Bree-Anna Burick Jun 8, 2024 7 min read

Should I Get a Second Cat? Consider These 5 Things

It’s long been said that an only cat is a lonely cat. While there are plenty of studies out there that involve the social needs of cats, it’s hard to determine if this old adage is actually true.

Cats are incredibly self-sufficient by nature, which is what makes them such an attractive pet.

However, this could mean that your cat isn’t exactly dealing with loneliness if it’s the only one in your home. Things get tricky when trying to decide when is the right time to add a second cat, or if your current cat is missing out on companionship.

Adding a second cat is a big decision that you should never take lightly. Obviously, you’re opening yourself up to the chance of receiving the love of a second furry friend.

However, it’s also going to lead to more work for you, and more money that you’ll need to spend to help your new cat thrive.

Additionally, you should consider your current cat and even the potential new cat that you’re adding to the equation.

Part of being a responsible pet owner is to make decisions that are in the best interest of your pet and any pet that you’re considering bringing into your home.

If you’re thinking of getting a second cat, there are a few things that you’ll need to think about to ensure that you, your current cat, and a new cat all live happy, healthy lives.

Can Your Home Handle Two Cats?

Ideally, the cat that you bring into your home will get along with your current cat, and the two will spend years playing together and forming a friendship.

Even if that happens, it’s important to remember that it’s going to take some time and that even if your cats become close friends, they still need some personal space.

Cats, by nature, are territorial animals, and while they can interact with other felines, they still need a space of their own.

If you’re living in a small studio apartment, it may not be a good time to add a second cat to the mix. Experts encourage you to create anywhere between 20 and 40 square feet of space for each cat in your home to have an area of their own.

Additionally, if you add a second cat, it’s a good idea to add a second litter box, bed, food dish, water dish, and more.

The amount of space that both cats need largely depends on the breed. For instance, a larger cat, such as a Mane Coon, will need more space than a small cat like a Devon Rex.

Before you go to the animal shelter or the pet store, make sure that your home can handle a second cat. The goal is for your cats to form a lasting bond, but that’s not likely to happen if they’re constantly battling over territory.

Consider How Much Time You Have

While it’s true that cats don’t require the amount of training that dogs do, you’ll still want to be a major part of your new kitty’s life. The stereotype that cats don’t want anything to do with their masters is simply not true.

While some cats don’t want to spend hours laying by your side, it’s incredibly common for cats to spend most of their waking hours (and many of their sleeping hours) near their owner.

Having said that, it’s important to consider the amount of time that you’ll need to spend with your second cat.

Not only does this involve integrating the new cat into your routine, but you’ll also want to be sure that you’re not neglecting your current cat.

Again, cats are territorial, and you are part of their territory. Sudden changes to the environment, such as adding a second cat, can be stressful for your current cat.

Before making major changes, make sure that you’re going to have enough time to be a calming, stabilizing presence for both pets.

Think About the Finances

Responsible pet ownership isn’t cheap. Since you already have one cat, you probably already know how much you’re spending on food, litter, vet care, and other essential items and services. Adding a second cat is going to increase that cost.

While cats are typically considered more affordable than dogs, there are still costs associated with owning one cat and adding a second cat to the equation.

Before you uproot a cat and bring it into your home, creating stress for that cat and your existing cat, make sure that you can financially support both animals.

A second cat is going to require more litter, more food, more vet care, more medicine, and more money.

It’s unfair to both animals to bring a second cat in only to decide that the expense is too high. Spend some time evaluating your budget before you even start looking for a second cat.

What’s Your Current Cat’s Personality Like?

Every cat has a unique personality. It’s remarkable to think about how some cats can be rather independent and “stand-offish” while cats from the same litter come across as social butterflies.

While adding a second cat to your home can be a noble thing to do, especially if you’re rescuing a cat from a shelter. However, your primary responsibility is to the cat that you already have.

When you brought it home, you made yourself responsible for keeping it as healthy and happy as possible.

Before putting a new cat in your current cat’s environment, observe how well your cat interacts with other animals.

If you have friends or relatives who have cats, ask them to bring their cats over for a kitty playdate. Some cats are naturally sociable, while others simply don’t like other animals.

While it’s normal for there to be some initial tension between your cat and a new pet, if your cat shows disdain for other animals over an extended period of time, it’s not a good idea to bring in a second cat.

The Age and Health of Both Cats

Finally, be sure to consider the age and health of both cats. A cat who receives quality care from its owner can live anywhere from 18 to 30 years. While three decades isn’t exactly common, it is within the realm of possibility.

However, your cat at age 20 (in human years) isn’t going to be the same cat that it was at one to two years old. Cats, much like humans, change over time.

Older cats typically don’t like to play as much as kittens, and they certainly don’t like the roughhousing that kittens often enjoy.

With this in mind, it’s a bad idea to bring a young, energetic kitten into the home with an older, more sedate feline. The odds of the two having a good relationship simply aren’t good.

If your current cat is getting up there in years or has chronic health problems, bringing in a kitten just isn’t the right move. Remember, your first responsibility is to the cat that you have spent years nurturing and caring for.