by Adopt a Pet, | January 8, 2024
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When introducing a new cat into your household, gender is generally less important than matching energy level, age, size, and personality. Managing a household with many cats is possible with a few simple tips.
In this article:
Things to keep in mind
Cats don’t like change in general. Sure, you may get lucky and find that your cat is thrilled to have a new friend, but there is a better-than-average chance this won’t be the case. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get another cat, but it does mean you’ll have to be realistic with your expectations and take the time for proper introductions.
Don’t force your new cat to share items. Purchase an additional litter box (it’s best to have one litter box per cat plus one additional box), bed, and bowls for the new cat, so everyone can have their own.
Don’t just toss them together. Keep the new cat isolated for the first few days and feed your resident cat by the door. After a few days, open the door slightly so they can see other. Then, try a short meeting and slowly increase the time they spend together. This proper introduction provides a better chance for success. Check out our article on introducing a new cat or kitten to your cats for more guidance.
Over time and with a little patience, it’s likely that your cats will learn to tolerate each other. It may take several months or even longer, but as long as they aren’t fighting with each other, it’s fine to let them move at their own pace.
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