The decision to get a pet is a big one. It’s not just the responsibility of taking care of an animal, but also learning how to live with them in your home and on your schedule.
If you have more than one person living in the house, it can be even more difficult – especially if they have multiple pets. Are you wondering why? This blog post talks about the challenges of having more than one pet and some tips for making life easier when dealing with animals.
Challenges of Having Multiple Pets
1. The Cost of Owning Multiple Pets
The cost of owning multiple pets can be much, and not just in terms of money. You’ll need more food, toys, beds, and carrier. Not to mention that if you have a dog and a cat, for example, they’ll each require their set of vaccinations, which can add up over time.
You may also find that pet insurance is something you’ll need to get if you have multiple pets. This can be expensive and hassle, but it’s important for protecting your pet – just in case.Petsure is a good option for insuring multiple pets.
The solution might be getting compatible pets. You may find that getting another pet is cheaper than you thought if they are compatible with each other. Some animals will get along without issues, so it’s good to research before deciding on two pets.
2. The Noise
Having multiple pets can be hectic for your ears if you love silence. Cats like to meow at all hours of the day and night (and if you’re not it, it can drive you crazy!). Dogs bark, which is usually for a good reason – but sometimes they just like to hear their voice. And if you have more than one pet that bark, you can imagine the noise level!
The best way to combat this is to ensure your pets are obedience trained, so they know when and where it’s appropriate to bark or meow. You may also invest in some good-quality earplugs or some silent affordable dog toys.
3. The Competition
When you have more than one pet in your home, there can be much competition for resources. That is true if they’re both the same age and one feels threatened by the other.
For example, if you have two cats about to hit maturity – or already did – it’s likely that they’ll fight to establish dominance. Having multiple pets can also lead to arguments over food, toys, and the litter box.
The best thing you can do is give your pets their space – especially if they’re fighting for it with another pet. Remember that every animal has its personality, so one of them being fine sharing doesn’t mean they’ll all be.
4. The Time It Takes
Having multiple pets means more cleaning, especially if you have one pet that sheds. And if they’re inside or outside animals (or both), it can be much work. Also, it could mean longer walks – which also takes up time and effort. Having multiple pets can be difficult if your day is already full and you don’t have free time.
The best way to combat this is to set aside some time every day specifically for your pets. This could be feeding them, taking them for a walk, playing with them, or giving them some attention.
Overall, having multiple pets can be a lot of work. But with some organisation and effort, it can be manageable. Ensure you research before bringing home another furry friend.
