{"id":86510,"date":"2024-05-07T19:30:14","date_gmt":"2024-05-07T19:30:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cats.com\/?p=86510"},"modified":"2024-05-07T19:30:14","modified_gmt":"2024-05-07T19:30:14","slug":"are-multi-cat-households-more-stressful","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cats.com\/are-multi-cat-households-more-stressful","title":{"rendered":"Are Multi-Cat Households More Stressful?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"attachment_98397\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-98397\" class=\"size-full wp-image-98397\" src=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Two-black-cats-sit-on-a-couch-next-to-each-other.jpg\" alt=\"Two black cats sit on a couch next to each other\" width=\"1200\" height=\"799\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Two-black-cats-sit-on-a-couch-next-to-each-other.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Two-black-cats-sit-on-a-couch-next-to-each-other-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Two-black-cats-sit-on-a-couch-next-to-each-other-624x415.jpg 624w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Two-black-cats-sit-on-a-couch-next-to-each-other-540x360.jpg 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-98397\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Taylor Le \/ Cats.com<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"toc\"><span class=\"toc-title\">In This Article<\/span><ul class=\"toc-items\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#twos-a-crowd-the-social-life-of-cats\" data-title=\"Two\u2019s a Crowd: The Social Life of Cats\">Two\u2019s a Crowd: The Social Life of Cats<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#secrets-to-success\" data-title=\"Secrets to Success\">Secrets to Success<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#common-problems\" data-title=\"Common Problems\">Common Problems<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>    <script>\r\n        document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function(event) {\r\n            let links = jQuery('.toc ul.toc-items li a');\r\n\r\n            let htmlspecialchars = function (text) {\r\n                var map = {\r\n                    '&': '&amp;',\r\n                    '<': '&lt;',\r\n                    '>': '&gt;',\r\n                    '\"': '&quot;',\r\n                    '\u201c': '&quot;',\r\n                    '\u201d': '&quot;',\r\n                    \"'\": '&#039;',\r\n                    \"\u2019\": '&#039;'\r\n                };\r\n\r\n                return text.replace(\/[&<>\"\u201c\u201d']\/g, function(m) { return map[m]; });\r\n            };\r\n\r\n            let titleToCompare = function(text) {\r\n                \/\/text = htmlspecialchars(text.trim());\r\n                text = text.trim();\r\n                text = text.toLowerCase();\r\n                text = text.replace('\u201c', '').replace('\u201d', '').replace('&amp;', '').replace('&lt;', '').replace('&gt;', '').replace('&quot;', '').replace('&#039;', '').replace('<', '').replace('>', '').replace('\"', '').replace(\"'\", '').replace(\"\u2019\", '');\r\n\r\n                return text;\r\n            };\r\n\r\n            links.each(function() {\r\n                let link = jQuery(this);\r\n\r\n                let title = titleToCompare(link.attr('data-title'));\r\n                let id = link.attr('href');\r\n\r\n                let selector = '.entry-content h2';\r\n\r\n                let headings = jQuery(selector);\r\n\r\n                headings.each(function() {\r\n                    heading = jQuery(this);\r\n                    headingId = heading.attr('id');\r\n\r\n                    var currentTitle = titleToCompare( heading.text() );\r\n\r\n                    console.log(title + ' == ' + currentTitle);\r\n\r\n                    if (currentTitle === title) {\r\n                        if (headingId > '') {\r\n                            console.log(title + ' == ' + headingId);\r\n                            link.attr('href', '#' + headingId);\r\n                        } else {\r\n                            heading.attr('id', id.replace(\"#\", \"\"));\r\n                        }\r\n\r\n                        return false;\r\n                    }\r\n                });\r\n            });\r\n\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \/\/ let setLeftPadding = function() {\r\n            \/\/     let toc = jQuery('.toc');\r\n            \/\/     let tocWidth = toc.outerWidth();\r\n            \/\/     let maxWidth = tocWidth - 40;\r\n            \/\/\r\n            \/\/     let items = jQuery('.toc ul.toc-items li');\r\n            \/\/\r\n            \/\/     let innerWidth = 0;\r\n            \/\/\r\n            \/\/     items.each(function() {\r\n            \/\/         let item = jQuery(this);\r\n            \/\/         let width = item.outerWidth() + 22;\r\n            \/\/\r\n            \/\/         innerWidth += width;\r\n            \/\/\r\n            \/\/         if ( innerWidth > maxWidth ) {\r\n            \/\/             innerWidth -= width;\r\n            \/\/\r\n            \/\/             return false;\r\n            \/\/         }\r\n            \/\/     });\r\n            \/\/\r\n            \/\/     let paddingLeft = (tocWidth - innerWidth) \/ 2;\r\n            \/\/\r\n            \/\/     toc.css({'padding-left': paddingLeft + 'px'});\r\n            \/\/ };\r\n            \/\/\r\n            \/\/ setLeftPadding();\r\n            \/\/\r\n            \/\/ jQuery(window).on('load', setLeftPadding);\r\n            \/\/ jQuery(window).resize(setLeftPadding);\r\n        });\r\n    <\/script>\r\n    \n<p>Humans are naturally social and dogs are known to thrive in packs. You may wonder if your feline family members crave company from other cats too. Well, the social workings of cats can actually make some multi-cat households a little complicated.<\/p>\n<p>Tension between our pets is always distressing and can be difficult to manage. Learning how to properly introduce cats and recognize the warning signs of conflict will give you the best chance for harmonious living. In this article, we\u2019ll discuss why multi-cat living can be stressful for cats and how you can help.