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AIBU?

To get two cats instead of one?

74 replies

FlowersAndShit · 30/11/2015 22:33

Landlord has changed his mind and said I can have a cat! I've had my eye on an elderly cat at a rescue who has been there for 2 years, but i'd also like to get a Ragdoll kitten. I'm thinking of getting both, but do I get the kitten first or the elderly cat? Or do I get one and not the other?

OP posts:

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maybebabybee · 01/12/2015 12:59

We actually had to get a pedigree kitten (two in the end) as no rescue shelter would give us a cat as (a) we live in a flat (b) we work and (c) they knew we were going to have kids soon.

Our cats are happy as Larry being indoor flat-based cats. I still feel guilty we couldn't get a rescue. If we could have done we would have done.

I don't think people should be making you feel guilty for not getting a rescue though. Many rescue cats need a bit more care and attention and should be given to those who are going to give it. To be fair, I knew I wouldn't be giving away a cat once a baby comes along, but the rescue shelter people didn't - they've seen it too many times before.

I think it's a shame though, as I have grown up with animals and love them. The only reason I don't have several cats, several dogs, and several small furries is because of space!

If you work all day I would get two cats, not one, but you will have to get them as kittens.

Could you not get two rescue kittens? I assure you there really isn't any advantage of getting a pedigree kitten over a rescue kitten. I would know, having had both. They both do smelly poos and ruin your furniture!

originalusernamefail · 01/12/2015 12:59

Personally I wouldn't (and I say this as someone with 2 cats ). Went to the rescue for one kitten and ended up being talked into 2 (one had been sent back x3 in 6 months due to moving house/relationship breakdown/ toddler allergic so I felt sorry for him). All was fine until they hit puberty then they started fighting each other, one is definitely 'the boss' and the other is a nervous wreck. He pisses everywhere/ pukes up regularly and cries in the night. Ive even looked into rehoming one to try and resolve the situation but DH won't have it. I will NEVER have 2 together again.

maybebabybee · 01/12/2015 13:00

ragdolls are not 'indoor only' cats. I know several people with ragdolls who go outside.

Bailey101 · 01/12/2015 13:01

Seriously? Why ask opinions and then ignore every one of them. The kitten will have no issue finding a home, whereas the other cat has sat unloved in a rescue for 2 years - I know who I'd pick!

19lottie82 · 01/12/2015 13:01

The majority of rescue cats shouldn't be introduced to homes with other cats (unless it's one that it's being rehomed with as a pair, having previously lived with). There is the odd exception (the shelter will be able to advise) but generally it's not recommended.

Wolfiefan · 01/12/2015 13:01

You were all set to take on a particular rescue. You've now decided on a kitten?
I think you need to give this more thought.
And Ragdolls are not neccessarily indoor cats.

Junosmum · 01/12/2015 13:15

You don't know if they'd get on - we have 3 cats, not out of choice. And two get on fine but neither gets on with the third and we get regular (literal) pissing competitions. It's our house so we can cope, but a landlord might go mad. Also kittens are harder to leave alone, they wreck more stuff and are likely to cause more damage.

maybebabybee · 01/12/2015 13:16

I have to say IME kittens are a lot more work than adult cats. Adult rescue cats are really not 'harder work' in many cases.

But there is no point trying to persuade someone who just wants a cute kitten to get an older rescue as the older rescue may end up being neglected or sent back.

BettyBlueToo · 01/12/2015 13:33

I currently have two older cats (male and female) and two kittens. I foster kittens until they are big enough for homes. My older male was very scared of the kittens when they arrived (five weeks old, tiny) but now they've filled out a bit he likes to play with them. The older female just ignores them all. Personally I'd take the old lady and give her a lovely home, there will always be more kittens. The amount of poo two of them do is unbelievable.

InanimateCarbonRod · 01/12/2015 13:41

SHELTER NOT SHOP

wowis · 01/12/2015 13:45

I have 5 cats (so clearly no bias here) we had three older cats when we took in two kittens all five now get on fine, play sleep together etc. I would say though I have had rescue cats in the past and its so lovely seeing them come out of themselves. They need you as much as you need them.
Also you might be nervous of a rag doll getting nicked etc (although they are beautiful cats)
ps so glad your lanlord changed his mind.

FlowersAndShit · 01/12/2015 14:08

The elderly cat I wanted to get - the woman that runs the rescue says that she's still getting over a very bad cold. So I wasn't sure if that meant she'd have on-going problems (vet fees) and she couldn't be with another cat. There aren't many indoor only cats

OP posts:

wowis · 01/12/2015 14:11

cats can learn to be indoor cats though... try other shelters because theyre normally desperate for people to rescue partuclarly black cats that always get left til last...

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 01/12/2015 14:16

I'm pleased you're getting a cat but I really understand why people pay ridiculous amounts of money for a pedigree cat when there are so many waiting to be rehomed. Even if you don't take the elderly cat (I can understand why because of potential vet fees if she's getting over a cold) why not look at rescues? Have you thought of an FIV+ cat? Many rescues rehome them as indoor only cats.

shutupandshop · 01/12/2015 14:18

Please dont pay for a cat when so many rescue cats need homes. We recently adopted a cat and its kitten. There were loads of kittens available.

