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→Multi-Cat Households
==Multi-Cat Households==
==Multi-Cat Households==
Like their wild ancestors, domestic cats have the capacity to form social groups, but they do not need to do so. There is no evidence that singly housed cats experience stress related health or behavioural problems. Stress related problems such as indoor spray marking<ref>Pryor, P.A., Hart, B.L., Bain, M.J., Cliff, K.D. (2001) Causes of urine marking in cats and effects of environmental management on frequency of marking. ''JAVMA''. 219, 1709-1713.</ref> and feline interstitial cystitis<ref>Westropp, J.L., Buffinton, C.A. (2004) Feline idiopathic cystitis: current understanding of pathophysiology and management. ''Vet Clin Small Anim''. 34, 1043-1055.</ref> are more likely in multi-cat households.
There is no reason to provide other cats as play mates for a single, happy cat that has outdoor access and plenty of toys and resting places in the home. It is important to remember that cats are [[feline Predatory Behaviour|solitary hunters]] and they do not need to associate with other cats in order to survive. This means that cats can live alone perfectly happily. Provided that they have a sufficient supply of [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|safe territory, food, shelter,]] affection from their owners and opportunities to play and exercise, then they will cope very well. The cat is free to mix with cats outside and, if it is a sociable individual, it can find friends there. If, however, the cat is not particularly sociable then it can avoid other cats and live a happy life alone. Some cats definitely prefer to have their own home, without other cats in it, so it is important to think carefully before getting another cat.
There is no reason to provide other cats as play mates for a single, happy cat that has outdoor access and plenty of toys and resting places in the home. It is important to remember that cats are [[feline Predatory Behaviour|solitary hunters]] and they do not need to associate with other cats in order to survive. This means that cats can live alone perfectly happily. Provided that they have a sufficient supply of [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|safe territory, food, shelter,]] affection from their owners and opportunities to play and exercise, then they will cope very well. The cat is free to mix with cats outside and, if it is a sociable individual, it can find friends there. If, however, the cat is not particularly sociable then it can avoid other cats and live a happy life alone. Some cats definitely prefer to have their own home, without other cats in it, so it is important to think carefully before getting another cat.