Should You Get a Second Cat?
"One cat is too lonely — get two so they can keep each other company" is a common thought among cat owners. However, whether a cat actually needs a "companion" depends on the individual. According to The Domestic Cat: The Biology of its Behaviour(Turner & Bateson, 2014), cats' social needs vary enormously between individuals —some cats genuinely enjoy the company of other cats, while others strongly prefer being alone.
Before deciding whether to get a second cat, the most important consideration is to prioritize the welfare of your existing cat rather than projecting your own feelings onto the situation.
Signs That a Second Cat May Be a Good Idea
- Positive past interactions with other cats: has gotten along well with other cats before
- Young and well-socialized: kittens and young adult cats are generally more receptive to new companions
- Obvious social needs: the cat shows signs of anxiety or boredom when the owner is away for extended periods
- High energy level: energetic cats may benefit from having a playmate
- Sufficient space: multiple rooms and adequate vertical space are available
Situations Where It May Not Be Ideal
- Your existing cat is elderly: according to ISFM recommendations, the high energy level of a younger cat may cause significant stress to an older cat
- History of inter-cat aggression: has shown serious aggression toward other cats in the past
- Current health issues: a cat undergoing treatment or with a compromised immune system is not suited to handle the stress of a new cat
- Existing stress-related behavioral problems: such as inappropriate urination or excessive grooming
- Limited space: small living areas increase the risk of conflict
How to Find the Best Match
According to the Journal of Veterinary Behavior(Levine et al., 2005) and recommendations from animal behavior literature:
| Factor | Better Match | More Challenging Match |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Similar age (within 2 years) | Kitten + senior cat |
| Energy Level | Similar activity levels | One active + one sedentary |
| Sex | Opposite sex (both neutered/spayed) generally works better | Two males (higher chance of conflict) |
| Personality | Complementary or similar (both gentle) | One dominant + one timid |
Based on animal behavior observations, siblings from the same litter or bonded pairs from a shelter have the highest success rate, as they have already established a social bond.
Preparing for the New Cat
- Prepare a separate room: an independent room equipped with food bowls, water bowls, a litter box, and hiding spots
- Add more resources: prepare all resources according to the N+1 rule
- Veterinary checkup for the new cat: take the new cat for a full health exam to confirm no infectious diseases (FeLV and FIV testing)
- Prepare synthetic pheromones: Feliway Multicat can help promote harmony in multi-cat households
- Allow sufficient introduction time: plan for at least 2-4 weeks of gradual introduction
Setting Realistic Expectations
According to a study in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (Crowell-Davis et al., 2004), relationships between cats can manifest at different levels:
- Close companions: mutual grooming, sleeping together, playing together
- Peaceful coexistence: not close but not in conflict, living independently
- Ongoing tension: subtle avoidance and stress, but no overt fighting
- Open conflict: requires intervention
"Peaceful coexistence" is already a very good outcome. Not all cats will become close friends — respecting individual differences is what matters most.
References
- Turner, D.C. & Bateson, P. (2014). The Domestic Cat: The Biology of its Behaviour, 3rd ed. Cambridge University Press.
- Levine, E. et al. (2005). Intercat aggression in households following the introduction of a new cat. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 90(3-4), 325-336.
- Crowell-Davis, S.L. et al. (2004). Social organization in the cat: A modern understanding. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 6(1), 19-28.
- International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM). Adding a New Cat to Your Home.