Here are three reasons to live with two cats (or more!) at a time:

 

1. Two cats can chase away each other’s boredom

Often cats are left alone for hours every day with very little mental or physical stimulation while their favorite people work long hours. Singletons can become bored and morph into couch potatoes, become depressed or develop troublesome behaviors. Having two cats or more keeps them all entertained — playing, cuddling and sometimes just sharing a room together.

2. Kittens provide fun for each other and teach life lessons

Kittens, by design, are little energy machines. Everyone and every item in their world becomes a target for stalking, pouncing and play. It is impossible for people to become full-time playmates for these little ones. A built-in perfect solution is adopting more than one kitten — they keep each other occupied and entertained.
In addition to keeping busy, youngsters learn valuable life lessons when they play with each other. Playing teaches social and hunting skills, and it helps the youngsters understand and define boundaries. Simultaneously, playing with each other builds muscles and helps develop coordination.
And, watching kittens play together is a never-ending source of entertainment for all the members of the household.

3. Adopting another cat saves more lives

Adopting two cats who are buddies or introducing a potential friend to a resident kitty saves lives. Every time a cat is adopted from a shelter, a new cat takes the adopted one’s place, eager for a new home. Adopting cats makes room for more.

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When adopting two cats (or more!), keep these five points in mind:

1. Try to adopt litter mates

Ideally, adopt two cats from the same litter who enjoy each other’s company. Because they have known each other their whole lives they usually settle into their new home without squabbling.

2. Adopt two cats who are bonded to each other

It is less stressful to adopt two cats who are already best buddies than to integrate an unfamiliar cat with the resident cat. One of the upsides to adopting bonded friends is that they usually transition to their new home faster, with minimum anxiety. Never separate a bonded pair from each other — they will often grieve. It is heartbreaking to watch cats grieve for their best friends.

3. Gradually introduce two cats to each other

As a general rule, it is easier to integrate kittens together than adults. Because cats are by nature territorial, it takes time for them to accept an unfamiliar kitty into their homes. Always keep cats who do not know each other separated and gradually introduce them. Most will successfully integrate with each other after slow, careful introductions. It can take one month and longer to introduce cats to each other with a minimum of stress.

4. Adopt two cats who are the same age and activity levels

It usually works best to introduce two cats to each other who are around the same age and have the same energy levels. Bringing home a young kitten to keep an older adult cat company often leads to problems. The kitten wants a buddy to incessantly play with, while the older cat would rather quietly nap by the window.
Know your cats — an active cat may not be a good match for one who is laid back.

5. Remember: some cats do not like other cats

Having two cats or more isn’t always going to work out. Not all cats enjoy living with their own species. Some adult cats who have spent their whole lives as only cats do not adjust to living with other felines. They need to be the Kings and Queens of their households and should not be forced to share their homes and favorite people with another feline. Introducing another feline to them can end badly — stressing everyone, cats and people.
Others, when gradually introduced to newcomers, will accept new cats as part of their households. What do you think about having two cats or more? How many cats do you have?