Should I Get Another Cat For My Cat?

Take this quiz to find out!

If you're lucky enough to be a cat's favorite human, you've probably wondered at some point whether your kitty needs a feline pal—especially if your furry friend has been seeming lonely, bored, or unhappy.

Lucky for you, we've put together some quick questions to help you discover whether your cat might need, accept, or totally reject a second cat in the home. Click "Start Quiz" to get started!

Illustration of two cats cuddling on a pet bed.

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Questions Overview

1. Is your cat excessively clingy or vocal?
  1. Yes, even when they're getting plenty of attention and enrichment.
  2. Sometimes, but it varies a lot.
  3. No, not really!
  4. I'm not sure.
2. Does your cat show frequent signs of anxiety, like over-grooming?
  1. Yes, constantly!
  2. No, not really.
  3. Sometimes, but not frequently.
  4. I'm not sure.
3. Has your cat ever urinated or defecated outside their litter box?
  1. Yes, they do it frequently.
  2. Yes, especially when there are other cats around.
  3. Yes, if I'm gone for long periods of time.
  4. No, they've never done that.
4. Does your cat have a history of territorial behaviors, like spraying?
  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. I'm not sure
5. What's your cat's favorite type of enrichment or interaction?
  1. Cuddling and being brushed.
  2. Running around and playing with toys!
  3. Wrestling with my hand or clawing furniture.
  4. They're actually not that interested in playing or socializing.
  5. I'm not sure.
6. How does your cat react to changes in their routine or environment?
  1. They adapt immediately and don't seem to notice much!
  2. They might be a little curious or wary, but they'll adapt quickly.
  3. They show clear signs of stress, fear, or anxiety.
  4. I'm not sure.
7. How does your cat act when you come home after a long day?
  1. They continue lounging, playing, or relaxing.
  2. They run up to me, meow, and rub against me.
  3. They scratch the furniture or get the zoomies.
  4. They don't do any of these.
8. How does your cat act when they see other cats through the window?
  1. They're calm but curious.
  2. They get playful and excited.
  3. They seem aggressive or scared.
  4. They don't really react.
9. Has your cat shown a recent change in energy?
  1. Yes! They're suddenly super lazy and lethargic.
  2. Yes! They're super energetic, even with plenty of enrichment.
  3. No, their energy levels are the same.
  4. I'm not sure.
10. Has your cat ever shared their home with another cat?
  1. Yes, they've grown up with and/or lived with other cats.
  2. No, they've never lived with other cats.
  3. I'm not sure.
11. How old is your cat?
  1. 2 years old or younger.
  2. 3 to 7 years old.
  3. 8 years old or older.
12. Does your cat have any medical issues?
  1. Yes, they have frequent or major medical issues.
  2. Some minor issues, but nothing major or recurring.
  3. Nope!
  4. I'm not sure.
13. Has your cat been neutered or spayed?
  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. I'm not sure
14. Has your cat been vaccinated, as per a vet's recommendations?
  1. Yes, fully vaccinated!
  2. They've had most of the recommended vaccines.
  3. No, they're not vaccinated.
  4. I'm not sure.
15. Do you have plenty of space for a new cat, more toys and beds, and an additional litter box?
  1. Yes, absolutely.
  2. Hmm, I could make room.
  3. Not really, my place is pretty small and cramped already.
16. How would you best describe your cat's overall temperament?
  1. Playful, energetic, and easy-going.
  2. Relaxed, content, and affectionate.
  3. Nervous, shy, and skittish.
  4. Aggressive, rowdy, and destructive.

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Expert Insights on If & How to Add a New Cat to Your Home

If you're considering bringing a new feline companion into your home, it can be difficult to know how the cat you already have will react. A new friend could be exactly what they need, or it could bring a ton of stress and anxiety for your furry friend! While we recommend consulting with your personal veterinarian before making a major decision, we've provided some bonus tips from our experts on feline behavior:


  • Certified cat trainer Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT, explains that over- or under-eating can be a sign of a cat being "lonely and [wanting] another cat to play with. [However], it could also be because the cat's depressed...[or there's] a lack of enrichment in the actual home."[1]
  • Certified cat behavior consultant Molly DeVoss explains that "a cat typically stops using a litter box for [one of] four reasons," and it's not always because they want a cat friend in their home. Often, it's due to "medical issues, territorial marking, dislike for the box, or trauma. The first thing you should do is rule out medical issues by taking your cat to the veterinarian."[2]
  • Feline behavior consultant Carrie Seay, MS-CABAC, advises, “if you want to get a cat, do it for yourself. Don’t do it because you think your cat wants one, because they’ve never asked, right?”[3]
  • Cat behaviorist Rita Reimers recommends raising kittens in pairs, “especially if you have a hyperactive kitten. It’s best to have two, because they’ll use up that hyperactivity together. And, having that second kitten when they’re pitting helps because they teach each other. Like, if you watch little kittens wrestle, that’s how they learn not to bite too hard.”[4]
  • Hartstein adds that, "when introducing [new] cats" to a household that already has cats, you want to introduce the felines "very, very slowly...Anoint different items with each other's scent, and then place them in different rooms. Meanwhile, have the cats visually and audibly blocked from one another" for up to a few months.[5]

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References

  1. ↑ Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT. Certified Dog & Cat Trainer. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Molly DeVoss. Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ Carrie Seay, MS-CABAC, KPA-CTP, CBCC-KA. Feline Behavior Consultant. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Rita Reimers. Cat Behaviorist. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT. Certified Dog & Cat Trainer. Expert Interview