Tips for Owning Multiple Cats: Pay Attention to the Care of Your Resident Cat and Compatibility Between Cats!

Many cat owners give up on the idea of having multiple cats because they worry about the compatibility between their current cat and a new cat, thinking, "I want to get another cat, but I'm worried about how my resident cat will get along with it."

As you know, cats are highly territorial animals. It's natural to be concerned about whether your resident cat will get along well with a newcomer.

This time, for owners considering multi-cat households, we will clearly explain how to care for your resident cat's emotional well-being and how to assess compatibility between cats.

Pros and Cons of Multi-Cat Ownership

Multi-cat ownership refers to living with two or more cats.

The cat you already own is called a "resident cat" (senju neko). A new cat you bring into the home is called a "new cat" (shin'iri neko), and cats living together are called housemates.

While multi-cat households bring much joy, there are also many things to be aware of. Before bringing a new cat home, it's important to understand the pros and cons of multi-cat ownership.

Benefits of Multi-Cat Ownership

Seeing them play together and cuddle up to sleep are big advantages of multi-cat ownership.

For the cats themselves, having a playmate helps prevent a lack of exercise. For lonely cats, it can also be a source of emotional support when their owner is away.

Disadvantages of Multi-Cat Ownership

Cats are solitary animals rather than pack animals. Therefore, they can feel stressed when another cat enters their territory.

As a result, behavioral problems such as inappropriate urination or escaping, and health issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, or cystitis can occur. In some cases, poor compatibility can lead to bloody fights where they simply cannot accept each other.

For owners, increased food and veterinary costs can be considered a disadvantage.

Preparation and Essentials for Multi-Cat Ownership

Before welcoming a new cat and starting a multi-cat household, there are a few things to consider. Thorough preparation is essential to minimize stress for both your resident cat and the new cat.

Do not exceed the maximum number of cats you can keep.

Even indoor cats have a very strong sense of territory.

A territory, also known as a "home territory," is a place where a cat wants to eat, rest quietly, and be alone. Cats dislike it when other cats enter this home territory.

For example, humans have a personal space, and we feel uncomfortable when someone gets too close. A cat's territory is very similar to this personal space.

While a cat's territory isn't very large, it is said that the maximum number of cats you can keep is "the number of rooms they can freely access minus 1." Re-evaluate whether each cat can have its own personal space.

Consider the compatibility between cats

While the compatibility between cats largely depends on their personalities, you should also consider their age and gender.

For example, kittens are highly adaptable, so kittens with other kittens, or kittens with adult cats, can quickly become friends. However, a combination of a kitten and a senior cat should be approached with caution. A senior cat might become exhausted by a playful kitten with excess energy.

Also, intact male cats are more prone to territorial fights, and even female cats can have problems if they are of a nervous type.

Neutered male cats together, or male and female cats, are said to have a higher chance of getting along well.

Prepare the living environment

When welcoming a new cat into the family, avoid sharing the following items and provide one for each cat:

• Cat litter box
• Food and water bowls
• Scratching post
• Bed

Also, it's safest for the new cat to live in a cage until they get used to the new environment. A cage that's wide enough to accommodate a litter box, food bowls, and a bed, and about 2-3 tiers high, will minimize stress.

Check their health status.

To prevent infectious diseases, check that both your resident cat and the new cat are up to date on vaccinations and flea/tick prevention.

As changes in environment can easily lead to health issues, it's reassuring to observe their appetite, grooming frequency, and the number and amount of urination, so you can notice any abnormalities.

Prepare a "Cat Health Record Book" for each of your resident cat and new cat to monitor their health status.

How to Introduce Your Resident Cat to a New Cat

When welcoming a second cat, the way you introduce your resident cat to the new cat is extremely important.

Since you won't know the compatibility between the cats until they actually meet, introduce them slowly and carefully. A good first impression is crucial for cats too.

1. Initially, keep them separated.

Instead of immediately introducing them, isolate the new cat in a separate room or in a covered cage. Initially, they shouldn't be able to see each other; it's enough for them to simply sense each other's presence.

2. Exchange scents.

If both your resident cat and the new cat seem calm, try exchanging their scents.

Exchange towels or toys and place them in each other's living spaces. If the cats show interest in the scented items and sniff them, you've succeeded.

3. Face-to-face through the cage.

Keep the cage covered and allow your resident cat to approach freely.

If they seem used to each other's presence, try uncovering half of the cage and let them see each other through the bars. They might hiss or paw at each other, but observe them for a few days.

4. Try opening the cage.

Finally, try opening the cage door and letting them meet. If they seem like they might fight, return the new cat to the cage.

Try to gradually increase the time they spend together by finding ways for them to relax in the same space, such as eating treats or playing with toys together.

Signs That Your Resident Cat Has Accepted the New Cat

You've introduced your resident cat to the new cat, but you're probably wondering how long the hissing will last.

To assess compatibility between cats, it takes at least a week, and usually about a month.

When adopting a rescue cat, the trial period might be limited, but don't force interactions; let the cats set their own pace.

Signs of Friendship

If the hissing decreases and you observe the following behaviors, it's a sign that your resident cat has accepted the new cat. It's perfectly fine for them to spend time in the same space.

• Rubbing against each other
• Allogrooming (grooming each other)
• Inviting each other to play
• Sleeping in the same room
• Sleeping cuddled up together

If compatibility seems poor, separate them.

Cats with cool personalities might prefer a comfortable distance where they aren't constantly together. It's not a problem if they don't sleep cuddled up, as long as there's no tense atmosphere.

If compatibility seems truly poor, consider separating their living spaces. For example, assign one cat to the first floor and the other to the second, or one to the living room and the other to the bedroom, ensuring their paths don't frequently cross.

Summary

There are various reasons why you might consider multi-cat ownership, such as "they might need a playmate if they're often alone," "I want to live with many cats," or "I rescued a stray kitten."

In any case, what's important is caring for your resident cat.

As explained above, the key is to understand cat behavior and emotions to minimize stress.

Of course, adding more litter boxes and water bowls and creating personal spaces is important, but above all, prioritizing your resident cat is crucial. It's a huge shock for a resident cat to suddenly no longer have their beloved owner's affection all to themselves.

While multi-cat ownership can be challenging, the joy of living with cats is also multiplied. Take your time and approach it patiently.

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