Should I get another cat to provide company for my cat?

The way cats relate to one another varies. Some studies suggest that multi-cat households are more stressful for cats, others have found that being an only cat is more stressful, while others found no difference in animal welfare indicators between multi-cat and only-cat households.

How well a cat manages with/without other cats in the household can be influenced by a range of factors associated with:

• The owner (e.g., demographics, experience caring for cats)
• The cat (e.g., genetics, age, sex, desexed/entire, personality, previous living situation, individual sociability)
• The environment (e.g., space, resource availability)
• Husbandry (e.g., socialisation, play, enrichment, feeding routine, number of litter trays)

Consider whether you can provide an environment that meets the physical and mental needs of more than one cat, as each cat needs multiple and separated resources immediately available to them at all times (e.g., food, water, toileting areas, scratching areas, play areas, and resting or sleeping areas). All cats are individuals, and some love the company of other cats, but many others prefer to be on their own.

If you do bring more than one feline into your life, make sure they are introduced in a way that maximises the chance of a successful and happy multi-cat home; but keep in mind that a harmonious multi-cat household is not guaranteed.

Having other cats living in the same space is often a significant cause of stress for cats. The impact of this can be minimised by providing each of them with multiple and separated essential resources, but there may still be tension between cats, and this can contribute to poor mental and physical wellbeing and unwanted behaviours like inappropriate toileting/ spraying.

See Safe and Happy Cats for more information on cat behaviour and creating a cat-friendly environment.

If you have considered these factors and feel that your cat would prefer having feline company, you may consider welcoming another cat into your household. It is a good idea to speak to your veterinarian first to discuss any questions you have or special considerations for your existing cat.

Selecting a new cat

If you have decided to welcome another cat into your household, consider fostering or adopting as there are many animals who need homes.

Cats can adjust to living together but combinations that may be more likely to succeed include related cats raised together from before seven weeks of age, or a resident adult cat with a significantly younger kitten. Bringing older cats together can also succeed over time with gradual and careful introduction, and a good environment and husbandry (see above).

Gradual introduction

When introducing unfamiliar cats, recommended strategies include feeding them progressively closer together, rubbing them alternately with the same unwashed towel to transfer their smells between each other, and using pheromone diffusers. If conflicts arise, behaviour modification and potentially, medications, may be required in the short-term. For more information on how to introduce unfamiliar cats, see this article, and seek veterinary advice.

Good husbandry

To maximise the chance that cats will thrive together in the same household, it is necessary to practice good husbandry and make sure they have an environment that meets their physical and mental needs.

Provide all cats with opportunities to engage in natural behaviours (e.g., scratching posts, climbing frames, elevated resting areas, hiding places), and physical and mentally stimulating activities (e.g., interesting smells, play, puzzles). These activities are not only fun but are also essential for cats’ physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Providing each cat with a quiet, private, safe space to toilet is also critical for their health and welfare particularly in multi-cat households (e.g., reduce the risk of urinary tract infections). One litter tray per cat plus an additional tray in separate locations is vital.

For more information on how to keep all the cats in your household happy and healthy, see the RSPCA Guide to Keeping Your Cat Safe at and Happy at Home.