Tips for Living with Multiple Cats | Dog & Cat Health, Wellness, Products and Breed Information

Tips for Living with Multiple Cats
| Print | By Jennifer Hoyden | June 15, 2009 3:10 PM

Cats are essentially independent and territorial animals, but quite often they can enjoy the companionship of another cat. It is advisable to start with two at the same time, as introducing a new cat into an established cat's home takes extra time and care. If you think you're ready to take on the pack, there are ways to prepare for a multiple-cat household.

But if you already have a cat, and would like to add another to the household, there may need to be a transition period. It is harder for an older cat to adapt to a new companion than it is for a younger kitten, but not impossible - and there are ways to ease the process for both the new cat and the established cat.

First, create a safe, separate space for the new cat, where there is water, a litter box and toys. Experts at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Ohio State University explain that when introducing a new cat, the cats "need time to get familiar by smelling one another without coming face to face."

They recommend giving each cat a towel to lie on, and then swapping towels after a couple of days. Once the cats have had time to get acquainted with one another's smell, begin feeding them on opposite sides of the closed door that separates them. They will soon make a positive association between feeding time and the scent of the other cat.

Once the cats appear to have accepted each other's scent and are eating comfortably at the door, introduce visual contact for short periods of time, gradually building up to cohabitation.

Once two or more cats are established in the household, you'll want to keep harmony in the home - and in the litter box. According to the article "Kitty Litter Preferences" on the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University's Web site, "inappropriate bathroom habits are the number one reason cats are surrendered to animal shelters." If, after consulting with your veterinarian, you rule out medical causes for the behavior, you have to look at the problem as a behavioral issue.

Behavior specialist Linda Case suggests that stressors caused by living with multiple cats can lead to litter box problems. "Recent literature suggests that even though one cat may not be being kept away from the litter box, there may be anxiety that is manifested in inappropriate urination," Case explains. Her suggestion is to provide litter boxes for each cat - plus an extra one. After the boxes are in place, the next step is the golden rule: keep them clean.

Litter boxes are one example of the essential issue at the heart of any shared living space, whether it's pets or people: territory. Give your cats their own toys, their own beds, and their own food and water dishes. Make sure they have options for some "alone" time too, because sometimes, just like us, they just need a little space.

Comments (5)

kristen June 15, 2009 8:01 PM

never get two cats or the first cat will be really upset.

Jan June 16, 2009 9:24 AM

I thought this article was supposed to be about getting two at the same time. Does the tips here apply to that situation, also, especially about separating them in the beginning?

Anonymous July 13, 2009 2:59 PM

Becky : July 13 2009
I got a baarely 7 week old kitten last year and my older cat was 7 years. She hissed at the kitty at times. She railed and acted like she might attack or bite at times, but NEVER did my sweet female 7 year old even though she was older ever hurt that kitten who is now over a year old. I am crazy about the new kitten; and not so for the older one. Was worried about the litter box issue, and was told to get their own [I do not have room, no way] -and use crutches at times so for just a short few weeks kept a tiny box in my bedroom where the kitty used occassionally but she preferred the older cats litter box and made it her own. My older cat was upset by this, and for a bit avoided the litter box, and in the warm weather she made it a point to go to the door to be let out and go outside and let the kitten have her litter box. She is doing this now, however, all worked out this past winter, as my older cat Tallulah [ a very loving cat but truly wants to take over as king of the roost and at times has let kitty know this. However, I find it so sweet as the kitty wants more than anything, more than being with me, she loves to see Tallulah, even if she gets a hiss at times, she just has learned to slowly lay on her back and move her paw toward Tallulah's face and gently touch her for as long as would be allowed. Now my older cat is rather enjoying the kitty when she licks [just her face] when she comes in from outside. The kitten will not give up, and adores the older cat. The older cat gets uptight , but she realizes the kitty needs extra guidance and she occassionally plays with her and will use her paws, but never to hurt her. She may swat, but she will not hurt her. She used to moan when kitty jumped on her back in the laundry room as Tallulah came out after eating her food on the new dish on the dryer. But, it has amazed me how patient my older cat has been ; including as the kitty runs to get to what I call "the podium" where I used to put all Tallulahs treats and food, Tallulah has now moved over and let her have her treats and her food and sits and looks at me. So we all talk and I point to the new dishes I got and the kitty and Tallulah take turns at the podium, share the same litter box, and when Tallulah will allow her, the kitty moves slowly closer and closer to the older cat to lay by her side.. At night though, the kitty accepts that Tallulah has claimed a spot on my bed, and she now uses a bed that Tallulah sleeps in at times in the winter in the laundry room. They now would miss each other and when kitty gets outside [ I still keep her inside] -I send Tallulah out to keep an eye on her and stay with her so I can find her to bring her in. Cats are fascinating.. Just love 'em.. They adjust.. they are smart and you can reason with them. you do not have to give in to them if you feel they are originally upset with the new addition. But, if I get another kitten, I would get one the same age.. 1 year is good, or younger. they love to be with other kittens that too like to be playful.. My kitty loves all cats, even a couple of large strays I have let in out of the cold during the bitter weather.. She approaches them with caution, but usually she gives them a kiss lightly on the face. She now washes Tallulahs face.. Though she still deeply desires the closeness, much more closeness from my older cat.. [Now, that was long wasn't it?] sorry.. keep smiling.. They adapt! Be patient

brenda September 24, 2009 7:57 PM

nice cats

dan October 22, 2009 2:46 AM

I live next to a fish pier and had problems with rodents at times, so I decided to get a cat - a perfect, low maintenance vermin killer. A friend of mine had a litter, and there were 2 kittens available. When I arrived to pick one, I realized that these two had known each other their whole (short) lives, and I decided on the spot to take them both. That was 5 years ago, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

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