In Germany there are more than 2.5 million households in which two cats are kept together, while almost six million animals live alone with their owners. Both forms of cat ownership have both advantages and disadvantages. In the following we will explain what determines whether you can keep two cats together and when it is advisable to only get one four-legged friend.
Key facts at a glance
- Lonely cats can feel lonely and develop behavioral problems.
- Purchasing a second cat makes sense, especially for working owners.
- Ideally, two cats should be kept together right from the start.
- Later mating requires patience to avoid territorial disputes with the newcomer.
- Some cats are used to living on their own and have a hard time accepting a new roommate.
Possible problems with single housing
In principle, a cat can get by on its own. However, she still needs a certain amount of company and attention. If the human roommates are out and about all day, loneliness will eventually spread even in a particularly independent house cat.
This can quickly lead to a number of abnormalities and unwanted behavior. Among other things, lonely cats tend to do their business away from the litter box. If you notice this behavior in your housebroken four-legged friend, it is a sure sign of frustration and loneliness.
In addition, behavioral problems can develop in solitary cats over time. These include, for example, depression and reduced activity as well as destroying furniture or aggressive behavior towards their owner or other cats.
A second cat is often useful
In view of the problems that can be associated with keeping one cat alone, it makes sense to get a second cat in many cases. In this way, your house tiger always has a playmate with whom they can romp around and cuddle.
This pays off especially for working owners and ensures that your four-legged roommates also feel completely comfortable during the day and that social contacts are not limited to a few hours in the evening.
Not all cats are compatible
If you decide to get a second cat, you should keep in mind that not all cats get along well with each other. Because just like in humans, the chemistry in cats has to be right. Ideally, you should therefore get two siblings or cats who are already used to each other right from the start.
If it is already too late for that, it is advisable to avoid too great an age difference. Cats of the same age usually get along much better with each other, since they are more similar in terms of their urge to move and play.
Incidentally, you should generally avoid keeping two unneutered tomcats. Because with these, the chances are good that your apartment will become the scene of bitter turf wars in the future.
Requirements for the purchase of a second cat
Buying a second cat is not something you should spontaneously decide on. After all, it is important for a harmonious coexistence that your two house cats lack nothing.
Therefore, make sure in advance that each four-legged friend has its own litter box and its own feeding and drinking bowl. It is also important that both cats can withdraw at any time if they wish.
Getting two cats used to each other
If the second cat finally moves in with you, it is important that the two four-legged friends can slowly get used to each other. For this purpose, it can help to accommodate the newcomer in a separate room for the first few days.
In this way, the two house tigers can first get used to the smell of their conspecifics, which significantly reduces the risk of territorial fights. If an argument does break out the first time you really meet, you should separate the brawlers immediately and give them a little more time.
Not all cats enjoy company
Although keeping two cats is not only possible in most cases, but even highly recommended, there are exceptions. Especially animals that have been living alone for a long time can become true loners over time.
In this case, the sudden arrival of a member of the same species should only lead to problems, which is why it is sometimes better to keep them alone despite the supposed advantages.