If you’re a cat person, you already know all the great things about sharing your life with a cat. After all, is there anything better than cozying up to watch television on an evening with a cat curled, contented on your lap? Cats can help reduce loneliness and stress when you share an affectionate moment of fusses and cuddles.

So, with all these benefits, surely one feline family member just isn’t enough? But what if you asked your cat whether they wanted a new companion? What do you think they would say?

Do Cats Do Better In Pairs?

Is getting a second cat a good idea? You might naturally assume that your cat would enjoy having a feline friend around for company. But actually, cats are naturally quite solitary creatures. They want their alone time and can find the presence of other cats a bit stressful.

Just like some people prefer their own company and to please themselves, cats are usually happier being the only cat in the household. Of course, bonded pairs of cats do exist, either as littermates who have always been together or other cats who have built a relationship over time.

These pairs of cats who are used to each other’s company should ideally not be separated. However, as a general rule, cats do better on their own than as part of a multi-cat household.

How to Tell if Your Cat Wants Another Cat

Not all cats get along, but some cats end up being the best of friends.

It’s not always a great idea to take on another cat when you already have one. However, if you are considering adding to your cat brood, you should consider the following points to decide whether it’s likely to work. Remember, though, that cats will take time to warm up to each other, so don’t be alarmed if, initially, your cat seems unimpressed with the new arrival!

1. They’re Used To Having A Feline Friend

It’s best to wait and see how they behave before deciding when the time is right to bring a new furry family member home.

If your cat was part of a bonded pair, but one has passed away, you might want to consider rehoming a new cat to keep them company. It’s important to realize, though, that your cat will need a period of adjustment after losing their friend, so the additional stress of a new cat around the house might be too much.

Therefore, it’s best to wait and see how they behave before deciding when the time is right to bring a new furry family member home.

2. They’re Young

Fortunately, you can use a variety of methods to encourage your cat to sleep according to a schedule that benefits both you and them.

Cats are creatures of habit, so older cats tend to be quite stuck in their ways! Therefore, if you are going to take on a new cat, it might be best to do it while your existing cat is young and more adaptable. This means that the new addition is less likely to cause your cat too much stress, and they may become close over time.

3. They Have Feline Friends In The Neighborhood

Between rapid growth and rambunctiousness, kittens have very high energy demands.

If your cat is friendly with other cats, they might be more likely to accept a new cat in the family. So, if your cat regularly sits or sunbathes near another cat in the garden and seems relaxed in their presence, this could be a positive sign. However, just because your cat enjoys the company of other cats doesn’t mean they’ll want to share their territory with them!

4. They Are Laid-Back

Even the most laid-back cat might not welcome a new brother or sister, so be prepared to be patient.

Every cat is different. Some are shy; some are outgoing. Some are on edge and easily stressed, while others are more laid-back. If your cat is the laid-back sort, it’s more likely they’ll be open to the idea of a new furry housemate. However, even the most laid-back cat might not welcome a new brother or sister, so be prepared to be patient.

5. They’re Left Alone A Lot

If they’re kept indoors, they might appreciate some company

If your cat is left on their own a lot, especially if they’re kept indoors, they might appreciate some company. Don’t expect them to thank you immediately, though. They’ll probably take some time to come around to the idea!

6. You Have Plenty Of Indoor And Outdoor Space

Too many cats in a small area could lead to bullying behavior and stress, so it’s important to check you’ve got the space before committing to another cat.

Cats are pretty small, aren’t they? Since they don’t take up much space, you might assume you can fit several hundred more in your home! However, cats need plenty of room to allow them to remain stress-free when living with other cats. Ensuring they’ve got space to get away for some alone time when needed will help cement their friendship with their new fur-brother or sister.

Too many cats in a small area could lead to bullying behavior and stress, so it’s important to check you’ve got the space before committing to another cat.

7. They’re Already Bonded With A Buddy

You should consider whether you have the space and the means to take on another feline friend.

