How to Choose a Second Family Cat

Adding a second cat to the family can expand the enjoyment you receive from sharing your life with pets, and provide another homeless animal with the loving environment it deserves. Follow these steps to ensure you choose the right second cat for you and for your first cat as well.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Keep your first cat's temperament and age in mind when choosing your second cat. If your first cat is young and playful, you might consider adopting an energetic and youthful cat or kitten. However, if your first cat is a shy and senior kitty, an older, more relaxed second cat is the better choice.

2. Consider the role the second cat will play in the house. If you're adopting the second cat as a playmate for a child, choose a young cat or kitten. If the second cat will be a companion for a senior citizen, choose an older cat who loves to take naps in laps.

3. Take the second cat to your veterinarian for a full checkup before you bring him into your house, or isolate him from your first cat until he has his visit.

4. Stay patient. Once you've chosen your second cat and bring him home, your first cat, and any other pets you may have, will require an adjustment period. It's important that you stay patient during this time and allow the animals to acclimate themselves.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to spay or neuter your cats, which will greatly reduce pet overpopulation. If your first cat is not spayed or neutered, ensure that he is before you bring the second cat home to curb any potential behavioral issues that might develop.
• Always keep your cats indoors with you to protect them from harm. Cats that are let outside have a much greater chance of premature death than cats that are kept inside and safe.

[CSeida08]

on 1/15/2009 Wonderful advice. It's so true that you really have to consider why you're getting the second cat. It not only gives you a better idea of the personality to pick, but also gives you time to really THINK about whether you want another feline or not!

I do have to say, though, that when I chose my second cat, her personality was vastly different from that of my first. My first feline is a very calm, reserved, nonchalant kinda guy. The second feline is about a year and a half younger than he is (not a BIG difference later in life, but they're both so young that it's definitely worth noting) and much more outgoing, energetic, and vocal. She's been the best thing that's ever happened to him as far as getting his energy level up and getting him to perk up a bit in terms of attitude. Sometimes opposites really do attract, but the chemistry really has to be there.

Once again, thanks for a