🏠 Rule #1: More Cats = More Stuff

This is not a “sharing is caring” scenario.

To keep everyone happy, your multi-cat kingdom needs duplicate (or triplicate) essentials:

Item                                                        Formula

Litter boxes                                              # of cats + 1

Food/water bowls                                   One per cat, placed apart

Beds & perches                                       More than the number of cats

Scratching posts                                      Every room, if possible

😼 Pro tip: Place resources in different zones. If you stack three bowls next to each other, you’re asking for a mealtime staring contest.

🐈⬛ Rule #2: Slow and Sweet Introductions

If you’re just introducing a new cat to your household, think of it like dating—not speed-dating, but slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers kind of pace.

Step-by-step intro plan:

Separate spaces: New cat gets its own room.

Scent swapping: Exchange bedding or use socks to rub scents.

Visual meet-up: Use a cracked door or baby gate.

Supervised hangouts: Short, positive sessions with treats.

Free roam (when peaceful): No hissing? Great! Still supervise.

👃 Cats communicate heavily through scent. Scent swapping = the first feline “hello.”

🎮 Rule #3: Playtime is Diplomacy

Cats that play together stay together. Interactive play distracts from tension, burns energy, and helps build positive associations with each other.

Use two wands so no one’s left out.

End every session with a treat to reinforce calm behavior.

Avoid “winner vs. loser” dynamics—don’t let one cat always catch the toy.

🪀 Puzzle toys also work wonders to reduce stress and focus energy on something other than sibling rivalry.