| Some people really love their cats. Why? Cats are | | | | They have developed a personality that will probably |
| the ideal pet. They're friendly, loyal, warm, nurturing | | | | not change. |
| and independent. Cats don't require as much | | | | If you decide that your home or apartment is ready |
| maintenance and attention as most types of dogs | | | | for more than one cat, there are several precautions |
| and are usually clean. Cats can keep you company | | | | that cat owners should take. |
| and are reliable sources of comfort and love. | | | | - Give your cats room to grow. Provide your cats |
| However, owning more than one cat can sometimes | | | | with furniture, scratching posts, perches and cat |
| be a problem for your other feline pets. When your | | | | trees. Place them in multiple rooms so that your cats |
| home contains more than one cat, your animals can | | | | can enjoy some time away from one another. Once |
| develop a pecking order and revert back to natural | | | | they become comfortable in their own areas, they |
| animal instincts that may place them in competition | | | | will learn to successfully socialize with one another. |
| with one another. To avoid fights or conflict, a pet | | | | This is a natural process that you should allow to |
| owner should provide each cat with his own area to | | | | happen on its own. Don't force your cats to play |
| scratch, eat and play. | | | | together. Let them bond on their own terms and at |
| If you think that you are ready to own more than | | | | their own pace. |
| one cat, there are many different steps that you | | | | - Frequently fill your cats' water bowls. Make sure |
| must take to ensure all of your cats' health, | | | | that your pets' water and food bowls are always full. |
| happiness and well-being. First, take an honest look at | | | | This ensures that they do not have to compete for |
| the cat that you already own. Does he seem lonely? | | | | food or nourishment. Provide each cat with his own |
| Would he benefit from having a playmate? Does he | | | | bowl and feed him at specific times each day. |
| usually get along with other cats? Is he friendly | | | | - Eliminate spraying. Urine marking is often more |
| toward humans and other domestic animals? Does he | | | | common when many cats reside in the same home. |
| enjoy receiving attention and being held? If so, your | | | | Applying a feline pheromone spray on risky areas or |
| cat may thoroughly enjoy having other cats around. | | | | objects will help reduce or eliminate spraying. Remove |
| However, some cats strongly prefer being alone and | | | | stains with an equal parts mixture of water and |
| living in solitude. They may be somewhat territorial | | | | vinegar. |
| and resentful of other cats sharing their space. | | | | - Maintain a fresh litter box. If you own more than |
| If you decide to add another cat to your home, you | | | | one cat, you may need to purchase more than one |
| must decide on the approximate age of the new cat. | | | | litter box. Each cat should have his own litter box, |
| Kittens, although cute and playful, can be a handful | | | | with at least one placed on every floor of your home |
| and may need a lot of attention and training. Older | | | | or apartment. Ensure that each of your litter boxes is |
| cats are usually already trained and are less active. | | | | cleaned daily. |