A Multi Cat Household

You already have one cat but are thinking that the patter of four extra feline feet would be music to your ears. You may work long hours and suspect that your kitty is lonely. But do you bring home a kitten, or an adult cat, a male or a female?

Remember, cats are not pack animals. Why multi cat households work as well as they do, as often as they do, is a quandary. Before you acquire a new cat keep the following in mind.

Cats are not pack animals.

Older felines are often set in their ways. They don’t like change. They may appreciate being an only child. Even if this cat had a friend that recently died, it may not want a new playmate.

Typically a cat under two years of age will accept a new friend more readily than an older one. As a general rule, a younger, smaller sized cat of the opposite gender is more warmly received

Have your new family member examined by your veterinarian either before or shortly after its arrival. Be sure it is dewormed, fully vaccinated, tested for the common feline viral diseases of leukemia, feline immune deficiency virus and feline infectious peritonitis. Treat for external parasites. You wanted an extra cat, not extra fleas.

Set up a private retreat for your new baby, complete with cat box, food, water and a bed. Keep your cat sequestered for at least a week. This will help to insure that just in case the new kid is incubating an illness, you will not spread it to the resident cat.

When you do allow the cats to interact, be sure to supervise their activities. Expect some hissing and spitting. With time, they will hopefully become good buddies. If after 30 days, they are still not getting along, see your veterinarian. He or she may be able to prescribe some medication to help take the edge off the transition.

The best way to insure a contented pet? Offer nutritious food, a safe place to live and routine veterinary care. Remember, it is “Your Pet…Health Matters.”