Should I get a second cat?

If for dogs in dire need of communication, such a way out suggests itself, then what to do with cats? They usually behave very independently and do not outwardly show any signs of being bored in solitude. Of course, no one can give a definite answer to the question of whether it is worth getting a second cat.

First, every owner must weigh the pros and cons. In addition to double joy, two pets will bring double the need for daily cleaning and feeding. Second, if make friends cats fail, the owner will have to constantly be the judge in their conflicts, which they decide much less civilized than the same dogs. Thirdly, a lot depends on the nature of the pet already living in the house. If an animal shows aggression towards all its kind, then it will not be entirely correct to have a second pet. If a cat is friendly and, moreover, in every possible way asks for communication with a person, then the appearance of the second one can be regarded as a threat to its communication with the owner. And that will cause jealousy. Jealousy will cause aggression, and it will not work right away to make friends with pets. But the opposite is also possible: a quiet animal will become even more downtrodden if the temperaments of the newcomer and the old-timer do not match.

In addition, cats are known to put up very violent fights for dominance in the territory, while cats are more loyal, although during estrus or pregnancy they can also show aggression unusual for them.

The biggest mistake, according to cat breeders, is to take a kitten into a house where an elderly cat already lives. At this age, playful young people cause dull discontent: the old animal seeks solitude and wants to completely own the attention of the owner. If, having an older cat in the house, you decide to get a second one, then preference should be given to an adult cat, already calm and with its own habits. True, friendship from the first moments may not work out.

It is difficult to guess in advance what scenario events will develop. Also, do not think that your pet is necessarily bored alone while you disappear for days at work. But, if you still decide to take a second cat, it is worth remembering a few mandatory rules that will help you make friends with your animals easier.

First, the second animal must be younger than the first. Befriending two adult cats with established habits is much more difficult than getting a pet to adopt a kitten. Kittens have not yet established territorial behavior, which usually causes most of the conflicts. The kitten will take the dominance of an older individual for granted, and your cat will subconsciously treat the alien as a cub, begin to teach and care, which will help reduce the intensity of possible passions. Although, of course, the easiest option is to initially take two kittens from the same litter, getting used to it will be quite simple, but few people decide to take such a step.

Secondly, in no case do not pay more attention to the newcomer than the old-timer. Such behavior will cause jealousy even in a cat that is not at all human-oriented, and these animals can show jealousy in different ways, and the owner is unlikely to like at least one of their methods.

Thirdly, separate the animals at least for the first time. No, you do not need to specifically close them in different rooms. Just everyone should be able to retire. Also, remember: sleeping an old cat is a taboo for a new one. Ideally, the pets in the apartment should have their own special areas for eating, playing and sleeping, and the recreation areas would be better separated by a door.

When you bring a new one home, you can leave him in the carrier so that he gets used to the new smells, and your cat can sniff him carefully and get used to the newcomer. Most often, it is possible to make friends between two cats, albeit not on the first try. Nevertheless, it happens that adult animals are so accustomed to loneliness that they will not accept any newcomer.

Photo: Collection