<\/p>\n<h2>Two\u2019s a Crowd: The Social Life of Cats<\/h2>\n<p>Do all cats prefer to live alone? Every cat is unique but they are all territorial to some degree. Their home is very important to them and this can make group living difficult. Territories are often formed based on food availability and designed to avoid conflict with other cats. When multiple cats are forced into an enclosed area, such as a home environment, this can lead to stress and conflict if space and resources are not evenly distributed.<\/p>\n<p><em>Felidae<\/em> (the biological family encompassing all cat species) are generally solitary animals, with the notable exception of lions. However, <em>Felis catus<\/em> (the domestic cat) has evolved to be amenable to group situations, likely due to many generations of human domestication and their natural adaptability.<\/p>\n<p>Feral cats often form small colonies, which are mostly based around female groups collaborating to raise their young. Relationships within these groups are often complicated. They remain solitary hunters and do not form a classic pack. Male cats are usually independent of these groups.<\/p>\n<p>A 2022 study highlighted the complex nature of <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34037488\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cat-to-cat interactions<\/a> and how a huge variety of factors impact feline stress. It is difficult to find a straight answer to whether multi-cat households tend to increase <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/stress-in-cats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">stress in cats<\/a>, but cat-to-cat conflict can certainly be problematic.<\/p>\n<h2>Secrets to Success<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_86661\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-86661\" class=\"wp-image-86661 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Two-friendly-cats-on-spring.jpg\" alt=\"Two cats walking along a wall while rubbing heads.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Two-friendly-cats-on-spring.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Two-friendly-cats-on-spring-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Two-friendly-cats-on-spring-624x415.jpg 624w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Two-friendly-cats-on-spring-540x360.jpg 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-86661\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">It is possible for cats living together to form strong social bonds. MNStudio \/ Shutterstock<\/p><\/div>\n<p>According to International Cat Care, <a href=\"https:\/\/icatcare.org\/advice\/multi-cat-households\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">multi-cat households<\/a> don\u2019t need to be stressful if certain safeguards are followed. Some important factors to consider when working with more than one cat include introducing a new cat to an existing one, organizing the house to ensure fair resource availability, and minimizing conflict.<\/p>\n<h3>Multi-Cat Introductions<\/h3>\n<p>The way you <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/how-to-introduce-a-new-kitten-to-an-older-cat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">introduce your new cat<\/a> can make or break the success of your multi-cat household. Introductions should be made gradually over the course of several weeks. Establish a private territory for your new cat, away from the main areas of your resident cat, so they each have a safe space in the home.<\/p>\n<p>Start with scent-swapping, then progress to visual contact before the cats are allowed physical access to the same areas. Watch carefully for <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/warning-signs-when-introducing-cats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">warning signs of aggression<\/a>, such as fixed staring, flattened ears, swishing tails, growling, or hissing. These all mean the cat does <em>not<\/em> want to fight, but they will to protect themselves. Cats who have a successful social bond will <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/why-do-cats-groom-each-other\">groom each other<\/a> and sleep close together.<\/p>\n<p>When I brought home a second cat, I took introductions extremely carefully. I set up a safe space for the new cat, Jazzy, far away from my cat Pi\u2019s favorite spots. I gave them separate feeding areas, litter boxes, beds, hiding places, and toys so they didn\u2019t have to compete. They had no contact at all until Jazzy had spent a few weeks settling in.<\/p>\n<p>Next I spent two weeks exchanging bedding and toys between them so they had access to each other\u2019s scent. Then I allowed them brief visual contact with a <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/how-do-you-keep-a-cat-out-of-a-certain-room\">baby gate as a barrier<\/a> to prevent physical contact. They seemed curious rather than fearful, so after another few weeks, I removed the baby gate. I didn\u2019t force them to meet and they each had access to all they needed without infringing on each other\u2019s territory. In my case, the two never formed a close social bond but they live happily in the same environment without conflict or stress.<\/p>\n<h3>Sharing Resources<\/h3>\n<p>The success of cat colonies in the wild mostly depends on the availability of key resources, such as food and shelter. So think about all your cats\u2019 needs: food and water, litter box, snuggle spots, toys, and the good bird-watching windows. If each cat or bonded group of cats, has access to resources in their own territory, hostility should mostly be avoided.<\/p>\n<p>Position food and water bowls so your cats can eat and drink without having to turn their back to their surroundings and potential competitors. Similarly, cats need to feel safe while using their litter box. Some cats may block access to litter trays as a form of passive aggression. This can lead to health problems such as bladder and bowel disease as well as anxiety. <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/how-many-litter-boxes-per-cat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Litter boxes<\/a> should be plentiful, positioned in quiet areas, and cleaned at least once a day.