Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

Debunked: This is the silliest misconception about getting a second cat

Mary Johnson
By

Peanut butter and jelly. Tom and Jerry. Milk and cookies. Mario and Luigi. Some of the best things in life belong together, but are cats meant to have a feline bestie? Have you decided that one cat simply isn’t enough? Or are you considering a second cat because your fur baby is exhibiting signs of loneliness, such as nonstop meowing or litter box issues? We’ve done the research for you: Here’s everything you need to know about whether or not you should adopt a second cat.  

An orange tabby cat bathes a brown tabby cat in a cat bed.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Should my second cat be male or female? 

There’s a lot of misinformation about cats. The species is considered aloof, but, as it turns out, this supposedly stereotypical feline trait is actually due to past experience with humans. In fact, most standoffish cats have been abused, improperly socialized, or simply need time to adjust to a new environment. Other misconceptions range from silly, such as the outdated belief that a cat will steal a baby’s breath, to downright dangerous: some people think it’s safe for cats to eat chocolate. 

Recommended Videos

Similarly, conventional wisdom has led many pet parents to believe that a cat’s gender is vitally important when adopting a second cat. But the experts say otherwise. A cat’s age and personality, rather than gender, are much more important factors to consider when you’re adopting your second fur baby. Because cats are territorial, they may feel threatened by the addition of an adult cat. Consider adopting a kitten — choose the most laid-back of the litter — or adopt a calm and friendly adult if you have your heart set on rescuing an older cat. 

Should I get a male or female cat if I have a male cat? 

While some people claim that two cats of the same sex will fight for dominance, cat behaviorists disagree. Instead of choosing a second cat solely on the basis of gender, you’ll want to put more thought into the adoption process. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself before you decide to bring home that precious kitty you saw on Facebook.

A brown tabby and a tuxedo cat climb wall-mounted cat furniture.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Has my male cat been neutered?

Because removing your cat’s testicles also removes his testosterone source, 90 percent of male cats will be much less likely to exhibit hormone-driven behaviors. Introducing a second neutered male should be a safe bet unless the cats have extremely different temperaments. 

What is my cat’s temperament like?

Some cats are playful and energetic, while others are gentle and calm. If your fur baby loves to pounce and play, adopting a shy, sensitive cat could be a recipe for disaster. It’s possible that your new kitty will teach your current fur baby how to be more outgoing, but it’s equally possible that your current cat will feel like he’s being bullied and become more reclusive. For a more harmonious home, try to adopt cats with similar personalities. 

How old is my cat?

Adult cats tend to be set in their ways, so if you adopt a cat of a similar age, your fur baby may see the newcomer as a rival. On the other hand, even adult male cats are known to adopt young kittens, so that might be a better way to go. However, kittens require a great deal of attention. Another good option? Adopting a senior cat. Senior cats tend to be relaxed, so they may settle into their new environment — and befriend your current cat — with ease. 

Are cats happier in pairs? 

Even if you work from home and spend the majority of your time with Miss Mittens on your lap, you could be doing her a disservice by maintaining a single-cat household. According to cat behaviorists, most cats are happier and healthier when they have a feline companion. Not only will having a second cat help prevent loneliness, but your current fur baby might even become friendlier. 

A tuxedo cat hugs an orange tabby cat.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Despite their reputation, cats are inherently social creatures. Providing your cat with a feline companion will give him the stimulation he needs to burn off excess energy, which can improve his mental state and make him more sociable. However, we recommend speaking with your vet before you decide to adopt another cat. Don’t assume that your fur baby is lonely if your cat’s mood, behavior, or eating and sleeping patterns change. The symptoms of loneliness often mimic symptoms of a serious health condition. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your cat’s health. 

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mary Johnson
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Why you should feel honored if your cat sleeps at your feet
If you've ever wondered about this cat behavior, this article is for you
Calico cat lying on a white comforter

Have you noticed that when you go to sleep, your cat automatically heads to the foot of the bed and curls up by your feet? It's no mistake, and it's not your cat giving you the cold shoulder, either. This is a deliberate decision on your kitty's part, and there are many reasons why they might choose to sleep there instead of curling up on your stomach or by your shoulder. In fact, if your cat sleeps by your feet, you should take it as a compliment and feel flattered.

So, why do cats sleep at your feet? It's a mix of your cat's affection for you, a feeling of safety, and even the body heat you generate that play into your cat's decision to sleep at the foot of the bed.

Read more
Can cats eat raw chicken? Yes, but there are huge health risks you need to know about
Facts about feeding you cat raw chicken
A bowl of raw chicken plus supplements to feed to a pet

You've probably heard all about raw diets for pets. After all, more pet owners than ever want to give their animals a healthier diet! Given that wild cats eat raw meat all the time, it seems to make sense that your domestic cat would also benefit from these kinds of meals. But feeding uncooked meats, including raw chicken, is complicated, and it carries some risks.

There are definitely benefits of feeding raw chicken to cats, but it's also important to understand the concerns and to talk to your vet about your cat food plans so you can make the dietary choice that's right for your animal. Can cats eat raw chicken? Yes. But whether it's a good idea to feed cats raw chicken is a better question to consider.

Read more
4 reasons why cats wag their tails while lying down
This behavior is almost always never something to worry about
Cat yawns while sitting in a window

We know all about dog tail wagging, and most pet owners can spot the difference between a happy twitch and a cautious one. But did you realize that cats use their tails to express themselves, too? Like with dogs, the cat tail swish could mean a few different things, and it's important to have some sense of feline behavior — and your specific kitty — to decipher their movements. So why do cats wag their tails while lying down? We'll walk you through the most common causes and when you might need to step in.

Why do cats wag their tails while lying down?
If you stumble upon your kitty lying down and only moving their tail, it's probably because of one of these four reasons.
They feel happy or playful
You might see your cat lying lazily in the sun, but suddenly they give a little tail twitch as you approach. It's not your imagination. They're excited to see you and ready to play. Assuming you don't note any signs of aggression (we'll get to those later), you should head on over to pet your cat or grab their favorite toy and start a game.
It's hunting time
We can all picture the lion stalking their prey while slowly moving their tail back and forth — your cat does this, too. Oftentimes, this one will happen when they're lying on a perch or near a window and can spy on birds or small mammals in the yard. It could even be that they've spotted a fly and will pounce at any minute. All you need to do here is reach for your camera and enjoy your silly kitty at their best.
They're stressed
A cat that feels stressed will often floof their tail and start to wag it. Kitties generally puff up their fur to appear larger and more menacing. This action may also combine with an arched back or a hiss. Alternatively, sometimes tail thumping comes from overstimulation. You'll recognize pretty quickly which movements indicate fear and which mean fun.
They're dreaming
Sometimes, you'll observe your mouser twitch their tail while sleeping. It could come from a simple muscle spasm just like you get when you sleep (it also might mean they're hunting down prey in their dreams). Additionally, your sleepy kitty may be, well, faking it. They might look asleep but are actually just resting and waiting for you to come over.

Read more