If one cat is fun, just imagine how fun two cats would be! If you are considering getting a second cat there are some facts you should know and a simple method for easier introductions.

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First select a cat similar in age to the one you have now. This makes feeding much easier. Kittens need kitten food, adults need adult food, and seniors need senior food. Since cats need access to their dry food all the time it is darn near impossible to make sure either is eating their own food only. Soooo, the easiest solution is to get two cats around the same age.

If your current cat has been alone for some time it will be harder for it to accept a new comer, especially if your current kitty is over two years of age. However, it is not impossible.

Having your cat already spayed or neutered will help you greatly, as this lessens their territorial behavior, such as spraying or fighting. Also your cat should be up to date on his or her vaccinations.

Select a kitty who is also medically healthy, vaccinated, dewormed, and vet checked. Bringing in a kitten right off the farm is opening your cat up for problems even if yours is vaccinated, there are things like ear mites, and fleas that can come home on cats who have not been treated.

I always support adopting cats or kittens from a shelter, such as the SPCA, RSPCA, ASPCA, etc depending what country you live in. A vet in your area will know who adopts cats and kittens out. Most shelters offer health guarantees and have a wide selection of pets to pick from. Since the cats are exposed to so many other cats, they are less territorial. As these shelters are non-profit the pets you adopt are cheaper in the long run than getting a “free” kitten and providing it with the medical care shelters do prior to adoption. Pet stores are generally not a good choice, for ethical as well as cost reasons. A reputable breeder is another choice if you want a purebred cat.

Set up your home in advance of the new comer, you will need a second litter box, as a rule of thumb you should have one litter pox per cat. The new kitty will need to live in a small room by itself for two weeks, it will need its’ litter box, food, and water, in that room. The two cats will meet by sniffing paws under the door. The new one should be fed its current cat food mixed with what you feed your cat. Doing a slow change in diet is best.

After the initial two week period you can allow the new cat out for short periods of time, allow for some fights because they will have to establish dominance. Any bad fights can be broken up by squirting them with water or putting your foot in between them. Return the new cat to the room at night or when you are away. This may continue for another two weeks.

Finally the two should be alright together. When kitties are younger it is easier to introduce a friend, if they are older they may not ever be best buddies, but will learn some level of tolerance. You can help by tossing treats when they are together. Good luck with your new kitty.

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In this photo you can see two of our five cats, the orange one was left behind when his owners moved away, Quilly was a cat we brought with us when we moved in.  You can see they get along well now.  They are not likely to cuddle up, but tollerate each other and are pals.