One kitten or two???

[goldpendant]

Many of you will have seen my other thread, but hoping to get honest quick consensus on whether one or two kittens would suit our family best:

Us; me, DH, two kids (4 and 6).
House; big, hard floors on ground floor.
Garden; small ish but secured

DH and I work ft but both at home one day a week. Kids have an after school nanny who is used to cats.

We have a cleaner once a week.

I'm quite house proud. We've dark carpets which take a beating anyway and I've a dyson cordless to keep on top of ALL the fluff and bits that already show up after 5 mins!

Happy in theory to get two kitten (boys), but only if it benefits both the kitten and us. Are two honestly happier and less likely to tear the house to pieces than one left alone?

Honest opinions please, simply answer 1 or 2!

Thanks very much, need to decide today!

[feelingsinister]

Get two, they will keep each other company and will terrorize each other and not you. We had a single kitten the second time and she was a nightmare. Our boys played together all the time. Although they weren't as close as adult cats, I would still go for two every time.

[viccat]

There is a lot to be said for the social skills and boundaries they teach each other. I've seen a lot of adult cats being surrendered to a cat rescue because they were nipping at or scratching humans, and very, very often they were bought as single kittens and grew up without other cats around to teach them boundaries.

Not all will grow up to be "problem cats" of course, but it's much more common when they were solo kittens compared to kittens/cats brought up in a multicat environment.

[MrsWonderland]

For what it's worth we have just been going through the same dilemma and after much thought, based both on the kitten needs and ours we are getting one. Once I'd finally made the decision I realised that I was quite relieved. We are first time cat owners and I think it would have been too much for us, let alone extra cat litter trays, insurance etc. Fingers crossed it's the right decision.

[Grumpyoldpersonwithcats]

I have always had pairs of kittens (except for the time we took 3 )
Some have ended up as bonded adults, some haven't - but they always have rubbed along quite happily regardless. I definitely believe that two kittens keep each other amused and I have never had the destructive behaviour that some owners of single kittens report.
So - my vote is definitely for 2.

[MustardScreams]

Why is one better long term? What are you aversions to 2 in the future?

[goldpendant]

Sad as it makes me I think one will be better for us long term. Booooo. He'll be sure to have much play and cuddles with us.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Ones easier long term, our sibling pair hated each other as adults.

[Tigerty]

Two. The bond between siblings is so sweet to see. I’ve not had an issue with siblings bonding with me and my DCs. They also have comfort to each other and will play together. There’s nothing like a snuggly pile of purring sleepy kittens in you bed.

[KatherineJaneway]

Yes, you should have at least 2 litter trays.

[Klouise777]

It's not at all cruel to get 1. I wish we had one and know both my cats prefer it when the other one is out. Also boy cats can spray and two might mean potentially more marking though I'm no expert!! Also have you thought of costs. Twice the yearly vaccination costs, flea treatments, more to pay when you go away for cattery or cat sitters

[YobaOljazUwaque]

Definitely two. Definitely litter mates. But the biggest thing is making sure they stay with mum for long enough. 12 weeks old ideally - you miss out on some of the fluffball cuteness but they are better emotionally balanced in the long run.

[OhMyDarling]

And most rescues recommend 2. I think that speaks volumes.

[OhMyDarling]

2
I think animals/pets appreciate one of their own kind who understand them - they might be best friends or they might not, but even if they’re not bestest of friends it’s good for them to have mutual understanding in their own language.

[WorriedSENMum]

Just get 1. Not worth the hassle of 2.

[sweetkitty]

I’ve always had two kittens, then got another one later on. Currently have a brother and sister who get on ok, 3 months ago we got another boy kitten, the older two love him, will both groom and play with him.

When one cries out when hurt the other two come running it’s quite sweet, the two boys cuddle up together the girl prefers her own space and has really bonded to DD2 and spends her time in DD2s room.

I would definitely go for 2

[goldpendant]

If they've always shared a litter tray do they really need one each??

[goldpendant]

I'm almost convinced.........

[MustardScreams]

My cats have always preferred being in pairs. Especially when I’m at work.

It’s honestly not that much more work, you’ll be doing the litter anyway, it isn’t hard to just scoop for two. They do play with each other when little and teach each other bite inhibition, so you don’t have to be the chew toy. I wouldn’t consider getting an only.

There’s a reason most rescues only let people adopt 2 kittens at once.

[goldpendant]

I'm committed to one boy kitten- he stole
my heart. there are 2 more boys and one girl available, my research seems to suggest two boys is best...?

But we don't need two. I'm committed to one cat, I want a cat! Sick and poo considered! But two lots of sick and poo for no necessary or very valid reason, I'm not sure?

I suppose what I'm asking is, is it cruel to get just one? Like with guinea pigs?

Will one wreak general havoc and be really needy?

I'd get two if it would significantly improve cat 1's life, or it would be significantly easier on me!

[SlothRunner]

Have you considered adopting an adult pair from a rescue? They are more likely to be bonded with each other and wont fall out, and their personalities are more established. I have known several people get loving kittens that turn in to monsters as they get older!

[Potentialmadcatlady]

I have four cats on my knee/legs right now... I would go for 2 but one of each sex if you can

[torthecatlady]

Well we were originally going to get one male kitten... but then there was a big ginger boy who stole my heart (5 years old). We adopted both from the cats protection league.

The kitten clearly drove the adult cat mad for the first year but 4 years on and they're wonderful friends. They have the odd spat and argue over food but when they cuddle up together to sleep and groom each other it melts my heart.

I would certainly get 2 kittens rather than 1. But no matter how many you get be prepared to find cat hair everywhere and they WILL go on the kitchen counter, even when you tell them not to!

[Amicompletelyinsane]

I've always had one at a time but now I have a pair. Having the two means they entertain each other and I get attacked less 😂. They are both just as cuddly and loving as my single cats were to 3

[EachandEveryone]

2 always. Are you really wanting one? Sick and poo doesnt even cross my mind and i just pick it up if it does happen and forget about it. Mine played with each other even at three years old and its lovely to watch. They fight as well but im not going to get upset over it.

[captainprincess]

I had this dilemma 12 years ago, decided to get 2. They used to play as kittens but aren't so keen on each other now and given half the change will fight they have lived together their entire lives!
Also they are fairly shy with people, not sure if this is because I had 2 of them so didn't interact with people so much.
Personally I would go for 1