How to Not Ignore a Pet in a Multiple Pet Household

Pets are like children, they always want attention and when they get it they are the happiest creatures alive at the moment. If you have one pet, paying attention to them isn't hard; a pat on the head, a scratch or a hug is all they ask for (along with food). If, like me, you have multiple pets, there are days when one of them will feel neglected or give you a sad look wondering "what about me?". Here's a few tips to help from experience.

The first thing you do in the morning is say hello to everyone. If this means going round the house to make sure all the little furballs or feathered buddies get a pat on the head or a simple hello then go for it. I can honestly tell you my two cats and one dog have this routine down pat. Pets will come to expect your welcoming hand and voice in the morning; it's a sign to them that all is still well for another day. Not ignoring a pet in a multiple pet household during the first few minutes of the day also allows you to survey the place and make sure everything is right by you.

The second thing you should understand is feeding time. In a multiple pet household pets, like children, will feel ignored if they are not fed first ahead of everyone else. I get around this by fixing both my cats food bowls at once, and placing both bowls on the floor at the same time. Rambo has learned that he goes for a walk first, then eats. He builds up his appetite that way. This happens three times a day in our house; which also allows me to eat and not have three little faces staring at the back of my head or in my face. People will tell you to feed yourself first, as you are the pack leader, but sometimes it does go smoother in reverse.

The third way not to ignore a pet in a multiple pet household is to simply take the time to bend over and pat a head as you pass by regardless of whose head it is. Alley, my old orange tabby I had, made use of this by hanging out in the hallway in the middle of the house; she could catch a head pat from any direction, and would sometimes cause pileups of people. The point is, even if you are hurried, stop and take the second for the pet even if it means saying hello in passing. Pets do know when you are hurried and they do know that even a "hello" means you are recognizing their presence.

The fourth thing to do is to share space with all of your pets. How does this apply to not ignoring a pet in a multiple pet household? Don't let one pet hog your presence; and in reverse, don't forget about the one pet who doesn't make a sound but is still there. An example of this is when I am watching television at night. I'll lay on the couch, and eventually have Rambo (the dog) down around my feet and one of the cats up near my head. I'll take the moment to look around for the other cat and invite them to hop up on the couch with us. Sometimes this works, and I have a fur pillow, blanket and foot warmer. Other times one of the pets will hang out at the base of the couch near the rest of us. The pets all still feel included. I know it sounds odd, but cats and dogs are pack animals and social animals; when the pack leader (you) acknowledges them and shows an appreciation for their existence the pet is calmer, healthier, and more willing to show loyalty and trust when you ask them to do something.