Imagine yourself sitting comfortably in your home, minding your own business, when in walks a complete stranger. He introduces himself as your new roommate—one you didn’t agree to—and starts moving into your coveted living space. How would you feel? Well, if you’re friendly to newcomers and this new roommate seems nice, you might not mind so much. But if you were happy with your home as it was and don’t love meeting strangers? Look out, new guy. The same is true with cats. “When you are considering getting another cat, you really must consider the needs of the resident pet,” says Dr. Amanda Rigterink, DVM, DACVB, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist with Veterinary Behavior of Indiana in Carmel . “Certain cats have certain personalities. Some prefer to be alone and some are quite social.” Domesticated cats originated thousands of years ago from the African Wildcat, a solitary hunting animal, Dr. Rigterink says. Through domestication, cats have evolved and socialized, but for some, those ancient instincts remain. If your cat has reacted aggressively toward other animals or people in the past, those instincts could be the reason why—and they may react similarly should you get another cat. That’s not to say that all cats are destined to be loners. Research has shown that cats who are littermates or otherwise related to each other have an easier time getting along, Dr. Rigterink says. On the flip side, an age difference can work against you. “When you have an adult cat, who may not be as playful, and you introduce a young kitten, you have to be very careful,” Dr. Rigterink says. “You need to make sure you’re giving the younger kitten plenty of opportunities for playing. And the key, with any introduction, is ensuring they each have their own space.”,Let’s be clear: You love your cat. That sassy little furball is the light of your life. But lately, you’ve been wondering if there’s room for another kitty in your heart. Maybe you think your cat needs a friend. Maybe you’ve fallen in love with your neighbor’s foster feline. Whatever the reason, you’re finding yourself wondering, “Should I get another cat?” The prospect of growing your animal family can be exciting. But before you make any permanent decisions, remember that adding another cat to your crew is no small task. Caring for a new pet is a big responsibility, even for an experienced cat parent like yourself. So how do you know if you’re ready? Answer these five questions to determine whether you should get another cat—or if you’d be better off just loving the one you’re with.
