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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Looking for a kitten - only seem to come in 2s

137 replies

legophoenix · 28/10/2022 18:51

Hi, my kids are desperate for a kitten and I had it in my head that we just wanted one, but the local shelter seems to specify that the kittens can only go in pairs or to a home that already has a cat or dog.

Anyway we don't have any pets currently so I guess my question is, are two kittens harder work than one? Or would we manage ok with two?

Both DH and I had cats in the past when we were young but just one and it was a looong time ago!

Thanks 😊

OP posts:
thelobsterquadrille · 30/10/2022 08:21

PoseyFlump · 30/10/2022 07:55

@thelobsterquadrille there are studies also suggesting there is no scientific link and littermate syndrome is a myth. A lazy label.

Just like posters on here are disagreeing about whether kittens should be homed in pairs or whether they are solitary creatures. Sweeping generalisations. All animals are unique. Just like humans. Some get on, some don't. Animals, like children, like routine, stability and the security of knowing someone is in charge. These are more important.

Generalisations exist for a reason though. Of course they won't always be accurate but as I said, there will be exceptions to every rule.

The point is that if you don't like the way a rescue operates then you're free to go elsewhere, aren't you?

So if you're desperate for a solo kitten, look for a local farm litter, or speak to the your vets and see if you can put your name down for one that comes in abandoned. Talk to smaller rescues who may have no choice but to rehome kittens alone.

Likewise if you're desperate for two puppies, find a rescue or breeder that will allow you to take two 🤷🏻‍♀️

PoseyFlump · 30/10/2022 08:39

The point is that if you don't like the way a rescue operates then you're free to go elsewhere, aren't you?

Would you care to point out where I've said that? I'm just calling you out on perpetuating myths. There are many myths about creatures. I'm sure some people believe lobsters don't suffer when they are boiled alive. We don't care enough about animals to actually see them for who they are. Littermate syndrome is a lazy label to explain bad human behaviour.

Luana1 · 30/10/2022 19:13

UserError012345 · 29/10/2022 08:32

I have one and he is bloody perfect 🐈

He has the best temperament and gets a huge amount of attention.

I don't think you need two.

Us too! I also agree with the pp that said cats are solitary animals. Yes it's cute to see two kittens snuggled up together, but we would struggle with double the cost of insurance/food etc. I'm surprised the shelter only rehome them in pairs.

Ludo19 · 30/10/2022 19:14

Go for two. If cats are solitary why are there cat colonies?? I've had a multi cat household for 22yrs.....not one bit of bother because I ensure they have a stimulated environment.

thelobsterquadrille · 30/10/2022 19:48

PoseyFlump · 30/10/2022 08:39

The point is that if you don't like the way a rescue operates then you're free to go elsewhere, aren't you?

Would you care to point out where I've said that? I'm just calling you out on perpetuating myths. There are many myths about creatures. I'm sure some people believe lobsters don't suffer when they are boiled alive. We don't care enough about animals to actually see them for who they are. Littermate syndrome is a lazy label to explain bad human behaviour.

It wasn't aimed at you specifically - apologies, it was early! I meant more of a general "you".

People on this thread are saying it's unfair for rescues not to re-home solo kittens because they personally can't afford two. I mean, that's not the rescues' problem at the end of the day. They're not going to change how they operate because of you.

If they feel the kittens are best going home in pairs, they'll re-home them in pairs. Likewise, if they think puppies are best solo, they'll re-home them solo, even if that means waiting longer for those animals to find homes.

If people disagree, they don't have to adopt from that rescue.

PoseyFlump · 30/10/2022 19:56

Don't worry @thelobsterquadrille. I think you and I are friends now after the trauma of the farting thread 😂

thelobsterquadrille · 30/10/2022 20:00

PoseyFlump · 30/10/2022 19:56

Don't worry @thelobsterquadrille. I think you and I are friends now after the trauma of the farting thread 😂

Oh yes, we're a right pair of arseholes aren't we?! 😂

PoseyFlump · 30/10/2022 20:07

I know! I didn't even get to see the last message from the OP but I could tell from your reaction it wasn't good 🤣

thelobsterquadrille · 30/10/2022 20:13

PoseyFlump · 30/10/2022 20:07

I know! I didn't even get to see the last message from the OP but I could tell from your reaction it wasn't good 🤣

Oh, I got all sorts of abuse hurled at me Grin for someone so easily offended she was certainly more than happy to be rude to other people, haha.

PoseyFlump · 30/10/2022 20:19

Sadly the thread was pulled just after my final post:

No-one loses their shit over a fart (unless they've followed through Blush)

Didn't get to see her reaction 😂😂

thelobsterquadrille · 30/10/2022 20:57

PoseyFlump · 30/10/2022 20:19

Sadly the thread was pulled just after my final post:

No-one loses their shit over a fart (unless they've followed through Blush)

Didn't get to see her reaction 😂😂

I don't think she replied after she called me a c* 😂

Furries · 31/10/2022 01:20

thecatneuterer · 29/10/2022 14:36

This gorgeous boy is currently being offered by us as a single. This is partly because he came to us as a single and partly because he is around 14 weeks now, so past the really tiny stage. Having said that though he is very, very needy and will scream at the top of his lungs if left alone,and so we will only home him somewhere where there is someone home most of the time, or where there is an existing cat (he appears to love all cats and doesn't mind that they're adults not kittens).

So, while the general policy is to home in pairs, there are often a few exceptions.

What a lovely looking cat. Is he still looking for a home?

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