If you are hoping to bring a new pet into your life, then it may help to consider the other pets already living with you. Cats, in particular, might be fussy or temperamental with new animals.
There are a number of animals that cats have been known to get on well with while sharing a home. While some cats may get on well with new pets, others may not, so it might often come down to a personal choice on the part of owners.
Read on for some animals that have been known to get on well with cats.
Consider Your Cat’s Temperament
It may be hard to tell if your cat will get along with other pets until they have been in the company of other animals. Cats can be like humans in their socialisation preferences. Some cats may prefer company, while others might prefer to be the only pet in the home.
It may help to introduce your cat to different animals before you decide to get a new pet. This may help to give you an idea of how your cat will react to a new pet in the home. You could consider doing this in a controlled and safe manner to ensure the safety of all animals.
- Dogs
Dogs have long been described as the natural enemy of cats. While this may be true for some cats and dogs, that does not necessarily mean it will be valid for every cat and dog pairing. There are many instances of cats and dogs cuddling up once they’ve got used to one another.
It may help if you are unsure of your cat’s reaction to a dog to consider a smaller breed. A smaller dog might help put your cat at ease more quickly, as the size difference may not be so significant.
- Birds
Many cats may enjoy watching birds, and some outdoor cats may even catch the occasional wild bird. This may make you think that birds and cats are unsuited to life together. While smaller birds may not be ideal to have around cats, you may have success with larger birds such as parrots and chickens, which might be less of a temptation for your cat to hunt.
- Reptiles
Reptiles may be a good addition to the home, provided they are appropriately housed. Cats may find smaller reptiles tempting as prey, so if you do decide to get a reptile, it may be worth investing in a safe and secure terrarium where they might be kept separate from the cat.
- Rabbits
Rabbits may get on well with cats, provided there is proper supervision. You could consider allowing the cat and rabbit to have limited contact at first and simply allow them to get used to each other. You could then consider allowing them time together while supervised to get accustomed to each other’s scent and presence. If managed well, cats and rabbits have been known to form close bonds.
- Fish
Fish may captivate your cat’s interest but provided you have a sound fish tank, you may be able to let them live happily together. Like humans, cats may find watching a tank of fish soothing to look at, so it may be a good fit for anyone wanting to get a new pet without causing too much disruption to their cat.
- Ferrets
Ferrets can often be playful and fun pets and may suit a home with a cat well. Ferrets are similar to cats in that they may spend a large amount of their time sleeping but can also be playful and curious. Cats and ferrets may get on well, provided they are introduced carefully. Ferrets’ playful nature can suit a cat well in the right circumstances.
Introducing New Pets To Your Cat
If you have decided on your new pet, then you may wish to consider how you will introduce them to your cat. It might help to do this slowly and in a controlled environment. It could also help if you were on hand to intervene should the first meeting go wrong.
It may be worth considering what you will do if the first meeting goes awry. You may need to take one or both of your pets to the vet. It may help to consider pet insurance so that vet bills may be covered in the event that something goes wrong. You could have a look at some pet insurance quotes from Everypaw, who have a range of cover levels available.
Consider Other Cats
If you wish to get another pet, you might consider getting a companion cat for your current cat. Cats may get into fights but can potentially also be great companions to you and each other. Cats will be less likely to view other cats as prey.
When initially introducing cats to each other, you may need to be cautious and go slowly. First impressions count with cats, so it may help to be prepared. Your existing cat may see the new cat as encroaching on their territory, so it may help to provide both cats with a space that is entirely theirs. For instance, you could consider keeping the new cat in a separate room from your current cat until they are better acquainted.
Final Thoughts
It may take careful consideration to decide on the best choice of pet to bring into your home with your existing cat. Many types of smaller pets may pose the risk of a cat considering them prey, while larger animals may carry the risk of causing stress and anxiety to your cat.
It may help to have an idea of how your cat will react to a new pet, no matter the animal type. You could consider asking friends to bring over their pets as a pet play date to get an idea of your cat’s response. While this may not be practical for all pets that you might consider bringing into the home, it could help you get an idea of how comfortable your cat might be with new animals.