If your cat is part of a bonded pair, either with one of their siblings or another cat, you should not separate them. If you’ve rehomed a cat without their best buddy, you might find that they pine for them and develop signs of stress like peeing and pooping outside the litter box or pulling their fur out. If this is the case, you should consider whether you have the space and the means to take on another feline friend.

If it’s not feasible to have two cats, it might be kinder to return your cat and consider adopting a single cat who isn’t closely bonded to another cat.

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

Cats are naturally solitary and independent, they can develop a taste for being in a group if that’s what they’re used to

If you already have more than one cat and you’re rehoming a cat that has lived with other cats before, the introduction is more likely to go smoothly. Although cats are naturally solitary and independent, they can develop a taste for being in a group if that’s what they’re used to.

9. They’ve Got No Medical Problems

You should make sure you are financially prepared for the burden of a new cat

Remember that most cats will initially find the presence of a new cat stressful, no matter how hard you try. So, if your cat is unwell, has a long-term health condition, or has chronic pain, you might want to consider whether the stress of a new cat is in their best interest.

Equally, you should make sure you are financially prepared for the burden of a new cat, especially if your current cat has become a bit of a regular at the vet and you’re feeling stretched.

10. They’re Vaccinated And Neutered!

If you’re adopting a new cat, you should ensure both cats are vaccinated to protect them from serious diseases.

Bringing home a new cat is a lovely, exciting time. If the situation is handled correctly, your cats can live in harmony. However, the last thing you want is to risk your current cat’s health and well-being.

Therefore, if you’re adopting a new cat, you should ensure both cats are vaccinated to protect them from serious diseases. Similarly, if you don’t want to hear the pitter-patter of several tiny feet, you should ensure they’re both spayed or neutered too!

Choosing A Second Cat

When adding a new cat to the household, consider your existing cat’s personality and preferences.

If you’ve decided to get a second cat, you should consider the following points to help you choose the perfect purry pal.

Age

Although there is no hard-fast rule for what age of cat you should choose for your second cat, there are a few considerations. Firstly, if your existing cat is young, they may appreciate the playful nature of a kitten or another young cat companion.

On the other hand, an older cat who just wants some peace and quiet might not appreciate the mayhem that a kitten or boisterous young cat could bring! Your older cat might feel more comfortable with another older cat, although they may still not like the disruption to their routine.

Gender

It’s an age-old question, should you choose a second cat that’s the same gender as your existing cat, or should you choose the opposite? Unfortunately, there are no guarantees that your cat will get on with another cat, regardless of gender. However, it does seem to help if they are neutered.

History

It’s essential to consider the history of any cat you’re considering welcoming into your family. You should be aware of any health problems or significant injuries and know their vaccination and neuter status. This will ensure that you can provide them with the care they need, and you won’t get any nasty surprises.

Tips For Bringing A Second Cat Into The Home

Even with careful introductions, it’s normal for cats to take some time to warm up to each other.

When you bring home a new cat, there are a few things you can do to try to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible.

Preparation

Ensure you have enough litter trays, feeding bowls, and drinking stations to keep your cats content. Cats don’t like to compete, so as a rule of thumb, you should have one litter box per cat plus one extra. Separate food bowls for each of them and many water bowls or fountains around the home will also help prevent any bullying behavior and help your cats feel more at ease.

Before bringing your furry new addition home, it’s a good idea to get hold of some cat calming spray or diffusers, like Feliway or Pet Remedy. These products will reduce your cat’s stress levels and help both cats stay calm during the transition period.

What To Do If It’s Not Going To Plan

It’s pretty normal for cats to hiss, growl, or even swipe at each other during their first meetings, especially if they aren’t introduced gradually. It can often take three or four weeks, or even longer, for the dynamic between them to improve. However, if things aren’t going well after a month or two, it’s worth speaking to your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist for some advice.