So many people look to adopt just one cat. When a cat adoption counselor suggests adopting a second cat, they baulk at the idea.
“No, I just want one cat, two cats would be too much trouble.”
In reality, caring for two cats is not that much more work than caring for one and in fact, two cats are better than one for many reasons.
Companionship
Contrary to popular belief, cats are not solitary animals. They are quite social beings and enjoy the company of others – humans, sometimes dogs and more importantly other cats.
Even cats that are untamed and living in cat communities either with care givers or communities of their own making live in groups.
Two cats offer each other exercise, social interaction, and mental stimulation. This prevents the boredom and loneliness that can lead to over eating, destructive behavior or unsocial behavior.
Role models
Cats and kittens do learn behavior from each other. If you bring home a kitten or under socialized cat to be a feline companion to your current cat, the new comer will learn from your cat.
If you adopt two kittens together, they will also learn from each other and self-train. As one accomplishes a new task, the other will quickly copy it.
Grooming buddies
Two cats will groom each other, keeping them even cleaner than if they were alone. They may even clean those harder to reach areas that a cat can’t quite reach on its own.
When cats groom each other, the action also gives the cats comfort and a general sense of well being.
Double pleasure
Not only do you get the wonderful feeling that comes with saving not one but two lives, you get the pleasure of being showered with unconditional love by two cats.
Some people fear that a second cat will take away from their relationship with the cat. This is not true at all. The cats have each other while you are not there to pay attention to them and then both are excited to see you when you come home.
It has been shown that cats generally lead healthier, happier lives when they have a feline companion.
They are also pretty cute when they play and snuggle together ;-)
So when you go to adopt, do consider adopting two instead of one.
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