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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To get 2 kittens?

116 replies

Overratedd · 04/10/2025 11:47

So I’ve been divorced a year and finally came round to the idea of getting a cat, I think he will be a good companion for the kids and I as we have just moved into our own house. I picked him up a few days ago and he has been great, however my mum has really falllen out with me as she thinks he will ruin the house? I on the other hand had to stop myself from getting his brother so that they can be together?

OP posts:
Sugarfish · 04/10/2025 12:01

Get them both! I have a pair of brothers and
they keep each other entertained.

Yes they may damage the house a bit, but I love them so much I don’t care about the odd scratch on the sofa.

Daphnedot · 04/10/2025 12:00

These are my two. They are so bonded and happy

To get 2 kittens?
PoshCoffee · 04/10/2025 11:57

Get his brother too. I couldn’t split up a bonded pair

TypeyMcTypeface · 04/10/2025 11:56

Overratedd · 04/10/2025 11:54

And they won’t wreck the house?

Less likely to wreck the house - they'll play with each other, not your furniture!

JustFrustrated · 04/10/2025 11:56

Exactly the same situation with acquiring kittens. Only I took the pair (well my mother did for me).

They haven't and have wrecked the house. They go through a chewing phases (good bye nice new blinds) and a few accidents....but other than that....nope my house survived and blinds can be replaced.

The bond the cats have with each other is amazing, and they really did and still do play.

In fact they're both curled up with my eldest daughter on her bed right now....

PlutarchHeavensbee · 04/10/2025 11:55

Don’t get another kitten thinking that they will be company for each other. Kittens are very affectionate when got as a pair - I took two brothers from the same litter 9 years ago - but as soon as they got to about 9 months - total disinterest and in fact they occasionally scrap and hiss at each other if they’re both wanting the same sleeping spot. Cats are solitary animals when they reach maturity and one cat will be absolutely fine on its own.

TheRavenKingsDaughter · 04/10/2025 11:55

Two sibling kittens together is best, in my experience. They learn from each other through play (and fighting) and will probably feel more confident in a new household than if they’re alone. Obviously it costs more , in food and care, but it isn’t really more effort than having one.

Stoptakingmysellotape · 04/10/2025 11:55

Cats are solitary and don't "need" company but if they are bonded in a pair they will be able to live together. Check whether your kitten and his brother are actually bonded first, as otherwise you'll end up with 2 stressed cats who may soil the house as a result. But I homed a bonded male pair who were awesome, adored each other and we had them both until 15 and 16 years.

My mum also told me not to get them but I'm an adult and it's none of her business so I just ignored her. Just make sure you can afford 2 cats before getting another, both of mine had complex health conditions as they aged and it's not cheap.

DancingLions · 04/10/2025 11:55

Yes it’s better for the cats to have 2 together. Introducing another later on can be more tricky but there’s still enough time in your case. Go and get it now! 😂
I have 2 sister cats. Sometimes they bicker but they love each other and I feel less guilty when I need to leave them, knowing they have each other.

Didimum · 04/10/2025 11:55

Overratedd · 04/10/2025 11:50

I know! She sent me a message last night saying she thought I had more sense! I actually love him and he has settled in really well.

what are cats like together? Is it worth getting them both?

I don’t think you should get into justifying it to her, and I wouldn’t let her have this much control over your emotions. It’s your decision, end of, whether he wrecks the house or not.

Yes, kittens do very well in pairs. I had a pair of cats who were great companions for each other. This was, however, when I had more time before kids. Those cats died (at 16!) and now I have two 8yr olds. I decided to get a single kitten, despite advice to get two, as I didn’t feel I could cope with two, and my kittens seems very happy solo.

Completely depends on the personality of your cat. Some will pine for company and find it difficult to expend their energy solo, some are more people orientated and/or independent.

Overratedd · 04/10/2025 11:54

Mumdiva99 · 04/10/2025 11:53

Get his brother. Cats play together and tired each other out. Two cats are better than 1!

And they won’t wreck the house?

OP posts:
Mumdiva99 · 04/10/2025 11:53

Get his brother. Cats play together and tired each other out. Two cats are better than 1!

Lifeisnotalwaysfair · 04/10/2025 11:52

Kittens are usually homed in sibling pairs, at least they are from rescues. They will play together and thus hopefully do less damage 🤣

Overratedd · 04/10/2025 11:51

I can’t see how he will wreck the house? He also uses the litter tray really well. I think dogs are worse, they poo all over etc I don’t understand.

OP posts:
Overratedd · 04/10/2025 11:50

Didimum · 04/10/2025 11:49

What business is it of your mum’s?

I know! She sent me a message last night saying she thought I had more sense! I actually love him and he has settled in really well.

what are cats like together? Is it worth getting them both?

OP posts:
Didimum · 04/10/2025 11:49

What business is it of your mum’s?

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