Many cat lovers enjoy the company of these independent characters and dream of having several of them around the house. Others want to give their feline a friend to play with. But this is easier said than done. The vets from specialty chain Maxi Zoo have some tips for keeping multi-cat households stress-free.

How many cats should you have? That depends on your circumstances. If you know from the very start that you want to include several cats in your family, you can get them together - the best option is well-socialised animals that have already lived together. These could be kittens from the same litter or cats that got on well at the animal shelter. The size of you house of flat is crucial - too many cats in a cramped room is never a good idea! As a rule of thumb, it is recommended you have at least as many rooms as cats, ideally one room more.

It's important not to overestimate your pets and their need for social contact with other cats. Some cats just don’t like having company or don’t get on with their feline housemate because of a personality clash. And the “time” factor will not change much. This guarantees ongoing stress between furry members of the family and inevitably, stress for you too.

You should especially keep this in mind if you are thinking about getting a second cat for your would-be lonely pet, or if one cat has died and you want to get a new partner for the one left behind. For the best chances of success, pair animals of the same age and temperament together. An older, placid tom cat and a lively kitten is a pretty hopeless match. Observe carefully what your cat needs. Sometimes you never even notice that your cat is unhappy and suddenly, after the death of their partner, they are a totally different cat - in a positive way. If this is the case, think about carefully whether you really do want a new cat.

And what does a multi-cat household need? Plenty of hands and time for cuddling. More cats mean more demands on your time – and not just for cleaning litter trays and feeding, but also for attention and playing. Each cat should have their own feed and water bowls, and at least one litter tray. You should have enough rooms and different levels available for your pets to retreat. If one or more cats are dirty or scruffy, this can be a sign that a multi-cat household isn’t working optimally. Perhaps one cat feels intimidated or trapped by a dominant housemate? Observe your pets’ behaviour carefully, as many things are very subtle. An extra litter tray, another bed or level up high can ease tension between rivals.


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It's a cat's world! Two or more cats can be great for both pets and owners, provided you keep a few things in mind to keep your multi-cat household stress-free. Maxi Zoo/Ulrike Schanz (Photos may only be reproduced with permission and in connection with editorial text. High-resolution photos can be requested from the Fressnapf press office.)