Are two or more cats better than one? - WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and Sports

•  Choose cats or kittens with physiques and body types that mirror that of the feline already sharing your home. "Cats with similar body types have comparable activity levels, and so they complement each other," says Marrow. For example, a good partner for a Siamese would be another "slinky" cat.
•  Don't adopt two female cats. If you already have one girl at home, don't get a second. "I hate to say it, but females are usually the ones who have problems with each other," admits Marrow. "Two males get along fine, as do males and females."
• Make a list of your cat's personality traits. Is your furry friend shy or social? Clingy or aloof? "Like people, cats get along better with other cats whose temperaments match their own," says Marrow. She suggests taking your list to the shelter, and asking the employees to find the best match for your kitty.

When Two Cats Begin Sharing Your Home

When cats first cohabitate, they need to be introduced gradually and under strict supervision. The cats cannot have any access to each other when you're not home. Marrow suggests longer and longer supervised periods of exposure filled with toys and treats to keep everybody happy. The timeline for this supervised interaction is around one month, though it may vary with different cat pairs. "You need to help them adjust slowly, so no one gets stressed," says Marrow.

When One Is Enough

Cats need space to hide when they desire alone time, so if you don't have much, one feline may be all you can handle. Your home should allow for the newly introduced cats to be separated -- at least for the first month -- when you are not home to supervise. Finally, your home should have room for a minimum of one litter box for each cat (ideally, one for each cat plus one extra).

Two final considerations are the age and health of the resident cat. The stress of bringing another pet into the home could potentially shorten the life of an elderly cat or a cat with serious health issues.

With the right pairing and introduction, two cats living together may ultimately lead more satisfying, enjoyable lives than do "single" felines. But remember, stresses Marrow, "Not all cats like all cats. You can't just slap two together and expect them to get along." But with the above criteria, "you and your cats can have the best chance for success."

About the Author: Darcy Lockman is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times and Rolling Stone. She lives in Brooklyn, with the prettiest pug dog in the five boroughs.