Zazie Todd, PhD, summarizes key points from a new correlational study in Applied Animal Behaviour Science <Link>. It reveals insightful welfare dynamics in multi-cat households with and without outside access.
- Many cats would prefer to be the only cat in the home. Having more than one cat is linked to poorer welfare*.
- In a study, when cats had outdoor access, their welfare was improved, especially in homes with multiple cats.
- Feline personality is also linked to welfare, and cats who are inactive or nervous may need extra help.
*The results showed that when there were more cats in the home, there was an increased risk of health issues and of house soiling and spraying. The researchers distinguishing between 2-cat homes and 3-or-more-cat homes was important! There was an increased risk of cystitis in homes with 3 or more cats compared to homes with 1 or 2 cats.
Source: Psychology Today, July 4, 2026. Link. Because this study is correlational, it does not prove a causal link, says Todd. But the results are a reminder that many factors go into good cat welfare—and that perhaps just having one cat, or a bonded pair (such as two kittens from the same litter) is the best approach.
When viewed as a species cats are solitary, or at least not obligate social, animals.” – Peter Sandøe, MA, D.Phil.
Image: Link.
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