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Original poster

another thread about kittens....

15 replies

simpson · 19/06/2010 20:50

Hi

My neighbours cat has had a litter of kittens (only 3) and I have decided to get one

I have never owned a cat myself but grew up with cats iyswim.

They are only 2wks old so won't get kitty for a good few weeks yet.

I saw them today for the first time...

and have fallen for 2

Am I mad to consider 2?? Is it much harder work having 2 or will they keep each other company iyswim.

OP posts:
Original poster
simpson · 19/06/2010 20:51

forgot to say I have 2 small DCs (4 & 2) but neighbours also have a 2yr old & 7yr old so kittys will be used to children...

OP posts:
differentID · 19/06/2010 20:53

2 are brilliant- yes it's a little more work, but seeing as you would be feeding one, cleaning a litter tray for one, grooming one it's not so much more at all.

Original poster
simpson · 19/06/2010 20:59

differentID - that is my thinking

Only thing is I don't know the sex of the kittys yet. Neighbours don't know how to sex them

Is it possible to have a brother & sister together?

When would I have to spay/neuter to stop them breeding?

OP posts:
booyhoo · 19/06/2010 21:06

yes it is possible to have a brother and sister together as you will be spaying them anyway. check with your vet (you will need to register with one) what age they spay/neuter at, some vets do it at 4 months and some at 6 but it is dependant on the sex aswell.

it would be worth doing a bit of homework between now and getting them just to get an idea of what care they will require, pet insurance, types of food, vaccines etc. better to do it now than wait til you have a problem and not know what to do.

i have two cats a year apart, tbh i didn't find it much more work having a second. i love cats and would take every kitten i find if OH would let me

DontCallMeBaby · 20/06/2010 11:17

Get two! We have two boys who turn one on Tuesday, they are hilarious together and much more fun than just one kitten mooching about the place. It's twice the cost for a lot of things, of course, but they're not generally the most expensive of pets. Big costs so far have been insurance (£19.60 a month with a small discount for having two, but it is PetPlan who are pricier than some), first full series of vaccinations (£110 for the two of them, yearly boosters will be cheaper) and neutering (£110 again for both - spaying a girl is more expensive though, and a bigger op). Litter, food, worming and flea treatments aren't a huge expense but are doubled up with two.

They're not much more work - sticking food in two bowls is no more work than putting it in one bowl, and it's only the one who has a tendency to stand in his own poo, so I only have to wash ONE kitten paw, not two anyway!

I must admit I was pretty shocked at how much DD, at 5, had to be taught about how to treat an animal, and wondered at how on EARTH anyone with a toddler could introduce an animal to the household, but I think a lot of that was down to my being complacent, and thinking she wouldn't need as much supervision as she evidently did.

Original poster
simpson · 20/06/2010 18:23

our local RSPCA centre (10 mins in car) will spay females for £35 and microchip them at the same time but not sure about males or jabs...

Will need to register with a vet too.

I guess insurance will be the most costly so I need to get some quotes.

Am getting ridiculously excited though

OP posts:
seashore · 20/06/2010 18:27

It's a great idea, they will keep each other company, I remember when we got our cat (or our cat got us, since she made the decision and moved in) I couldn't get anything done, kittens need a lot of playing with, two must be easier.

Monty100 · 21/06/2010 00:22

Yay, get two. We have a brother and sister, they're 8 months now, but they are great with each other and particularly when they were younger, really really funny and cute. You don't feel so guilty taking them away then either as they have each other.

Original poster
simpson · 21/06/2010 13:10

going to get some quotes on pet insurance today...

Does anyone have any recommendations??

OP posts:
TheBolter · 21/06/2010 20:26

Tesco are cheap.

TastesLikePanda · 21/06/2010 21:42

Please get two - they can play with each other then and will hopefully not trash your house! I have two boys, brothers who have always been together, and while sometimes they squabble and want their own space it is so adorable when they are all curled up asleep on each other (and they are now two!)

starshaker · 21/06/2010 21:48

Another 1 saying take 2. I had always had 2 cats as they keep each other company. I only have 1 now as the other was hit by a car and i didnt want to replace him.

Monty100 · 21/06/2010 21:50

Star - so sorry .

It's not the same when you don't get them together as kittens I don't think.

starshaker · 21/06/2010 22:29

Yeah came close to getting archie a new friend but hes settled down now and with twins on the way i dont think i could cope with a kitten again

Monty100 · 21/06/2010 22:31

Star, no it's probably not a good idea and Archie probably won't take to it. I think you'll have enough on your plate with DT's!!! Congratulations!

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