Multiple Cats - More Fur, More Fun

Have you gone to an animal shelter to adopt a new kitten....and found yourself going home with two?  Perhaps family members coudn't agree which 'one' to adopt...sometimes two kittens seem to be friends and you hate to leave one behind. Have you found yourself with multiple cats?  You're not alone.

For many people, a single cat is the ideal situation. However, for others, cats seem to be like potato chips. They can't stop with just one. This is partly because there are so many wonderful cat breeds and partly because most cats enjoy the companionship of other cats. We can always find a good reason to acquite multiple cats.

Is owning more than one cat right for the cat you already own? If your cat is home alone for long periods of time and seems to be lonely, he may enjoy having another cat around. In addition, an older cat will often develop a new lease on life when a new kitten joins the family. However, cats who enjoy their solitude or are very territorial towards their homes and families may not appreciate sharing their lives with another cat.

As cat lovers know, each cat has its own personality just as people do.  Cats will develop friends...and enemies...in a muyltiple cat household.  Some are natural clowns, some are bullies and some happy just to be left alone.  I've always thought personalities of cats often mirror the personalities of people.  Unlike dogs, who are always willing to forgive and get on with it, cats seem able to carry a grudge for days.

There are also a few things for the humans in the household to consider. A new kitten means having to go through all of the frustrations of litter box training all over again.  To be fair, it is often easier to train a new kitten to use the litter box when their is an older cat present.   In addition, don't forget about the expense of vaccinating and neutering your kitten. Adding an older cat to the family can also be a challenge, as the cat will have to adjust to a new home and conventional wisdom tells us that older cats may have bevavioral or personality problems.  My own experience has been that an older cat who has never know a good home becomes the most loyal of pets.

Although some people feel that their cats will be more at home with a cat from the same breed, many cats are quite happy to hang out with other cat breeds. Of course, you may want to reconsider pairing a boisterous, clownish Rex cat with a standoffish Russian Blue. Cat breeds with similar traits do better together than cats that are completely different. Of course, the Himilayan Persian and the Maine Coon breeds are so laid back and friendly that they adapt well to life with the most demanding or rambunctious cats.

When you first bring a new cat into your home, it is wise to confine him for the first fes days to a relatively small area such as a utility room or spare bedroom.  That way, he can get used to the smells and sounds of your home while also being close to a litter box.  After just a few days, leave the door to his "room" partially open.  Usually the new family member will look out and then come out into youe home at his own pace...but if frightened can still retreat to his hideaway.

Instead of placing multiple cats together immediately, allow your original cat to grow accustomed to the new arrival gradually. For a smooth transition, be sure he does not have to share his own litter box, food and water bowls, or toys with the newcomer. Besides the fact that your cat may not like to share, there are important health reasons for giving each cat his own supplies. You can reduce the chance of your cats spreading diseases to each other and you can more easily monitor the appetite of each cat if they have separate litter boxes and food bowls. Also, cats who are forced to share litter boxes may decide to create their own private litter boxes in other, less convenient places, such as the closet floor.

Of course, there is one major problem with having multiple cats. Once you have two or more cats, everyone with a stray or unwanted cat will assume they can convince you to add just one more to the family.