Two kittens or one?

[Lilypad15]

We are looking to get a kitten. After being told I have secondary unexplained infertility, I decided on a fur baby instead. I have a 10 year old daughter who adores animals, especially cats and I’m also a huge cat lover, grew up with cats and have had cats myself.

I work part time. I am out of the house from around 8.45 until 2.30. My partner works nights so is in the house during that time although he is usually sleeping. I have seen some cats that I’ve fallen in love with. One is a male tabby, the others are brother and sister ginger/White who are apparently inseparable so are best being rehomed together. I was really only looking for one kitten as I know they can be a handful but with my being out of the house during a good part of the day, is getting two better?

Two friends of mine both have cats but got two to keep each other company as they work long hours. How much easier is it having two? It seems odd to think that having two cats could be easier than having one! And how much more expense is a second cat, really? Obviously I know it would be twice the expense for vaccinations, neutering, worming etc as well as double food/litter. I’m happy to have just one kitten but will I regret it further down the line? Does a lone kitten (who would have our absolute undivided attention from the minute we were home from work/school and all weekend) mean it will definitely wreak havoc on the house without another kitten for company? Or can kittens cope just fine being left alone for a few hours provided they are played with and given lots of attention/affection the rest of the time?

I have a single kitten but I do know that a lot of people would tell you to get two. I only got one since I was only offered one by a friend wanting to rehome my kitten. Two are double the joy but also double the finance in some way but really, it's not really much of a difference. Not if you buy in bulk on Zooplus and smart with flea and worm treatments (buying them online with a vet prescription is cheapest)

Two kittens do entertain each other whilst owners are away and are more likely to play with each other when you're a bit busy and they're wanting to release their energy. However, you will get some characters who do well on their own and prefer to be on their own. Getting them fixed also reduces their hyperactivity by a little bit.

Kittens over the age of 3/4 or so months and over can do fine at home for a working day as long as you play and interact with her for hours before. They honestly will sleep most of the time you're away anyways.

As long as you give them lots of attention, scratching posts, perches, cat trees and lots of food they won't really mind - I do wish I could get another kitten, that might just be because I love cats!

It's worth posting on LitterTray on here, you'd get more specialised advice from those who have 2+ cats to give you a more balanced idea

Since you're part time you could have one and keep it socialised. I'd say two though, they're such fun tumbling around with each other.

But please don't say "fur baby", it's a horrible horrible phrase!

Two!!!! All day long. You won't regret it.

Two always. I’m so glad we did, they love each other so much and entertain each other!

I have three cats, if that's any good to you. I'd never get one kitten ever again. The one was so lonely. The twins were gold.

If you get two, boy/girl, please neuter them as soon as possible, normally from 8 weeks old, depending on weight... They are siblings but he will make her pregnant

Agree with londonlass my twins were girls, so I didn't have that consideration. But do take that advice.
But get two!!
Disclaimer. I never said they wouldn't run about at night. But it passes and they curl up so sweetly it'll melt your heart.

While I am a massive fan of two kittens rather than one, I cannot support LondonLass' suggestion that you neuter them at eight weeks. That's the minimum age for leaving their mum! It used to be recommended that you neuter at 6 months, now the advice has changed and 4-5 months, depending on weight, is suggested. Not eight weeks!

Yes- no vet will neuter at that age. What hirple said, it's done on weight.

A vet would only agree to neuter a young kitten if they weigh enough.

A kitten can become pregnant at 4 months. So waiting till they are 5 months, maybe to late!

There's a massive difference between eight weeks and four months, though.

Yes. But it can be done from 8 weeks old if they weigh enough and if they are of good health.
Some vets are happy to do it from 8 weeks, some are not. It depends.
Regardless a kitten can fall pregnant from 4 months old

I think you are mistaken.

Im not.... As i said some vets will. some wont. Depending on size and health..

Anyway, im not prepared to argue about a kitten.

Have a lovely night

I would be utterly shocked at any vet who neutered an eight week old kitten. I would be equally astonished at any eight week old kitten weighing two pounds.

But yes, this is a derail. Sorry, OP.

Battersea neuter kittens at 8 or 9 weeks prior to new owners adopting them. My two most recent kittens both came neutered. This is now becoming accepted.

And to answer your question OP - get two kittens every time.

Two kittens will keep each other happy playing. But they don't always enjoy each other's company once they have grown up. Some cats just prefer to have you and your home to themselves once they are adult. I had two kittens together and it was great fun. However, once they grew up, one more or less left home. She didn't come back to us full time until her brother had died, and then she loved having us and the place all to herself.

Thank you Grumpy!!

I think one puss per house is ideal. They might play together when small but as adults can become competitive, one might defect to a neighbour's house (as it happened with my neighbour with 2 cats). You just have to build the relationship with the one you've got and she/he gets full attention. They aren't 'bored", they can sleep for hours and whne they appear bored is when they actually want you to play with them/feed them.