Should I adopt one cat or more?
As part of our series “Top Adoption Questions Answered”, many people come to the shelter seeking to adopt one cat and see most of the cats getting along so well with others. The adopters start to wonder if it would be better to adopt just one cat or more and who would it benefit. Here is our suggestion.
Like the saying goes, “cats are like potato chips, you can’t stop at just one”. When visiting a rescue shelter, you can’t help but wonder if you should adopt more than one cat.
Firstly, it depends on the personality of the cat. A minority of the cats out there are considered “alpha cats”. They don’t get along with other cats. They are fine with people but other cats stress them out and they need to be the sole feline in the home. Your shelter workers will be able to identify those cats and make recommendations on how they will integrate into your lifestyle. Sometimes an alpha cat can be adopted with one other cat as long as the other cat is not needy for attention from the alpha and there is enough space in their surroundings so that they can be apart when they need be. The alpha cat is no less affectionate or charming towards people than any other type of cat so don’t be afraid to adopt one especially if you just want one cat.
If you already have an older cat(s) at home, then finding the right personality of cat to bring home is important. Your shelter workers will know the personality of every cat they have and can make excellent recommendations as to which rescue cat will be a good fit. Keep in mind that you need to be sure that your cat at home will be accepting of another cat. If you have an old and domineering cat at home, you may have some trouble integrating a new cat. A kitten may drive him or her crazy with her energy and curiosity. You may want to look at another adult cat that has more of a subservient and calmer personality.
If you have no cats at home then we would recommend that you consider adopting two cats together. If you are adopting kittens, then you should definitely look at getting two so that they will spend their energy on each other and won’t be lonely when you are at work. Kittens need a lot of attention. It is better for them (and you) if they have a companion. Another kitten or young adult cat will have the energy and patience to be a good playmate. And the more they can play at this stage, the healthier they will be as it allows them to develop their muscles and social skills.
Many shelters have two adult cats that are emotionally close. Do not adopt only one of these cats! They need to be together and a separation would be devastating to them. Most shelters will not let you adopt them separately. These bonded pairs are some of the best cats to adopt together. They will come into your home more secure and will adapt faster. Plus you know that they will get along.
Remember: adopting two cats does not necessarily double your expenses. Yes, your food will double especially with kittens that need more wet food during their first year. However, you will not need to double their toys or scratching posts or cat trees, etc. Many cats in the same home can share the same litter box (although I would test this first especially if the cats are used to being together). And if you can train your cats to go use the toilet (and it can be done!), then litter expenses are a non-issue. The maintenance of two cats is no worse than one cat (you have to clean the litter box and vacuum whether you have one or two.)
Adopting more than one cat benefits everyone. Your cats will have companionship when you are not home. You will worry less about your cat being home alone and lonely. And you allow your shelter to make room to save another suffering stray.
