Adopting A Cat Is Saving A Life
If you only want to adopt one cat, I dont want to make you feel guiltyits already an amazing thing youre doing.
But if you want two cats, or youre still deciding whats best, I think its worth pointing out that adopting a cat is saving a life.
Whether youre taking a friendly stray off the street, as Ive done with my cats, or adopting from a shelter, youre greatly improving and likely lengthening that cats life.
Outdoors, cats live an average of 2-5 years. In overcrowded shelters, even kittens are sometimes euthanized for space.
Unfortunately, its a rough world for homeless cats. We cant change it overnight, but adopting when we can makes a small difference that means everything to the cat, or cats, who youre adopting.
When kept indoors, your cats may live 15-20 years, or even longer! Thats possibly over 4 times the lifespan theyd have otherwise.
Do Two Male Or Two Female Cats Get Along Better
It is common to think that two female cats are more likely to cause drama, but, in reality, it is hard to predict whether cats will get along based on gender alone. Stereotypical behaviors associated with gender, however, still exist, and it’s important to keep them in mind when choosing the sex of your kittens.
Check That Your Cat Likes Other Cats
As funny as it may sound, some cats genuinely do not get along with other cats. Thats why its vital that you know your cat and his relationship with other felines. Some adult cats who have spent their lives alone are unable to adjust to living with other cats, so dont stress him out by bringing home a feline if youre sure hes not keen.
So now that you know the many perks that come along with adopting a second feline, be sure to think over the responsibilities that come with two cats before taking the plunge. If you live in an apartment or are renting a space, make sure to check if multiple animals are permitted some buildings are okay with one cat, but two may be prohibited. Double the whiskers mean double the cost of cat food and litter and way more fur on your clothing and furniture. Its also pertinent to keep both cats up to date on their shots, if one picks up something they are likely to pass it on to the other it might be good to consider pet insurance for added medical costs.
If youre really ready for another cat, getting through these obstacles will be a breeze. Remember, youre not only getting a new cat for you but a companion for your beloved feline, it might be a good idea to introduce the two before committing to adoption.
Welcoming a new cat into the family is a wonderful experience we truly hope you and your feline companion enjoy it!
How To Get Your Cats To Like Each Other
- Make sure each cat has plenty of his or her own space. This means putting their food and water bowls, litter boxes, and beds in separate areas.
- Dont give the cats catnip. It can increase aggression in some cats.
- Have plenty of their favorite cat toys around to distract them from fighting.
- Make the time they spend together as pleasant as possible. Encourage fun activities, such as playing or giving each one a treat.
- If you have a big cardboard box, open both ends and put it on the floor for them to crawl and play in. It’s rare to find a cat that doesn’t have fun with cardboard boxes.
- Give each cat plenty of individual attention.
- Dont leave the cats alone together when you go out until you’re confident they’re not going to get into a serious fight.
- Have some Feliway on hand. Feliway is a product that replicates a pheromone that can calm cats during times of stress or fighting. It comes in both a spray and an electric diffuser. It can be purchased at most pet stores and online.
- If your cat are not spayed or neutered, they will be more prone to aggressive behavior. Unless you breed cats, consider having your pet neutered.
Keep Each Other Company
If you work long hours, a single kitten can become lonely being the only one in the house. Despite the jokes that cats prefer their own company, kittens are actually very social creatures! The territorial nature of cats is a main factor in them seeking solitude, and it generally doesnt kick in until adulthood. For this reason, kittens crave the attention and fun of a playmate. Having two cats at home means you dont have to feel guilty leaving for work or vacation since you know they will keep each other company.
Is It Better To Have Two Cats
Although cats hunt alone, that does not mean they want to live alone. Some people mistakenly assume cats are loners and that they prefer to keep their own company and not socialize with other felines. Because of this, many cats are destined to live alone, without the benefits that come from socializing with their own species. Most are social and enjoy the company of other cats, especially bonded pairs. And, cats who dont initially know each other often become best buddies after they are gradually introduced. Others enjoy each others company by simply hanging out together in the same room. Heres what to know about having two cats or more!
Is It Better To Have Two Cats Of The Same Gender
Unlike some pets, your cat doesnt have to be paired with a member of its own sex. In fact, females are more likely to fight with females, and unfixed males are very prone to conflict. If both cats are fixed, they can get along fine with the opposite sex.
