Should we be owned by one or two cats?

[Madwifecrisis]

Sorry for the long post I'll try to keep it brief.

DH refused to get a cat for so long until we went to one of DHs friends house who has a BSH. The cat loved people and was taken with DH and I watched him melt in front of my eyes . Anyway DH is now actively looking for BSH kitten and has been told by a registered breeder that they are suitable for young children and should be kept as indoor cats. We have a 4 nearly 5 year old DD and 8 year old DS. Originally I was ecstatic with the win but with thought I'm not so convinced that a kitten pedigree or not has a guarantee of being 'the perfect cat' with our kids and certainly dont want to end up with a cat that is miserable in our home. I have spoken to a lovely lady from CP who agrees that an adult cat may be suitable if the right one is found. She thinks that a pair of adolescent cats may be even more suitable and states they are more likely to be friendly as they are more secure and that most young cats need company.
My concern is that two cats will be twice the work and twice the smell, and that even though they get on as youngsters they may not get on as adults? Also I had come round to the idea of having an indoor cat with no worry of being run over or stolen and no concerns about the cat pooing in my neighbours garden. Cat proofing my garden is not an option. Is there a way of having outdoor cats that still use a litter tray? Is getting two madness when we haven't had cats since we were kids? Also how do I convince DH that a moggie can be just as loving as a pedigree?

Two .. it's lovely for them to have a friend .. I had two boys for 18 years and now have two more boys who are 2 and they are so funny together .. play and love each other. .. try and get the last two left in the litter so they have a bond .

We have 2 very lovely cats, one we got as a kitten and one we adopted at 10 months. The one we got at 10 months was much less timid and skittish than the kitten. They are both indoor but my mum has always had cats that can get out if they want. She only lets them out when she's in and they don't stay out overnight or anything and litter trays are always used. We can't 100% be sure that they don't also go elsewhere through.

Also I think 2 is less work than 2 as they can occupy each other

Jeez, less work than 1

Take him to a cat shelter and have a look around. Plenty of people go in with a idea of what they think they want and come out with something totally different. There's Cats Protection, Celia Hammond, Battersea and many more (don't know where you're based) Cat shelters also get pedigrees as well as moggies and all ages. You can also then talk face to face with a rehomer about any concerns you have - you don't have to leave with a cat unless you find a perfect match. Wanting to keep a cat indoors that doesn't have health issues that require it may not go down well with everyone.

Rescues often have bonded cats that need to be rehomed as a pair.

Thank you, yes I know a lot of people say two are less work than one and I do like the idea of them having company all day. I was thinking that one might be easier to manage with regards to cat hair and litter trays or am I just kidding myself

Ime dcats shredding claws have to go somewhere... Your furnishings and dd's hands or another dcat!
My 2 dcats are still very close at 7 yo.

Two, definitely rescue. You don't need a specific breed to get a friendly cat. I got mine from the Rspca and asked for the temperament I wanted. You know what you're getting with an adult cat far more than you do with a kitten.

Two, especially if they will be indoor. Mine get loads of exercise chasing each other up and down the stairs. They are both rescues, rescued separately and luckily get on most of the time. Most rescues can advise if a cat would be happier on its own or if it seems more social.

I think because we were told they had to be indoor I just got used to that. Also a bit at all the cat hating neighbour threads although I recognise that most cats would prefer to go outside. Going to look at outdoor litter trays (as well as indoor).

Also, kittens are basically babies, you can't really leave them alone. I know one woman whose kitten got flattened by a falling iron while she was out at work. You really have to baby proof.

OMG . I was becoming concerned about how we baby proof our kitchen especially behind the fridge, washer and dryer.

Also how do I convince DH that a moggie can be just as loving as a pedigree?

Here's a picture of my moggie for you to show your DH 🥰

The breeder we have contacted doesn't let go of her kittens until 14 weeks so I think maybe a little more robust then but still in shred mode I suppose. Just want a cat to snuggle up to once the kids have gone to bed

DCat1 was 12 weeks when we got her, absolute maniac!

I cant see your pic yesitsme I's it just my phone?

Two. Mine don't even like each other all that much but they've always been together and rub along OK, I think they're just used to having the other one around. I love their different personalities.

Not all of the same breed have the same temperament either. You can't tell as a kitten what they'll be like as an adult.

Nope, it's not just your phone! It is on the App though 🤷🏼‍♀️.

I'll try again.

Ah yes I see now. This is exactly what I want a big cuddly cat that doesn't shred the kids faces as soon as they look at it the wrong way . Your cats gorgeous I love black cats.

I really would recommend getting an older cat from a rescue to be honest. As lovely as kittens are, you can't train them to be the cat you want them to be, an older rescue (Leroy was about 18 months when we had him) will already have developed their purrsonality so you'll have a better idea of what you're getting.

Leroy is a nutter, but at least we knew that!

I got two brothers as kittens. They are now 2 and still get on well. Mine were let out as soon as they were neutered though, I'm not sure I'd want them underfoot all the time.

I have 1 but would love to have 2 dictating the rules in my house. My cat is nearly 9. She wouldn't take to another.

Proud of my boys!!