While there are pros and cons to both, in this article, we discuss why two domestic cats are often better than one. Many people that have two cats note that they sometimes quarrel and fight, but at the end of the day, they’re typically best friends. Cats seem to eventually form a very special bond with each other. We have always adopted a pair of kittens and raised the kittens together. Each cat has their own litter box, territory, and food and water dish. The cats are constantly playing and hanging out, and have formed a daily routine for play, grooming and when they hang out together. This strategy has worked out great and our pairs of cats have always been best friends and loyal companions.
Not all cat owners are this lucky to have cats that get along so well! If you have multiple cats, how do they interact with one another? Do they seem to be close companions or are they rivals in the house for food and attention? Is two cats really better than one, or are the animals better off solo?
Despite their independent natures, cats are social creatures that need companionship to thrive. The average litter size of cats is four kittens. The average kitten spends their first twelve weeks with a mother and at least three other siblings. Left alone, many cats can develop behavioral problems, and in some cases, even show signs of depression. Bored and depressed cats will often over groom themselves and create hot spots on their skin. Cats in bonded pairs, on the other hand, are more likely to be better adjusted.
Here are some compelling reasons why having two cats can be better than just one:
Benefits of Having More than one Cat
- On going mental stimulation – cats can provide each other endless mental stimulation as they play and interact differently than humans. Cats can get bored easily if they do not have enough stimulation in their environment. When you have two cats, they can play and interact with each other, which helps to keep them entertained and engaged. This is especially important if you work long hours or travel frequently and cannot always be around to keep your cats entertained.
- Play and exercise – kittens and cats need plenty of exercise to be healthy and happy cats. Two or more cats will enjoy play fighting, playing with toys and chasing each other around the house. Cats are more likely to stay active if they have a playmate. Two cats will often engage in interactive play, which helps them stay fit and healthy.
- Companionship – many cats do not like being left alone and desire companionship. More than one cat can provide this on-going companionship, comfort, and fills the void when humans leave the house. Cats are social animals, and they thrive in the company of other cats. When you have two cats, they can keep each other company and provide emotional support to one another. This can be especially important if you have a busy lifestyle and cannot always be around to interact with your pets.
- Joint Grooming – cats will groom each others coat and ears and they solve for hard to reach places.
- Helps to avoid stress and behavior issues – a bored cat will often cause trouble. Clawing the furniture, pushing items of the shelf, and causing damage to human items are less likely to happen if the cat has a play companion. Instead of waking a human up to play at night, cats can keep each other company. Cats can be stressed out by changes in their environment, such as moving to a new home or having a new pet introduced to the household. When you have two cats, they can help to reduce each other’s stress by providing a sense of familiarity and comfort. Additionally, if one of your cats becomes ill or injured, having a companion can help to reduce their stress and aid in their recovery.
- Learning and Socialization as Cats teach each other – kittens and cats will teach each other important social skills. Using the litter box, how to play, play fighting, are all items cats can learn and evolve together. Cats are copycats and learn many behaviors from watching each other.
- Warmth and Comfort: Cats often cuddle with each other for warmth and comfort. This bonding behavior can make them happier and more secure.
- Enhanced Bonding: While it might seem that cats would only bond with their human owners, having a second cat can create a tightly knit feline family, with cats showing affection to each other and forming lifelong partnerships.
- Adopting Siblings: If you adopt two cats from the same litter, they already have a pre-existing bond, making their transition to a new home smoother and less stressful.
- Easier Adjustments: If you ever introduce a new pet or change environments, cats that are used to each other can adapt more easily than one cat alone.
- Fun Watching Interactions: As an owner or pet parent, it can be endlessly entertaining to watch two cats interact, play-fight, and snuggle together.
- Reduced Human Guilt: Knowing your cat isn’t alone when you’re busy or out can reduce the guilt of leaving them home alone.
- Help with Hunting Instincts: Having two cats means they can satisfy their natural hunting and chasing instincts by playing with each other, which is beneficial for their mental health.
- Boosts Social Skills: Cats that grow up together or interact regularly with another cat often develop better social skills, making them more well-rounded pets.
Marrow feels that the gender of the pair doesn’t matter, but you should try to aim for a pair with similar body types, so they are compatible with play. She advises to slowly let them adapt to one another’s company, making sure to put them in separate areas of the house when you are not home to supervise. This separation should persist for about a month, so they can have a healthy amount of alone time.
Some adult cats with a history of living alone are often better off remaining solitary unless you have lots of space. It’s also important to be aware that cats can take a relatively long time to learn to get along with each other. While dogs usually decide to be friends quickly, cats can take a a long time to form a relationship and set territory boundaries.
Pairing two compatible felines together may increase their quality of life by giving them a playmate and emotional companion. However, you must know your cat extremely well in order to judge whether or not adding a pair is a good plan. Some cats may react negatively to an extra, due to jealousy or aggression. As long as you know your cat like the pack of its paw, you’ll be able to make this important decision. Adding another cat can enrich your life too. For most cat lovers, the more the merrier! While owning a cat can be a rewarding experience, having two cats can provide even more benefits. Not only do they provide each other with companionship, but they also reduce boredom, stress, and behavior problems. Additionally, having two cats can improve their overall health and well-being. So, if you’re considering getting a cat, it may be worth considering getting two. Let us know in the comments if you feel that two or more cats is better than one.
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