Your cat is your pride and joy. But if your cat is getting lonely, you might be thinking about adding another pet to your home. Proper pet care involves preparing your home and making it a comfortable transition for both your current cat and the new one. Here are some tips to consider before bringing home another furry friend.

Pet Care Tips for Adding a Second Cat

1. Consider Age and Personality

If your current cat is an older feline, you may want to be careful about bringing a kitten home. Kittens tend to be rambunctious and don’t pay attention to boundaries. Although the kitten may be playful and curious, that kind of energy can bring stress and irritation to a resident cat. Veterinary professionals suggest taking into account the disposition of your current cat before deciding on a new one to bring home.

2. Introduce Them Slowly

Another recommendation made by many veterinary professionals is to make the introduction between the two cats slowly to make sure they warm up with as little drama as possible. Choose a neutral area of the house for the initial meeting. Set up cat trees where one or both can retreat to when they need alone time. Also, part of your pet care prep should include adding a second litter box to the home, as this helps prevent any territorial issues.

3. Give Them Equal Attention

It's exciting to bring a new kitten home, but pet care experts agree that it's important for both felines to get attention and affection from their owners. Your older cat may feel threatened by the presence of a new animal, so to make sure you still play and bond with them. With time and patience, the cats will learn to co-exist.

Canal Road Animal Hospital offers excellent pet care and veterinary advice to those in Orange Beach, AL. From preventive care to boarding services, they can help with all your pet needs. Call them at (251) 968-7387 or visit their website to learn more about their services.