September 21, 2008
Tips For Getting Another Cat
How many cats is too many? I guess you might answer that its one more than you have in your house, or maybe you say that you can't have too many. But what might your cats answer? We can't say for sure but here are some tips for a harmonious feline household.
- Avoid extremes: ie cats that are very nervous or very bossy
- Avoid friendly unaltered male strays. They are not good at sharing with other cats.
- Don't have too many Burmese, sweet kittens though they are they do tend to be very territorial adults.
- Choose litter mates if possible.
- Choose cats that have a history of being sociable with other cats.
- Provide places in your home, such as cupboards and closets, where each cat can be alone. Cats like a little solitude.
- Don't keep adding to a stable group.
- Have enough cat scratching posts
- If the cats must stay indoors provide enough litter boxes.
- Leave enough food out for them to nibble on during the day.
- Have enough warm places for the cats to sleep in.
Filed under Cat Information by admin
Comments on Tips For Getting Another Cat »
I ran a poll on my blog on this very subject, and most people thought three or four was a good number. I like your tips, especially the "private spots" (I always have at least one more private spot than cats). But food is tricky, especially if one cat is sick. My cat Joules has chronic renal failure, so needs a special diet. He'd much rather eat my other cat's food, so I have to watch their eating, and when the other cat is finished, I put her food on the counter, where Joules can't get it. Each household is different, and there's no perfect solution. But some cats will gladly fill their bellies with all available nibble food.
Thanks for your input. You are right they are all different- like people. I just discovered Alfie is allergic to beef. I am going to write a post on that so won't repeat it here!
I love your cat fun blog!
Hi, nice blog you have! I would like to know your opinion on sth. I've been receiving lots of criticism because I live in a house and I let my cats wander around outside. They are all spayed and my street is really quiet, but some cat owners insist this is not good because they can catch a disease or get run over by a car (very unlikely in my case) or get poisoned. Well, it's impossible to keep thme inside all the time - I would have to keep the doors and windows closed 24/7 or have nets. All my three cats were rescued from the street, I mean, if I hadn't collected them they would probably be dead now. My eldest is 10 years old, he's been living here for 7 years (before that we lived in a flat) and we never had any problems. But sometimes I think of what these people say and feel a little guilty of putting my babies at risk. What do you think?
@Isadora: I think that this keeping of cats inside is a USA thing. In other countries cats are virtually never kept inside unless they live in an apartment in a city. It really surprises people here when I tell them that Americans keep cats indoors. They often say that it is cruel as cats so love being outdoors! I live in New Zealand now but have lived in the UK where cats are also normally allowed to go outside.
From what you say I can't see why you should not allow them outside. This is especially so since they have experienced being outdoors and would get depressed if kept prisoner now. So if your nosy neighbors criticize you just tell them that cats that have once been outdoor cats can't be turned into indoor cats.
My cat would be depressed if he could see the outdoors and never feel it. He loves to smell the herbs in my garden, roll on the grass and even loves to slide down our steep driveway!
You should allow them outside.