Why Should I Get Two Cats?
The one I have seems so completely in love with me that it would almost seem like a smack in the face to him if I showed up with another little buddy. Granted, he’s young, so he might take to another cat well, but why would I want to do that to him?
Working, friends, family time, and, of course, all those little errands and last-minute details of life tend to tie me up longer than necessary. I always feel as though I’m just short of that extra hour I keep asking time to install in a day. I doubt I will ever get my request met. Those precious few days that I have to lounge about and just be are becoming even fewer, and who can slow down when the weather outside is still so beautiful?
Sometimes, I feel guilty because my furry friend at home doesn’t seem to be getting enough of my time and attention. Someone recommended that I get another cat, someone to keep him company when I can’t give him the attention he deserves. But ultimately, I don’t want to hurt his feelings. He is my little prince, after all. Wouldn’t he want to keep it that way?
The Dynamics of Adding a Second Cat
A little research revealed some interesting findings. Cats who live in a multi-cat household often do better, both physically and psychologically. While they may show signs of jealousy around their human companions, when left alone in the house, cats with another cat tend to accept and eventually love and play with a newcomer—given a little time.
Cats are somewhat guarded and territorial about their space and their humans. When their beloved humans first show up with a second cat, their initial reaction is anything but welcoming. There’s often growling, hissing, spitting, mewling, and of course, a few scuffles as dominance is established. Over time, the dominant cat begins to allow the secondary cat more freedom and attention, even from the human. Their time alone is often spent figuring each other out and making room for each other, while establishing a set of hierarchy rules. Cats have their own language and method of communication. What may look unappealing to humans is often a cat’s way of telling the newcomer how things work in their section of the house. Many times, this communication leads to significant and honorable bonding.
The one thing that people worry most about, aside from twice the expense at the vet’s office, is the impact a second cat might have on their relationship with their current cat. Despite their sometimes aloof and withdrawn reputation, cats have a high level of devotion. Cats adopt their humans for life, and nothing really interferes with their relationship with their human—except abandonment. Cats with highly dominant personalities are likely to bully a more passive cat, but this typically only occurs in front of humans. It’s a show of affection for one cat to chase the other away, especially when it involves the human or the human’s bedroom. These antics are usually short-lived, and within a month, cats typically adjust and feel as secure with the new companion as they did before.
The question of when to get two cats is just as important as whether you should. A second cat should not be introduced into the household when the original cat is suffering from a serious illness or health problem, or seems to be nearing the end of their golden years. When a cat is no longer filled with health and vitality, a newcomer may be perceived as a threat, and for cats who know they are ill, the newcomer can be seen as a “replacement.”
An older cat—one over ten years old—may not take to a new companion, especially if the new companion is a kitten. Older cats often lack the tolerance necessary to deal with a playful and boisterous young one. One good smack of the paw is often enough to make a statement from the older cat. A smack with claws out, however, may offer a more serious warning. While it’s rare, there have been reports of older cats harming or even killing small kittens who come into the home as a second cat.
A two-cat family often works best when there are two humans involved. Cats tend to gravitate more toward one human than the other, adopting that person while the other is tolerated for feeding and filling in when the favored human is unavailable. Two-cat families often end up with cats bonding deeply with opposite humans.
In the end, the question, “Should I get two cats?” is often answered when the second cat comes into the home. Give them about a month to adjust. Don’t play favorites, and avoid disrupting the original cat’s daily routine. The end result is usually highly positive. Cats who bond with other cats are healthier, live longer, and are happier to find their place in the pride. By bringing a second cat into your household, you may very well be giving your cat a tremendous gift while giving yourself twice the love and fun.
