MULTIPLE CAT HOUSEHOLDS

 -  Introducing New Pet At Home
 -  Getting To Know A New Cat
 -  Commom Problems
 -  Litterbox Issues 

When Two is Better Than One
While we may pride ourselves on how we pamper our pets with the best of everything, we may be denying them what they need most--the companionship of one of their own species. Most feline behaviorists agree that cats generally lead healthier, happier lives if there is another feline in the household. Even if the cats never become bosom buddies, just sharing the house with another living creature while you are away helps to break the monotony and loneliness. Of course, if they become playmates, there is the added benefit of exercise and entertainment that is especially needed by kittens and young adult cats. Many cases of playful aggression directed toward the owner as well as various forms of household destruction, can be prevented if the cat's energies are focused on a playmate. Young males (3-24 months) have an especially strong need for a "buddy". While owners of rambunctious young males often hesitate to take on another cat, those who take that "leap of faith" and get another young male are generally delighted to see how much the "boys" enjoy each other.

Consider Two Kitties Instead Of One
In my lifetime of experience, I have seen that most cats do better with a friend-another cat. Cats are social animals. In the wild, both the large cats like lions, and the feral domestic cats all live in groups. Cats that live alone can develop pyschological problems from the loneliness and boredom, especially if the cat must be alone for several hours a day while the family is at work and school. When you are ready to get a kitten, bring home two instead, the added cost is negligible compared to the rewards.

Choose The Pet For Your Pet Carefully
If you already have a resident cat it is important to take this cat's personality and activity level into consideration before selecting a feline companion. If you are too casual about this important decision, your house may become a war zone. Keep the following guidelines in mind when selecting your next family member. Remember that they are only guidelines and that there are occasional exceptions to the rule.

If you have an adult female who has been an "only" cat for some time, it is best to get a younger female. Males, even friendly ones, can over-power and frighten females. Male kittens, while more easily dominated by the female, still grow up to be rambunctious teenagers that engage in a style of play that involves pounce and wrestle (not a female's idea of fun).

If a young, active male is your family pet, he would really enjoy having a male buddy who shares his enthusiasm for vigorous play. A laid-back, older (neutered) male cat may enjoy "mothering" a kitten--male or female. They usually make better mother substitutes than spayed females. Females, in general, are less accepting of newcomers.

Males tend to bond with each other unless both have dominant personalities. A dominant cat engages in a lot of rubbing--scent marking--behavior, likes to rest in high places (for surveillance purposes) and in doorways (to control the entrance to certain rooms), and shows little or no fear.

Whatever the combination, a slow, systematic introduction process will help to ensure that the resident cat and the newcomer will eventually share the house amicably.