Does My Cat Need Company? Our Guide to Multi-Cat Households

Are you debating bringing another cat into your household? As an avid feline fan, I can certainly see the appeal of a multi-cat home. However, cuteness aside, some considerations must be made before committing to another cat.

Firstly, it is important to understand the solitary nature of cats and how that can impact a multi-pet household.

Do Cats Need Company?

Many owners introduce another cat to their home as a companion for their current furry friend. Some cats will get on and others won’t, the truth is it likely comes down to personality.However, it should be noted that the default for our furry friends is to live a solitary lifestyle.

Our felines have evolved from a shy and solitary species of wild cat found across North Africa and the Middle East. These wild cats lead lone lives, hunting and surviving in a harsh environment. Typically, they live in huge territories to avoid conflict with other cats.

Our modern moggies despite living in closer circumstances with other cats, are still not a social species. All cats have an inherent desire to maintain their independent territory and can get into conflict with others who come across their territory. This might sound familiar to anyone who has woken up to the delightful sounds of cats fighting…

According to the 2023 PDSA Paw Report, the second biggest welfare concern for cats is multi-cat households. Likely due to the stress that can come from cats sharing small spaces and resources.

If your goal is to prevent boredom, or to stop your cat from exhibiting attention-seeking behaviours (meowing, following around the house). Then there are better ways than introducing another cat into the household. Your cat's life can be enriched in lots of ways, including more playtime. Watch our video on Playing with Cats! 

However, sometimes the choice to have more than one cat comes down to circumstance or preference. In these cases, it is worth being prepared to keep your kitties as contented as possible.

Preparing for a Multi-Cat Household

Cats typically don’t share their spaces well; so, don’t expect them to! The golden rule for a multi-cat household is one resource per cat plus one extra.

Litter Trays

Ideally litter trays should be located far apart to allow cats privacy and the ability to toilet away from others. For more help with cat toileting troubles, read our cat toileting tips.

Beds

Some cats will choose to sleep in the same place; however, others will prefer their own space. Give your cats the option and provide plenty of cosy beds.

Scratching Posts

Cats mark their scratchers with pheromones from their paws, so each cat in the household needs their very own scratching post. However, the more scratching opportunities you have, the less chance your sofa gets destroyed… Watch our video for tips on saving your furniture!

Food and water bowls

The one thing cats are likely to be possessive of is their dinner. Cats might like to switch occasionally but should always be offered separate dishes. If one cat gets particularly greedy, it is worth feeding them in different rooms to avoid.

Toys

Some cats will play well together but should always have their own toys. Cats will have their favourites and there are differing playstyles to consider.

Attention

 Make sure each kitty in your household gets love and attention from you.

An additional source of support can help relieve some tension in a multi-cat household. Ensure you always have a Cat Comfort Diffuser plugged in, this will fill your house with comforting pheromones that can help enhance bonding between cats.

Play Fighting vs Aggression

When you have multiple moggies in the home it is important to keep an eye out for any signs of aggression. Play fighting and real fighting can look similar so the trick is to recognise the body language of each.

Play fighting is typically quiet, with retracted claws. Cats will often switch roles during a play fight, essentially taking it in turns to chase other. At the end of the play session, both cats will appear relaxed and go about their business as normal.

With a real fight, their body language will change, so look out for the following:

• Growling, hissing and screeching.
• Flattened ears
• Swishing or puffed-up tail
• Batting and flailing paws- if your cats are sat up swiping paws at each other this is likely to be real aggression rather than playful aggression.

To keep yourself from being injured don’t dive in headfirst and physically try and stop the fight. Instead try distracting them, by throwing a toy or making a loud sudden sound.

Discover more feline-themed advice.