First, a black cat and black dog.
Then two dogs, brother and sister.
More importantly, though, we needed to decide ifshewanted us to bring a second cat home.
How do you know if your cat needs a friend?
How can you be sure there’s going to be more adorable cuddles than claws and flying fur?
Let’s talk science and cat psychology, and look at some adorable cat duos to find out!
We brought her home and continued our tradition of sci-fi inspired naming trends.
She settled in, she liked the dogs well enough, but she still seemed… melancholy.
Like something was missing.
He needed a momma, and she needed a baby, and it worked.
From hoarder home to shelter, she hadn’t had an easy life.
We knew that needed to change for her, and it did.
How friendly is she?
Does she hiss at the cat outside the window?
Or does she not care at all?
Oh, heck no.
They knew what boxes meant.
Commence, theprotest pooping!
Myka’s not much for the whole jumping thing, but the little one?
Fortunately, that stopped as soon as we unpacked, and the scary boxes disappeared.
They probably think it worked and they’re right.
Our two are experts at this.
One of the most effective of their cunning plans is to send one usually the little one to distract.
That’s either being cute and adorable, or pestering the dogs and causing not chaos.
Usually, that’s a bag of dog treats, because go big or go home, amirite?
Without a second cat, who would cover the cat burglar?
Female ferals will even help raise each other’s kittens, nurse them, and be there for births.
When it comes to the social structure in multi-cat households, it’s even more complex.
The best guess the rescue could make was that she was only a couple of years old.
Gina Browning is the Director of Public Relations at the SPCA Serving Erie County near Buffalo, New York.
“There is a reason the phrase ‘opposites attract’ is a cliche,” she told me.
And it’s absolutely true.
Myka loves a warm bed and a spot of sun.
BC is convinced he’s Batman.
Then, it’s a lesson in tolerance, forgiveness, boundaries, and personal space.
Dogs will love us rather unconditionally, and that’s why we love them back.
But cats have no time for your shenanigans.
Watch your cats, and they’ll show you exactly how it’s done.
If you want a constant reminder of just how important forgiveness is?
Get a second cat.
So, should you get a second cat?
Granted, I’m a little impartial.
He says to verify your first cat and your new addition have a reason to like each other.
Make hanging out together fun and comfortable, whether it’s shared treat-time or play-time.
Your chance to change the world
Are you still thinking about it?
Don’t just consider it from your side.
Consider Cat #2, who’s out there waiting right now.
More die in shelters than are adopted from them, and those are some seriously heartbreaking statistics.
Now, he’s the family clown, alternating between cuddle bug and superhero.
If he had ended up at a shelter, who knows what would have happened to him.
So why not change the world for two cats?
They might just return the favor.
