What Should You Consider Before Getting a Second Cat?
Not all cats want or need feline companionship. Cats are naturally solitary hunters and do not require a social group to be happy. Before adding a second cat, consider:
- Your current cat’s personality — Sociable cats who have lived with others previously are better candidates
- Space — Indoor homes need enough room for separate resources (food, water, litter, sleeping areas) for each cat
- Age and energy matching — A kitten introduced to a senior cat can cause stress. Similar ages and energy levels work best
- Financial commitment — Double the food, litter, vet bills, and insurance
How Do You Prepare Your Home for a Second Cat?
- Set up a separate room with food, water, litter tray, scratching post, hiding spots, and bedding
- Add an extra litter tray (the new total should be one per cat plus one)
- Install a Feliway Multicat diffuser to release calming pheromones
- Create vertical escape routes such as cat shelves or tall cat trees
- Ensure both cats have separate feeding stations
What Is the Step-by-Step Process for Introducing Two Cats?
Days 1-3: Complete Separation
Keep the new cat in their dedicated room. Allow your resident cat to continue their normal routine undisturbed. Both cats will be aware of each other’s scent under the door.
Days 3-5: Scent Swapping
Swap bedding between the two cats so they become familiar with each other’s scent. Rub a cloth on one cat’s cheeks and place it near the other cat’s food bowl.
Days 5-7: Site Swapping
Allow the new cat to explore the main living areas while the resident cat visits the new cat’s room. This lets both cats investigate each other’s scent in different spaces.
Days 7-10: Visual Introduction
Use a baby gate, mesh screen, or cracked door to allow the cats to see each other without direct contact. Feed both cats on their respective sides so they associate each other’s presence with positive experiences.
Days 10+: Supervised Meetings
Allow brief, supervised face-to-face meetings. Have treats ready to reward calm behaviour. End sessions on a positive note before any tension develops. Gradually increase the length of meetings.
What Are the Signs the Introduction Is Going Well?
- Both cats eating normally
- Relaxed body language (slow blinking, lying down)
- Curiosity without aggression (sniffing, watching)
- Play behaviour without chasing or hissing
- Both cats using communal areas at different times
What Are the Recommended Products?
Feliway Friends/Multicat Diffuser
Releases cat appeasing pheromone to reduce tension between cats. Covers up to 70 m². Lasts 30 days per refill.
Approximate price: ~£20
Lindam Easy Fit Baby Gate
Pressure-fit gate ideal for separating rooms during cat introductions. Allows visual and scent contact while preventing direct access.
Approximate price: ~£25
Catit Senses 2.0 Digger
Puzzle feeder that can be used to create positive mealtime associations during introductions. One per cat recommended.
Approximate price: ~£12
Sure Petcare SureFeed Microchip Feeder
Prevents food stealing between cats. Opens only for the registered cat’s microchip or collar tag.
Approximate price: ~£70
What Is the Product Comparison?
| Product | Purpose | Duration/Type | Essential? | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feliway Friends | Calming pheromone | 30-day refill | Highly recommended | ~£20 |
| Baby Gate | Visual barrier | Reusable | Very helpful | ~£25 |
| Catit Digger | Positive association | Permanent | Optional | ~£12 |
| SureFeed Microchip | Separate feeding | Permanent | Recommended | ~£70 |
What Is the Key Terms / Glossary?
- Scent swapping: The process of exchanging bedding or cloths between cats to familiarise them with each other’s scent before meeting
- Site swapping: Allowing each cat to explore the other’s territory while the other cat is absent
- Feliway: A synthetic version of feline facial pheromone that helps reduce stress and conflict in cats
- Resource guarding: When a cat aggressively protects food, litter trays, or resting spots from another cat
- Solitary species: Animals that naturally live and hunt alone, as domestic cats evolved to do
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for two cats to get along?
A successful introduction typically takes 1-4 weeks. Some cats become friends quickly, while others may take several months to tolerate each other. Some pairs never become close but can coexist peacefully.
What if the cats fight during introduction?
Separate them immediately and go back to the previous stage of introduction. Fighting does not mean it will never work, but it does mean you are moving too fast.
Should I get a male or female cat as a companion?
The individual personality matters more than sex. However, neutered opposite-sex pairs often have fewer territorial issues than same-sex pairs.
Is it better to get a kitten or an adult cat?
An adult cat with a known history of living with other cats is often easier to introduce than a kitten, whose energy may stress an older resident cat. Match energy levels where possible.
Can indoor cats live happily in pairs?
Many indoor cats thrive with a companion, especially if they are home alone during the day. The key is a careful, gradual introduction and adequate resources for both cats.
Sources & References
- PDSA – Cat Care Advice
- RSPCA – Cat Welfare
- Blue Cross – Cat Advice
- Cats Protection – Help & Advice
- International Cat Care – Cat Advice
You might also enjoy our guide on keeping indoor cats mentally stimulated.
You might also enjoy our guide on preventing obesity in indoor cats.
You might also enjoy our guide on setting up a catio.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support PetHub Online and allows us to continue creating helpful content for pet owners.
