut sign that she needs some playful companionship. All she can think of doing is following you around to fill her time. Get her a companion instead! If she changes her grooming habits.
Cats are naturally clean animals and don't appreciate a dirty environment. From birth, their mothers clean them until they are old enough to do it themselves, and they can spend up to 50% of their waking life on grooming. Cats are picky creatures, and that's part of the reason we love them so much.
Signs of conflict between cats can be open or silent. Signs of open conflict are easy to recognize; the cats may stalk each other, hiss, and turn sideways with legs straight and hair standing on end up to make themselves look larger. If neither backs down, the displays may increase to swatting, wrestling, and biting.
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.