Should I Get A Second Cat?

All creatures love companionship, and cats are no exception. While you and your cat might have a fantastic relationship, your cat might yearn for more socialization, especially if they’re an indoor cat.

People who work long hours outside of home or worry that their cat is bored might have considered getting a second cat. However, adding another cat to your home might not be the best idea.

Here are reasons you should — or shouldn’t — get another cat.

6 Reasons You Should Get Another Cat

There are plenty of reasons to get another cat, and many people prefer to have multiple cats over one. However, this is not always the best decision as one or both cats might be territorial. Consider the personalities of both cats before making a decision. 

If you do choose to get another cat for your cat, the benefits can be fantastic! When cats bond, the relationship can be adorable and enduring.

1. Your Cat Needs Company While You’re Away

Perhaps the best reason to get another cat is to keep your current cat company, especially if you’re away from home during the day. The two cats can keep each other entertained, meaning lower chances of separation anxiety.

2. Your Cat Recently Died And Your Other Cat Is Lonely

Cats can become excellent friends, but that means they can hurt just as much in the unfortunate event that one of your cats passes away. Introducing a new cat to your home could help your cat start to recover. In time, the two can become great friends.

3. Your Cat Has A Sibling

If you adopted your cat, odds are that your cat was not the only kitten in the litter. Bonding with siblings is natural for all animals, cats included. So, if you recently got a cat or are wondering whether to get one or two, choosing siblings can be great for both of the cats. 

4. Your Cat Is Bored

Boredom for cats is real, and even extensive playtime might not cure it. For some cats, boredom could come from a lack of socialization. In this case, adding another cat to your home could help lift your current cat’s mood while rescuing another cat, a win-win situation.

5. You’re Planning On Getting One Cat Already

If you’re planning on getting a cat already, why not consider a second cat, too? Cats can share many of the same toys and beds, so adding a second means you only need to get more food bowls and litter boxes. 

Getting two cats at once means the two can grow together, regardless of whether they’re siblings or not. Experts even suggest that you adopt two cats instead of one. There’s no better time to get a second cat than when you get your first cat! 

6. You Rescue Another Cat

The best way to find a new pet is through adoption, and you could be rescuing a cat when you choose to adopt. By adopting a second cat, you could be giving the cat the stable, secure home it always needed.

Getting A Second Cat: Tips Before You Bring Them Home

If you’ve settled on getting a second cat, don’t rush out to go pick one up. Instead, make sure your home and current cat are ready for the new housemate.

Make Sure You Have Enough Food And Litter

As cute as it would be to have two cats share a food bowl, you need to have multiple bowls available for both of your cats. Cats have different eating habits, and sharing a bowl could mean one cat eats all the food before the other has a chance to graze. 

When it comes to litter, you should add an extra box for your new cat. Having multiple litter boxes helps keep odors down while minimizing how often you need to clean the box. 

Have A Plan To Introduce Your Cats

If you’re introducing a new cat to your home, make sure you have a plan in place for having the two cats meet. Your current cat might be hesitant to start sharing its space, so you want to introduce the second cat slowly. Here are some quick tips to do so:

• Create a sanctuary room for your new cat so it can get used to new smells and sounds in its new environment.
• Slowly introduce the cats’ scents to each other through toys.
• Have both cats eat on either side of a closed door. This lets them both know that they can be safe to eat in peace with their new housemate.
• Let them be free to do their own things. You can’t force the cats to cuddle with each other on day one (though it’s great if it happens).
• Monitor the cats to make sure they’re getting along. Relationships take time to build, so make sure your cats are growing happily together. Separate the two if they fight frequently.