Thinking of Bringing Another Cat Home?

If you're a cat lover 1 cat just might not be enough, in fact 2 or even 3 might not satisfy that urge to be surrounded by cats and the need care for them. This article isn't aimed at those who run a cat rescue (you have my admiration) but those people who just love the company of cats and have least 1 already at home. If you're anything like me, you might acquire another cat or kitten ever few years.

You need to take a number of things into consideration if you're planning on bringing another cat into your family home. The most important thing to think about is how your other cat or cats will react to the new addition. If you're out during the day a lonely cat might appreciate a new friend to play with. If your cat is now in their adult or even senior stages of life they might enjoy the young energy a new kitten will bring. Alternatively your cat may not be too happy about the new cat, they could (and usually do) sulk for a time, leave the house for long periods, and be jealous of having to share their special moments they get with you with another cat.

Depending on your cats personality it might not be a good idea to get another one. For example, if your cat is very timid and hides from visitors, even shy's away from family members it's definitely not a good idea. They will find it too traumatic and could start exhibiting unwanted behaviours like finding an alternative place as their litter tray. Or if they are quite an aggressive and are always getting into fights with other neighbourhood cats then again it's probably not a good idea.

If you do chose to get another kitty, there will always be a period of readjustment, there will be chases and fights as the natural order is defined or restored. There's no guarantee that they will even like each other but eventually if they don't get on at first they will tolerate each other.

It's important that your original cat knows that you still care for them, make an extra effort to play with them and have some quality time. This will help them adjust to having to share you.

When you first bring another cat home, put them in a room on their own so they can get used to their surroundings without the added stress of another cat. You'll also find that if you give each cat their own food bowls, litter trays and toys there will be less fighting in the beginning as no one will have to share their stuff.

There are other considerations too such as cost, with an extra little mouth to feed, extra money will need to be spent on cat food. Then there's the issue of cat litter trays, with more cats using the litter tray (if they share) or generally more litter trays they will need to be emptied and cleaned more often. This is an extra cost in time and money for you. So make sure you can deal with it. You'll also need to get them vaccinated and neutered which will total over £100 per cat.

There are plenty of things to think about before deciding to get another cat, make sure you don't go out and get a kitten on a whim, it might not be best for you, your family cat or them.