Caring for Multiple Kitties

Do you have more than one cat? Good for you! While Fluffy can certainly do very well as an only pet, many cats really enjoy having a feline buddy to play with and snuggle up to. In this article, a Castle Hills, TX vet offers some advice on taking care of multiple cats.

Private Bathrooms

Cats don’t like to share bathrooms. As a rule of thumb, you’ll want one litterbox per furball, plus at least one extra. Put them in different places: kitties sometimes think of two side-by-side boxes as one big one.

Veterinary Care

Make sure your feline buddies stay up to date with important vaccines. We recommend keeping your furballs on the same schedule for parasite control: otherwise, fleas may just move from one cat to the other. Both of your kitties should also be microchipped and spayed or neutered. Ask your vet for specific information.

Jealousy

Our feline overlords can get very jealous of one another. Be sure to pay your pets equal attention. This is especially important if you’re adding a kitten to your home. We know, baby cats are almost impossibly cute, and they do need lots of attention. However, if you don’t spend time with Fluffy, she may really resent little Mittens.

Toys and Playtime

Cats all have their own preferences for toys. One kitty may love catnip mice, while another may prefer feather toys. Offer your furballs a wide variety of playthings, so they don’t have to compete. It’s also important to play with your pets regularly, both separately and together.

Kitty Furniture

If you get pet furniture, choose pieces that can fit both of your cats at once. Otherwise, Fluffy and Mittens may squabble over who gets to use the tower. We also recommend offering plenty of pet beds, as well as some safe, enclosed spots, like kitty condos. That way, your kitties always have a place to retreat to when they feel scared or want privacy.

Food

Feeding multiple kitties can get a bit tricky, especially if they have different nutritional needs. If Fluffy and Mittens don’t eat the same food, you may need to keep them on a set schedule for meals, and feed them separately. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.

Are your cats due for veterinary care? Contact us today! As your local Castle Hills, TX animal hospital, we are always happy to help.