Adopting a Second Cat

Benefits of having two cats

• Companionship & mental stimulation. Cats can keep each other company, play together, groom each other, and generally be less lonely, especially indoor cats.
• More exercise & activity. They can chase, wrestle and explore together, which can help burn off energy and reduce destructive behaviours.
• Fewer behavioural issues. Boredom often leads to scratching furniture, excessive meowing, or seeking attention at night. A second cat helps distribute the "attention demand."

Things to consider

• Personality & temperament of your current cat. If your cat is very territorial, anxious, or has never had to share space, a newcomer might be stressful.
• Age compatibility. Introducing a kitten to a kitten or young cat works more easily. An older cat may have more entrenched routines and territory.
• Financial and time commitments. Two cats mean more food, litter, vet care, space and toys. Make sure you can support that.
• Space & resources. Enough room, hiding spots, multiple feeding stations, litter boxes and scratching posts. If resources are scarce or shared too closely, tensions can arise.

Preparing before the new cat comes home

• A safe, separate space. Set up a "sanctuary room" for the new cat with its own litter box, food, water, bedding and hiding places, so they can settle in without being immediately confronted by the resident cat.
• Supplies. Enough litter boxes (one per cat plus one extra), food bowls, scratching posts and hiding spots.
• Health checks. Make sure the new cat is vaccinated, spayed/neutered (or understand the behavioural implications if not), and free from parasites and disease. This protects both cats.

How to introduce them, step by step

1. Scent introduction. Let them smell each other before they meet. Swap bedding, or use cloths rubbed on each cat to carry scent. Feed them on either side of a closed door so they associate the scent and sound of the other cat with something positive.
2. Controlled visual introduction. After a few days of scent swapping, let them see each other through a barrier (baby gate, cracked door, screen) so they can observe without direct contact.
3. Short, supervised interactions. Once visual introductions are calm (less hissing or growling), allow short face-to-face meetings under supervision. Have toys or treats and be ready to separate them if needed.
4. Gradual increase. Slowly increase the time they spend together. Watch body language carefully, and step back if signs of stress escalate.
5. Full integration. Once they tolerate each other, allow unsupervised time together, but make sure each cat still has escape options and its own safe spaces. Vertical space (cat trees, shelves) helps.