I wanted an old boy but dcs wanted a kitten. the kitten hates people

Wolpertinger · 01/12/2015 14:19

Two cats equals bonded pair of elderly cats, mum and kitten or two kittens.

Elderly cat plus kitten is unfair to the elderly cat.

maybebabybee · 01/12/2015 14:20

flowers you're talking rubbish about 'indoor only' cats. There's no such thing. It depends on the personality of the cat. My two birman girls have no interest whatsoever in going out. My best friend has two ragdolls. One is indoor only and the other bounces off the walls and is outdoors all the time. My mum's rescue tabby is also desperate to be outside but her rescue tortie is happy to be indoors.

Cats are like people - all different.

maybebabybee · 01/12/2015 14:21

I really understand why people pay ridiculous amounts of money for a pedigree cat when there are so many waiting to be rehomed

Because sometimes the bloody shelters won't give you a cat!!

shutupandshop · 01/12/2015 14:42

Maybe, worth talking to different shelters. Also are the reasons for not letting yoy rehome valid?

I receny rehomed abd have 4 dcs one was only 2. There were lots of cats that werent suitable but we found our pair.

ComposHatComesBack · 01/12/2015 14:44

I wouldn't get an unbonded pair of cats.

We got on an older rescue cat (8 when we got her, now 11, but goes by 9 for showbiz purposes) she can be a bit divaish (typical tortie) but she is a wonderful, gentle cat who doesn't like noise or disruption. A kitten on 'her' territory would cause all kinds of ructions. It wouldn't be fair on her or the kitten.

The elderly cat I wanted to get - the woman that runs the rescue says that she's still getting over a very bad cold. So I wasn't sure if that meant she'd have on-going problems (vet fees)

A kitten is likely to cost more, neutering and a host of kittenhood illnesses will require veterinary attention in the short to medium term. Any reputable shelter will neuter and give and a veterinary examination to the cat before they leave.

A cold in a cat is normally just that a cold. They all get them from time to time. Also pedigree cats often come with a whole heap of health problems caused by in breeding and live shorter lives on average. A moggie is likely to be far more robust health wise.

Then you factor in the workload. My sister got some kittens from the rescue centre and the workload is huge. Yes they are very cute, but I wouldn't want to go through the kitten stage.

MyMoneyIsAllSpent · 01/12/2015 15:25

Why do black cats always get left till last? I have a brother and sister, he is black and white and she is black and they are adorable.

jellypi3 · 01/12/2015 15:29

I'd go for the rescue cat, and I have two Pedigree's I paid stupid sums of money for, all because a) finding a rescue near us who would rehome to us was pretty much impossible and b) my DP was reluctant to rescue, don't ask why.

With two cats, related or unrelated, you need multiple litter boxes, and if they are indoor you need to keep up the scooping on those boxes which isn't easy when you work full time. You will come home to the house smelling of shit, trust me.

They will also need lots of space to get away from each other. Whilst cats do love company, they also love their solitude, and need the ability to get away from each other or there will be fights.

Feeding two cats will cost a lot more. My two cost me about £50-80 a month (I'm a bit precious with their food) and ragdolls are big cats, they need a lot of feeding.

They will also cost more to insure. However, just something to bear in mind with the older cat, you might find getting insurance for the older cat difficult and costly due to its age.

As I say, I'd go for the rescue if I was able to, we unfortunately weren't (I got in touch with 12 different shelters, including the big ones, and none of them would rehome to someone who works full time and doesn't intend to allow the cats outside).

However IF you do get a kitten, please please please make sure you do your research and don't buy the first cute ragdoll kitten you see advertised. Make sure you find a breeder who tests for HCM and PK-Def, and one who owns mum and lets you see mum, makes sure the house is clean, ask for proof of the health tests and make sure the mum isn't too young or too old. Buying kittens and puppies is a minefield, contrary to popular beleif there ARE good breeders out there, breeders who make very little profit but do it for the love of the breed, but they are very few and far between.

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pictish · 01/12/2015 15:50

I agree that some shelters are very exacting about rehoming circumstances. I used to work for one that had a long list of criteria that potential owners had to meet before being considered. Many didn't even get to see a cat never mind rehome one...they were quizzed and turned away at the door.

And while I myself have just rehomed two rescue cats a few weeks ago, I can't stand it when posters get pissy on here about someone opting for a kitten/puppy, or a certain breed, instead of rescuing.
A pet is a very personal choice. We have all sorts of reasons for choosing the ones we have. It's not for anyone else to decide, but the person who's going to be responsible for looking after it.

SouthWesterlyWinds · 01/12/2015 16:02

I'm really glad your landlord changed his mind - well done! As for 2 cats, it would be better to get a bonded pair like siblings. My neighbours adopted a pair of siblings who pretty much stay indoors. They're black shorthair - apparently black cats are difficult to adopt as not many people want them

ZoeTurtle · 01/12/2015 16:14

The majority of rescue cats shouldn't be introduced to homes with other cats

Where did you get that from? This kind of stupid myth puts people off adopting.

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