If you intend on getting a male and female, be sure theyre fixed. That will help you avoid yowling, territory-marking, and unwanted kittens.
Theyll Groom Each Other
The key to a squeaky clean kitten? Another kitten! Although cats do a pretty good job of keeping themselves clean with self-grooming techniques, a brother or sister can help them get those hard-to-reach areas. Your duo might even develop a regular grooming routine after mealtime or playtime.
Cats Tend To Be Clean Animals
Cats spend much of their time grooming themselves, so you will rarely have to bathe your feline friend. Compared to dogs, cats tend to smell much better. Unlike dogs, your cat wont go outside and roll in unpleasant things or pick a fight with a skunk. Because cats are so good at keeping themselves clean, they usually feel softer and cleaner than dogs and many other animals when you pet them.
Even the loudest meows are cute and relatively quiet.
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Are Cats Cleaner In Pairs
Cats are tidy creatures that observe a strict grooming routine. However, paired cats are even more likely to bathe and clean themselves, as well as their companion.
According to Applied Animal Behavior Science, cats in a litter groomed each other more often than solo cats. With encouragement from a friend and a few extra paws, your cats will keep themselves fresh and tidy.
Furthermore, a second cat will help your pet reach more difficult areas. These tend to be spots that cats rely on their humans to clean for them, like their upper back. Bonded pairs can even create a cleaning routine after play or meals, leading to cleaner, healthier pets.
How Many Cats Is Too Many
You may think that owning more than 1 or 2 cats is too many, but a woman in California owns over 700 cats. You shouldnt get caught up asking yourself whether 3 cats is better than 2, just make sure that you look after your pets well and spend time with them to keep them stimulated. One thing to remember if you are thinking about getting more than one cat is that they need to get along. No cat is going to live a happy life if it fights with another cat every minute of the day.
Three cats sitting up high on a garden wall
Care For Your Pet Cats
In the UK there is no set limit on how many cats you can have. However this doesn’t mean that you should fill your house with dozens of cats and expect everything to be okay.
Two cats playing on the bed
The more cats you have, the more likely you are to receive complaints from neighbours who deem them a nuisance on their property and this is where things get tricky, especially if you live in an apartment or flat. Council members may be called in to survey the scale of the problem and can even issue Anti Social Behaviour Orders in relation to your cats.
A ginger cat playing under the bed sheets
Itll Help Prevent Food Pickiness
A picky eater can be extremely frustratingand if she refuses to eat for a few days in a row, pickiness can be a little scary, too. Oftentimes, however, a picky kittys curiosity will overcome her distaste for a particular food. Meaning, if she sees her sister eating something, shell probably want to eat it, too.
One Cat Or Twojanuary 6 2011 7:16 Pm Subscribe
7:20 PM7:23 PM7:24 PM7:24 PMMy cats are sisters/littermates7:25 PM7:28 PM7:29 PM7:30 PM7:32 PMTwo neutered males here.7:33 PM7:35 PM7:37 PM7:42 PM7:43 PM7:44 PM7:45 PM7:45 PMthomas j wise7:47 PMGreen Eyed Monster8:12 PM8:12 PM8:14 PM8:15 PM8:17 PMhated8:22 PM8:36 PM8:39 PM8:40 PMOur two8:56 PMmother-daughter pair9:45 PMmother-daughter pairboth2:25 AM3:56 AM4:24 AM4:30 AMpair of female littermatesa third cat4:37 AM4:51 AMThe Sixth Sense5:09 AMThey will be playmates, cuddle mates, company for each other,5:12 AM6:09 AM6:33 AM7:41 AM7:57 AM11:37 AM4:50 PM8:42 AM« OlderNewer »
Can Keep Each Other Active And Entertained
Kittens are active, energetic creatures, and adult cats need physical activity too. While cats are masters at keeping themselves entertained, playing with toys and staring out windows is no match for a playmate.
Most of the time, a cats playmate is you. However, some cats, especially really young kittens, have a lot of energy to burn. You may lack the time, attention, or energy to keep up with your little pet. By offering it a companion, even if its an older cat, you can ensure the kitten isnt left bored.
Even adult cats may become destructive and depressed if theyre left bored throughout the day. A companion will fulfill your cats need for entertainment and socialization.
