Proper Care for Multiple Cats in a Household

Maybe you never meant to own multiple cats; you were happy with your single feline. But then that sweet tabby stray needed a home, and your neighbor moved to Dubai and couldn't take his Siamese. Suddenly, you had a multiple-cat household. Although some cats can form close bonds with each other, they are by nature territorial animals, and don't always like close contact with other cats. Still, with some understanding of cat behavior, a little extra time and expense, and some creativity, you can help your cats to co-exist peaceably.

  1. Cat Group Psychology

    • Unlike dogs, which instinctively form hierarchical social groups, or packs--behavior they inherited from wolves--cats form social groups only by necessity, and the arrangement is based on respecting territory, not individual cats. That sunny spot on the rug, that windowsill with the fascinating view, that choice spot on top of the laundry pile--these are the things that can cause disagreements between your cats. Small adjustments--opening drapes further to create more sunny places, or shutting a door that leads to a disputed area--can stop minor squabbles from turning into a cat fight. Don't worry too much, however, if your cats hiss briefly at each other in passing, or exchange irritated swats; little squabbles like these usually blow over fairly quickly, with no serious harm done. Eventually, the cats will form their own agreements and ground rules.

    Multiple Cat Guidelines

    • Prevent unworkable situations by making sure your cats are compatible. Cats can have different energy levels--in fact, a playful kitten can have a rejuvenating effect on an older cat--but an aggressive or very solitary cat may need treatment from a veterinarian or behaviorist, and may ultimately need to be re-homed. To avoid stress and altercations, make enough room in your home for each cat to create his own individual pathways and routes. Ensure sufficient privacy for your cats by providing one litter box for each cat, plus one extra. Keep the boxes clean and scoop them daily; cats living in groups can become even more meticulous about relieving themselves than solo cats.

      Allow your cats to control the amount of interaction they have by providing places for them to get away and be by themselves; cat towers with perches, hideaway, and individual cat beds are all good choices. Avoid the spread of disease among your cats by keeping them in good health, keeping them current on their vaccinations, and using effective flea control. Cats don't normally mind dining together, as long as each has enough food and fresh water; avoid spats over elbow room by giving each cat his own bowl and spacing them a few feet apart.

      If you are going to introduce a new cat, you should be aware that it can take from eight to 12 months before cats fully accept each other. Some may never crave each other's company, but they can learn to tolerate each other. Plus, they may be getting along better than you think. Don't be surprised when you come home one night to find two cats who had been hissing at each other for months now sleeping side by side.

    Tips and Precautions

    • If your cats start physically battling, stop them. Unlike dogs, who can sometimes resolve conflicts by scrapping, cats tend to escalate the aggression with every fight. According to the Dumb Friends League, the best ways to break up a cat fight are by throwing something soft, blowing a whistle or squirting water. Don't punish them afterwards, but separate them until you can resolve the problem.