Help me decide whether to get two kittens!

[LimeLemonOrange]

I have one older cat, she's a rescue cat. She doesn't like being picked up or groomed, she's a bit of a grouchy and particular puss but I still adore her.

Because she's never liked being handled my two teen DCs have never been able to enjoy her - she only likes me.

I've got an opportunity to take two kittens, but I can't decide if three cats is too many, or whether the joy for the family will be worth disrupting and stressing out my older cat. Older cat is approx 10 years. For a while she tolerated a male cat coming in to our garden and sitting with her, but she scares other garden cats away.

I thought about one kitten but would rather a new kitten had a friend to play with.

I would, if you think your older car will be ok with it.

I've got 3 cats. 2 came as adult rescues and one was a kitten rescue. 1 gets along with the other 2 and the other 2 don't get along, so I have to keep them separated. It can work, but there's no guarantee. 3 cats is a lot to me, but I couldn't leave them in the streets to fend for themselves

I think it is a good idea to have 2 kittens if you have an older cat. They are likely to play with each other and leave the older one alone. I found myself with 5 cats at one time (not by choice), and we managed OK.

It’s easier to get a tamer kitten if you just have one.

Two kittens together is definitely better as otherwise one kitten will annoy the life out of the old one.

We have always had two kittens together and had no problem with them both being lap cats...

I have four cats and TBH find it absolutely fine.

TBH three cats isn't that much more trouble than one (once you get past the crazy kitten stage where they're adorable little psychopaths)

Two, with the proviso that you may have to give them back if they make the old girl miserable (or homicidal!)

Lifelong cat owner here, currently have 5, two sets are sisters. Getting the two is definitely a better idea than just one. It would also be good to have them contained to one room for a few days before trying to integrate them with your older cat. It will give the older time a bit of time to adjust, she will be able to smell them, and then you will have a room ready to put them in should the older one need a break or if she gets aggressive. Any issues should come to pass quickly, especially because the new cats are kittens.

You might also want to get a feliway plug-in going before the kittens arrive.

Oooo, two kittens are a joy! Ours are not kittens anymore but were beautifully socialised when we got them and have always been the softest, gentlest and cuddliest; both with each other and us. They groom each other and sleep together, play with each other and go off exploring outdoors together. They follow me around the house and garden, and the male will lie down on top of my feet if I sit down.
As long as your old girl isn't put out by them, it'll be great!

I had exactly the same situation! Got 2 kittens. Kittens are sisters and brilliant with each other. Older cat not terribly impressed but hasn't left home yet
Kittens almost a year old now and everything is much more settled. Older cat has her zones and kittens have theirs. I don't have to separate them at all.
Feliway is a good idea. Careful introduction, but it still might be a bit angsty at times.
3 is no more trouble than 1 or 2 if you have the space for them and can afford to take care of them.

Thanks everyone, good to read some positive stories, and thanks for the suggestions and tips on what to expect.

Might have to do it! My kids would be so excited.

I think the two little darlings will be a wonderful addition to your family!

2x kittens = twice as many kitten cuddles.
I feel like there is nothing else to add to this argument... lol

Well that's your mind made up for you then .

I was browsing the CPL site there are two black kittens on there who look gorgeous ( I already have 2 young adults jet black)

As if to answer my question (the "Hmmm I think we could" ) not spoken out loud , the female cat had a wild mad-half-hour and kept jumping onto the table to pounce on her brother .

She had a "You bring a kitten in here, I take it out through the cat door" look about her

So , no we're sticking at 2

Yes! 2 is better!

I've said yes to the kittens! I'm collecting them on the 12th June! Can't wait. The kids are really excited too.

Ahh , lovely enjoy the little tearaways when they arrive (and make a mental note what you need to move out of the way of tiny claws in the next week or so)

Do you know if it;s boys/girls or one of each ?

We got two last year and they are absolute joys who also destroyed all of our curtains. Do post photos of them once you get them!

Hi,
Think about the impact of two kittens on your existing cat. What if she hates them? What if it makes her really miserable? I think it's pretty unlikely she will love this huge change in her environment. I think you should consider what you will do if it doesn't work out. Even if she is grouchy, she's the original cat. I would advise against. I say this as someone who took a rescue kitten and it made our original cat very unhappy.