A Companion For Your Cat: A Good Idea?
Most people who do not have cats think that these animals are wary, antisocial and even loners: but they are not. Moreover, everyone, even the most solitary, need company from time to time, and cats are certainly no less.
If your cat spends a lot of time alone, he may be bored and in need of company. If you observe that his behavior changes or does one of his own, it would be a good idea to find him a mate. Here are some tips so that your cat doesn’t feel too lonely.
Before looking for a companion for your cat …
You need to think a lot and realize that if a new member arrives in the family it will involve some changes in the home. You will also need to take care of it, treat it, feed it, take it to the vet, etc. Especially at the beginning you will have to be very careful.
You do not have to take the decision to have two cats in the house lightly, they will compete for territory, your attention and affection. It could happen that the mood and even the behavior of the animal we already have in the house change. Don’t be alarmed, it’s normal.
You must also consider that cats are extremely territorial and that it can be a bit difficult at first, but everything is resolved with patience. For cats it is not always easy to live with another animal in the house, at least at the beginning.
Having two cats in the house is very common, so you shouldn’t run into any major problems. However, try to follow some recommendations so that coexistence is a great success.
Recommendations for adaptation
You must know that your behavior is essential for relationships between animals to be a success. The adaptation and understanding depends on you. Remember that each cat is different: each person has his own character, and cats are no exception! It is therefore important to be patient and determined.
First, it is very important that you prepare an exclusive place for the new cat. We recommend that you choose a part of the house all for him, where you can place his food and water bowls, the litter box with sand and toys, which will be his only. This way he will feel good in his new home and the relationship with your “old” cat will be better.
The sense of smell is very important for the adaptation to be a success. It is good that you give the “old” cat something of the newcomer, to smell, so that he can get used to and familiarize better and faster. Don’t rush the adaptation process, give it time. The winning motto is: “little by little”.
Let a few days pass until everything is more or less calm: it is time for the newcomer to leave “his room” and seek first contact with the other cats. To dissolve the tensions, give each one a can of food, but be careful, each one in his own bowl!
You will have to gradually increase the contact time, without forgetting to always be present in this very delicate phase. There is no precise time for the duration of this process, as everything will depend on the character of both.
The age of cats
One really important thing to take into account when looking for a mate to your “old” friend is age. If the cat you already have at home is an adult, adaptation will be easier. If the new cat is a “puppy” he will probably want to play with the adult cat all the time, so you will have to pay attention to him and keep an eye on them so they don’t get hurt.
If the new cat is an adult it will take a little longer to adapt, as they will both want to define their territory. Don’t worry if the fights will be constant, eventually they will get tired and everyone will choose the part of the house they like best.
What if the new companion is a dog?
It ‘does not matter! The saying “I am like cat and dog” is just a saying and it is not always true “. The adaptation period will be different, but eventually dog and cat will become inseparable companions! You will be able to see them play and sleep together!
