Is it possible to have two cats living in the same house? Of course! But only a series of things are taken into account, such as the character and needs of each one of them, since otherwise, rather than improving coexistence, the opposite effect will be achieved: making it worse ... and a lot .
The feline is a very territorial animal, which means that if it feels threatened or uncomfortable with the presence of another furry it will be aggressive towards it. What we have to do is reduce that feeling of discomfort so that, little by little, it will accept you. But how? For that I invite you to read this article in which I will offer you many tips to have two cats living under the same roof.
Meet the cats
So that everything goes well it is very important to know each cat individually. Why? Because many times we take a second feline home without even having introduced ourselves correctly, or without having taken the time to understand the cat we had. For example, this is what those people who find an abandoned or stray kitten do / do a lot and, without more or less, decide to keep it without thinking that, perhaps, that decision is not the favorite of their furry companion.
That's something I can understand: I've done it myself about two or three times. I was lucky that things went well in the end and they became friends, but the beginning was not easy at all. And precisely for that reason I want to help you so that you do not make the same mistakes that I made in the day. So before doing anything, you must take time to get to know the felines, both the one you already have and the one you would like to have. Find out if he is sociable, that is, if he is one of those who enjoys the company of humans or if, on the contrary, he is a shy cat.
Knowing what it is like will help you make a better decision.
Make the introductions little by little
In the same way that no one would like any unknown person to start giving them a lot of hugs - at least the first day - introducing one cat to another in a brusque way could end in grunting, scratching and / or biting. To avoid it, It is highly recommended to first pet the »new one» when we are still in the kennel or animal shelter. Thus, what we will do is impregnate their fur with our body odor, something that will help the "old" cat to be calmer.
Afterwards, we will put it in the carrier and take it home, where we will leave it in a room with its bed, trough and feeder, sandbox and toys. In addition, we will cover the bed with a blanket -or soft fine cloth if it is summer or it is very hot-, and we will do the same with the bed of the »old» cat. From the next day, we will exchange the blankets or fabrics for 2 or 3 days so that they will recognize and accept the scent of the other. If we see that they snort or growl, it is normal, but as time goes by they will feel more comfortable.
On the fourth or fifth day we will take the "new" cat out of the room and let him see the "old" through a barrier through which both can smell and touch. The same: if they growl or snort, or even if their hair stands on end, it is completely normal. We'll leave you like this, 'together but not mixed up' until you both begin to feel comfortable. Later, It will only be a matter of removing the barrier and starting to take care of them as sure we were wanting to do from day one: giving a lot of affection to both of them at the same time.
Do not neglect the "old" cat in favor of the "new"
The "old" cat is the one that has been with us the longest, the one that has shared few or many very good moments. The arrival of a second cat in the family should never mean the "abandonment" of the cat that already lived in the house. In fact, If we want coexistence to be good for everyone, what we have to do is give a lot of love to everyone equally and make sure they are happy, having all their needs covered.
If there are children, it is very important to make them understand this, since they tend to pay much more attention to the "new" cat than to the "old" cat, since for them it is the novelty; and if the 'old' cat is very sensitive it could be much more difficult to accept the 'new' cat.
Let them be cats
Having two cats at home means that there are two animals that love to climb on high surfaces, who will mark their territory with their nails, who will want to do mischief and, of course, sleep with the family. Therefore, they will need scrapers, beds, drinking bowls, feeders and toys yes, but also a home where they can be and behave like what they are: cats, only and exclusively cats.
So do not hesitate to make the most of every moment you spend with them, because I assure you that living with these animals is one of the most beautiful experiences we can have as human beings. 🙂