Part 1 Of 3:maintaining Good Hygiene
Was Your Pet Food Recalled
While stressing that cat personalities vary widely, she says, Many male cats have a cuddly lap cat personality. Female cats are often more cautious and may take longer to trust you.
Some people clearly still have strong feelings on the subject.
I came across an online discussion recently where the commenters frequently described female cats as bossier and more independent. Others said female cats were more possessive or changeable in their moods, even neurotic.
Sometimes, the feeling has a lot to do with what were used to.
I never had a female , says Carla Wong. Her male cat loved me to pieces. He was the best company ever, loved being groomed, loved a piggy-back ride. I would get another male.
On the other hand, Wendy Ratza says she always had female cats growing up because we worried about males that sprayed, and we didnt want to deal with that.
Her fear was warranted because research demonstrates that male cats are more likely to spray and fight if they are in households with female cats than with other male cats.4
Years later, a male cat named Leo joined her female cat in the household. Fortunately, Leo turned out to be just as affectionate and well behaved as the breeder had promised.
Ratza says Leos affectionate personality totally changed the way she thought of male cats.
Cats Are Excellent Companions
Cats like to be where their favorite humans are but are often less needy than their canine counterparts. Cats are usually content to sit quietly near their favorite human while they work or read a book. There is nothing better than a cat purring on your lap after a long day. Cats can be just as affectionate and loving as dogs but arent as high maintenance.
Both cats and dogs are wonderful pets, but cats are much easier to care for.
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Bonus Reason: You’ll Save Two Lives Instead Of One
How fulfilling to not only provide a happy life for an animal but to do so for two! As long as the pair get on well and won’t be stressed living together and you’re in a position where you can commit to kittens – why not consider adopting two? You’ll never regret it, I promise you! Just be sure to get them both neutered as kittens!
So, if you’re eager to adopt or buy a kitten, my advice would be to make sure that you can commit to the full-on attention and care they need and do consider rehoming two if you can commit to taking them on!
Do Cats Do Better In Pairs
Cats enjoy the company of a second cat as they form close bonds with each other. A bonded pair means that two animals have a close relationship with each other. They come to rely on each other for company, food, and protection from threats. Bonding often happens when cats are very young. Thats why its most often seen with littermates, but it can also happen between older cats or non-littermates.
Separating one from the other will be, at best, stressful. At worst, it will be a traumatic experience. It may cause the cat to become depressed or even develop behavioral issues. That is why adoption centers often make it clear when a pair is bonded. Its ideal for both cats to be kept together.
Nonetheless, not all cats who live together will become a bonded pairs. Sometimes, cats can coexist under one roof. As long as all parties are not stressed by the situation, this is fine.
With that said, if you introduce two new cats to the home at one time, they will likely form a close relationship. In a strange, scary new environment, they will come to rely on each other.
My Cat Was Raised With Its Littermate From An Early Age But Has Now Been Left On Its Own Due To The Death Of Its Sibling Should I Get Another Cat As A Replacement Companion
The bond between feline littermates is very special and when one of a pair dies before the other, the surviving cat may show signs of feline grief.
Behavior changes after losing a sibling might include:
- Searching for the other cat
- Vocalizing
- Changes in eating
- Changes in grooming
- Changes in social behavior and seeking attention from owners
- or you may see no signs at all.
If you truly want to add another cat to the household as a companion for your family, waiting until your surviving cats behavior returns to baseline is a good idea. If the only reason you would be bringing home another cat would be as a companion to your existing cat, please reconsider. This may cause more stress rather than reducing it.
Bonded Pairs Adapt Easier To New Homes
Bonded pairs are cats who know each other and have bonded together. For example, my two oldest cats are brothers. As strays living in our back yard, they did everything together.
When we decided to adopt them, we knew we had to take both because from birth until ten months old, theyd never been separated from one another.
Most shelters and rescues try to keep bonded pairs together, too. Being moved around is stressful for cats, and moving into your home can be a difficult transition.
Having a friend can make that transition so much easier, and can help your cats adapt and grow comfortable in their new home faster.
Of course, you can also adopt two cats who dont know each other and introduce them in your home. Theres nothing wrong with thisbut if youre looking to adopt two cats anyway, I would suggest looking for a pair thats already bonded.