One kitten or two? (siblings)

[NameChange30]

DH and I agreed to get a kitten and saw some today - they're just under 6 weeks old and SO ADORABLE. I would like to get 2 because a) they can keep each other company and b) we have each fallen in love with a different kitten and can't decide! DH thinks we should just get one because of the extra effort/expense. It's already great that he's on board to get one because he's never had cats and wasn't sure - but now he's totally fallen for one of the kittens :) Yay!
So what do you advise, Mumsnet?! Pros and cons of having one kitten or two?
PS DH loves dogs so we also plan to get a golden retriever in the future when the cat(s) is/are older and settled... We will of course follow all advice to introduce them carefully etc. SIL says two cats might gang up on the dog, but surely that's nonsense?!

I would add that all the pets are neutered - as well as being (I believe) the right thing to do, I think it does affect their temperaments and make them get along better.

Thanks queenofknickers (great name btw! :))
Yes we're going to neuter all our pets - I agree it's the right thing to do, especially for outdoor cats, and when you have more than one pet.
We've been wondering when to get a puppy actually... Do you think it would be a good idea to get one quite soon after getting the kitten(s)? They might get on better if they grow up together :)

Oh two are so funny to watch together. We had two at one point, a stray and a kitten we got him partners daughter, and the hours I used to spend watching them together. However, I think you're more likely to have indoor cats if you have two as they have eachother as opposed to going out looking for playmates.

I have a brother and sister pair, and they are housecats and were neutered early. They are not dependent on each other in the strictest sense of the word but they do enjoy each others company. Eleven years old and still as nutty as fruitcakes. :)

Nope, male, but neutered :) I'm not that irresponsible :)

They don't go out "looking for company". If you watched that cat program recently with the cameras on the collar they do everything to avoid other cats- going out at different times of day, different territory boundaries.

Left to themselves cats are solitary animals.

Oh btw our cat gets on really well with dogs, randomly. Loves them! Follows my friends dog around trying to get him to play, and sidles up to him on the sofa for a cuddle whenever he can.

Poor dog doesn't know what to do!

I started with a brother and sister pair...and a puppy. They all adored each other.
Sadly we lost him to a nasty tumor nearly 5 years ago. Old girl seemed lonely so we got a kitten. New cat was a right grumpy bugger, they mostly got on but he was a bit too bouncy for heras they had a 10 year age gap.
Fast forward 3 years and a stray kitten turns up in our garden with no owner to be found ( we did try). Grumpy cat and kitten are best friends in the whole wide world. Old cat snuggles with them in quiet moments ( prefers human snuggles)
Answer....get lots of cats

One of our cats is friendly with the dog, the other one tolerates him. He is jealous of them both. The friendly cat loves to be licked by the dog and will wind round and round his legs and then flop out in front of him in the hope of a lick. Both cats are more than happy for the dog to clean their bums. It is quite revolting to watch though!

LOL at your stories! Thanks guys. Maybe we'll start looking for a golden retriever puppy too :)

I found out that my favourite kitten has now been reserved by someone else :( I'm heartbroken. Feel a bit silly for being this upset about a kitten, but there it is.

Two is much more fun. I took on two this time after previously only having singles. Theyre both rescue boys and are so bonded its lovely. They play together, wash each other, and its less pressure on the cat if youve got children to not be the only cat to terrorise

ive got dogs too, and theyre fine with each other

I agree with others, two is the way to go but now we have three as I have got pepper from hurr1cane

Get two kittens. I have 4 cats and they both came in pairs. They are company for each other's and so playful when there is more than one of them.

I've had 2 sets of 2 cats micah and never had a problem. First pair were a Un neutered boy and a female. They were nothing but playful. The second set I have a neutered boy and unneutered female, and once again no problems at all.

Finally managed to persuade DH: we're getting two kittens!
Here's a photo... #cutealert

Super cute! The orange one is a very intense rust color, no lighter tabby markings.

And you took pictures of them sleeping?

You have been so sucked into a false sense of security!

Welcome to the world of cat ownership - every day is new day to be manipulated.

But what a mighty fine pair to be manipulated by it has to be said. Gorgeous and one for each lap is definitely a good decision!

Double the fun but double the fluff! Agree that if you have the room - why not?

Well done for getting a black one, they get left on the shelf more than other colours.

When can you take them home?.

Fluffy Saturday after next (18th), can't wait!
We're getting the black one because she's the friendliest and loves cuddles - she spent the whole afternoon snuggled up to DH... He was smitten and he's not even a cat person! And we're getting the ginger one because, well, he's adorable, and the owner says the two of them are very close

wellwhoknew LOL! Yep much easier to take a decent photo when they're sleeping!

She'll be daddy's little princess who can do no wrong then.

ah they are adorable! Lucky you.