If one cat is fun, just imagine how fun two cats would be! If you are considering getting another cat to your household there are some facts you should know and a simple method for easier, and safer, introductions.

First select a cat similar in age to the one you have now. This makes feeding much easier. Kittens need kitten food, adults need adult food, and seniors need senior food. Since cats need access to their dry food all the time it is darn near impossible to make sure either is eating their own food only. So, the easiest solution is to have your cats all around the same age.

If your current cat has been alone for some time it will be harder for it to accept a new comer, especially if your current kitty is over two years of age. However, it is not impossible. If you already have a household of cats, the new one will disrupt their social order, you may find old friends fighting amongst each other for a short period of time.

Having cats that are already spayed or neutered will help you greatly, as this lessens their territorial behavior, such as spraying or fighting. Also your cat should be up to date on his or her vaccinations.

Select a kitty who is also medically healthy, vaccinated, dewormed, and vet checked. Bringing in a kitten right off the farm is opening your cat up for problems even if yours is vaccinated, things like ear mites, and fleas that can come home on cats who have not been treated.

I always support adopting cats, or kittens, from a shelter, such as the SPCA. A vet in your area will know who adopts cats and kittens out. Most shelters offer health guarantees and have a wide selection of pets to pick from. Since the cats are exposed to so many other cats, they are often less territorial. Free cats are only a good option of they are already vaccinated and vet checked, other wise the expense could add up if you bring home a sick cat to infect the one you currently have. Remember, vaccinations are not a 100% guarantee against disease, so even if your cat is vaccinated it is still vulnerable.

Set up your home in advance of the new comer. You will need a second litter box, as a rule of thumb you should have one litter pox per cat. The new kitty will need to live in a small room by itself for two weeks, it will need its litter box, food, and water, in that room. The cats will meet by sniffing paws under the door. The new one should be fed its current cat food mixed with what you feed your cat. Doing a slow change in diet, so that everyone is on the same food, is best.

After the initial two week period you can bring the new cat out for short periods of time, allow for some fights because they will have to establish dominance. Any bad fights can be broken up by squirting them with water or putting your foot in between them. Return the new cat to the room at night or when you are away. This may continue for another two weeks.

Finally the two should be alright together, maybe not the best of buddies, but not the worst of enemies either. When kitties are younger it is easier to introduce a friend, if they are older they may not ever be pals, but will learn some level of tolerance. You can help by tossing treats when they are together, so they associate being together with getting rewards. Good luck with your new kitty.