The Benefits of a Second Cat

If you are having problems training and controlling your cat, it may be worth considering a second cat addition to the household to naturally aid this process.

There are problems that can arise from trying to introduce a new cat, but with a slow and gentle introduction process that lets the resident cat and the new cat meet and greet when they are comfortable and ready, these problems can usually be managed. A new cat will bring with them teething problems, as you and the cats try and establish a way of living and even a hierarchy, but eventually the benefits will outweigh the good.

This is particularly true if one of the main problems you have with your current pet is hyperactivity. Cats like to play, chase, hunt and run around; they are replicating behaviours that are natural to their species, and the experience is usually extremely pleasurable for them, too. If a cat lives alone, all of their playful tendencies will be focused on their owner. While this is wonderful for creating a bond and enjoying your cat, it is less than perfect at 3am when your cat is feeling playful and all you want is a decent nights sleep as you have work in the morning. While toys and activity centres can go someway to alleviating this problem, nothing will do it like the introduction of a second cat and a playmate.

All cats have similar sleeping patterns, with most sleeping for around 18 hours a day and wanting to play and interact the rest of the time. Unfortunately, this period of desired activity often occurs at night – naturally a cats most wakeful time. With the introduction of a second cat, you not only have a new pet to enjoy and love, but they can play together during the dark hours and leave you in peace.

Be careful and considerate of both cats when trying to introduce them for the first time, and don’t expect them to become playmates immediately. They may need a couple of weeks to scope each other out and become comfortable around one another, but soon enough they will most likely be interacting and playing together, stimulating both of them mentally and physically. There is also a companionship factor, which is particularly important for cats that don’t like to be left alone. As long as the process of introduction and initial settling in is done carefully, the addition of a second cat to a household will delight your cat and allow you to get some much needed sleep!