Pets Hub > Cat

Multiple Cat Households

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.

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.

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. 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 may develop behavioral or health problems.

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.

Before you bring your new cat home, you will need to set up an area for him to stay in while he adjusts. You may even want to put him in a crate, especially if you are unsure whether he is litter box trained. Allow him to settle in for a day or so before you worry about introducing him to the rest of the family.

Instead of placing the 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.

Kingdom Of Pets : Complete Cat Training - Cat obedience training secrets to stop your cat’s behavior problems.

Solutions To Cat Behavior Problems - Using this manual you can stop your cat from using your house as a toilet and turn your aggressive cat into a pussy cat.

Cat Secrets Revealed - Successful cat trainer reveals 11 powerful strategies that will show any “Fed Up” cat owner how to stop bad cat behavior in its tracks.

Ragdoll Cat Secrets - Ragdoll specific care and training. Because your Ragdoll cat's quality of life is important to you.

Train Your Cat To Use The Human Toilet - Discover how to quickly and easily train your cat to use the Human toilet.

Cat Health Secrets - An 87 year old Southern Belle on her death bed reveals the truth about how to have happy, healthy, long-living cats without spending a penny on vets, medicines or special foods. Her cats routinely lived over 30 years!

Complete Ragdoll Cat Keepers Handbook - Discover the trade secrets of professional Ragdoll cat breeders to care for, breed and show Ragdoll cats in this comprehensive manual.

How To Take Care Of Your Pregnant Cat - Discover the secrets that veterinarians and cat breeders use, to keep your pregnant cat safe and healthy and raise happy, healthy kittens.

Cat Training Secrets - Who else wants to have a more rewarding relationship, with their perfectly well trained cat, and be the envy of all their friends?

18 Ways To Stop Cat Urine Odor - Get rid of your cat urine odor problem once and for all.

How To Make Your Cat Adore You - How to make your cat adore you?

Cat Behavior Book - Are you sick of your cat not being able to find his litterbox? Do you want your feline friend to stop scratching every piece of furniture she sees?

Siamese Cats & Kittens - Raising happy, healthy, beautiful Siamese cats.

Solutions To Your Cat Behavior Problems By 2 Cat Vets - Brand New Guide To Solve All Your Cat Behavior Problems, Developed By 2 Vets With Over 28 Years Experience. A Cat Behavior Guide You Can Trust Covering A Wide Range Of Feline Behavioral Issues With Practical Solutions Based On Experience.

Ultimate Cat Secrets - How to have a perfectly well behaved, healthy, happy and affectionate cat.