<\/p>\n<p>Cats also need lots of sleep and access to comfortable sleeping areas where they can let their guard down. Many cats prefer elevated beds or perches where they can rest and observe without feeling threatened. Resting spaces don\u2019t need to be expensive\u2014most cats love a cozy blanket or even a cardboard box.<\/p>\n<h3>Feline Pheromones<\/h3>\n<p>Cats use scent as a major form of communication and their <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/cat-pheromones\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">intrinsic pheromones<\/a> are part of this secret messaging system. Territory marking is performed using pheromones in feces and urine. It\u2019s also done through the paw pads while scratching and through facial and flank glands when they rub themselves against objects or people.<\/p>\n<p>Providing scratching posts not only helps cats fulfill their natural desire to sharpen and hone their claws, it also allows for good cat communication about their territory boundaries. Increase the chances of harmony between your cats by using <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/best-pheromone-diffusers-and-sprays-for-cats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pheromone sprays or diffusers<\/a>, such as Feliway, to encourage pleasant messages rather than tetchy disputes.<\/p>\n<h2>Common Problems<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_86662\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-86662\" class=\"wp-image-86662 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/aggressive-cat-roaring.jpg\" alt=\"tabby cat hissing at an approaching ginger and white cat\" width=\"1000\" height=\"664\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/aggressive-cat-roaring.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/aggressive-cat-roaring-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/aggressive-cat-roaring-624x414.jpg 624w, https:\/\/cats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/aggressive-cat-roaring-540x360.jpg 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-86662\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Aggression between cats can be a huge source of stress. Glue Promsiri \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Having more than one cat can lead to a loving, bonded social group, but there are also some potential pitfalls. Let\u2019s go through some common problems and how to tackle them.<\/p>\n<h3>Urine Spraying<\/h3>\n<p>Cats, both male and female, use <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/territorial-marking-and-spraying-behavior-in-cats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">urine spraying<\/a> as a form of communication\u2014usually about territorial borders and disputes.<\/p>\n<p>If your cat leaves urine around the house, it can be difficult to tell whether it was spraying or just inappropriate toileting behavior. Spraying differs from normal urination in that it involves a small volume of strongly scented urine and is done against a vertical surface. Unless you catch them in the act, it can be difficult to say for sure. A good starting point is to have your cat checked by a vet to ensure there is no medical cause for house soiling.<\/p>\n<p>If the urination seems behavioral, ensure all cats have their own safe space. Provide access to all resources without them having to go through another cat\u2019s territory. Place scratching posts in key areas to encourage communication through scratching rather than urine marking.<\/p>\n<h3>Cat Fights<\/h3>\n<p>As a veterinarian, I see cats in the clinic who have bite and scratch wounds inflicted by other cats, usually due to territorial disputes. But in general, this is not common. Cats are solitary predators who know they need to stay safe to keep providing themselves with food and shelter. They tend to have strong self-preservation instincts and want to avoid fights.<\/p>\n<p>Physical conflict is a last resort, so if you observe signs of <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/aggression-in-cats\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">aggression between cats<\/a>, you need to intervene. Separate the offending parties and ensure they each have their own resources. Then perform a slow reintroduction\u2014just as you would introduce new cats for the first time. Synthetic pheromones may help to foster friendly feelings.<\/p>\n<h3>Bullying<\/h3>\n<p>Although cats don\u2019t have a pack structure to their social groups, relationships between individuals can become complicated. It is not uncommon to have a bully within the group. This cat tends to take advantage of the others and can restrict access to food and water bowls, litter boxes, resting spaces, and other shared areas like catios.<\/p>\n<p>Careful observation can often <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/warning-signs-when-introducing-cats\">identify a feline bully<\/a>. There may not be overt signs of aggression, such as fighting or hissing. You may witness more passive-aggressive stances, such as lying in wait at feeding times, waiting to attack after the other cat uses the litter box, or guarding a cat flap. Care should be taken so all individuals have access to their own needs without influence from other cats.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Humans are naturally social and dogs are known to thrive in packs. You may wonder if your feline family members crave company from other cats too. Well, the social workings&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/cats.com\/are-multi-cat-households-more-stressful\">Read more &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2418,"featured_media":98397,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"yes","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[222,48],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-86510","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cat-basics","category-read-of-the-week"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Are Multi-Cat Households More Stressful? - Cats.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Multi-cat households can be stressful for some cats. 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