1 or 2 cats?

[BettyBoopBetty]

I never had cats before, DH had several growing up so he has a decent amount of knowledge.
We'd be looking for indoor cats, open to kittens or adults bit not old as we'd want them to be with us for as long as possible.
Have 1 young DC. We work from home half of the time so there will be a couple of days a week when they'd spend a few hours on their own but I don't think this is an issue for cats. Would you suggest 1 or 2 in our situation?
Main cons I can think of having 2 is:

• cost (although we could afford it, we could also do with spending less)
• more difficult to find a solution if we go on holiday (i.e. asking family or friends to look after them; cattery would be x2 expensive so I guess a home cat sitter would be the only solution)
• perhaps we'd build a more special relationship with 1 only, especially DC whereas 2 will more likely play with each other? (happy to be told I am completely wrong on this as I have no idea really)
• more to clean in the litter tray, generally more mess, potentially?

What are your advantages to having 2? Cats are sociable animals but sometimes I think people transpose human emotions onto them. If you adopt a 2/3 year old you’ll find plenty who want rehoming as a single cat because they don’t like living with other cats!

If kittens, definitely two. Seeing them play together is the absolute best and they need each other. Single kittens can be a menace! If adults, a bonded pair would be ideal. Neither will negatively affect bonding with people ime.

Cats are so territory-based that keeping them at home with a feeder is usually less stressful for them than a cattery.

For indoor only cats I was always recommended 2, especially if you're going to be out most of the day, as they keep each other company. It certainly didn't stop Boycat bonding so closely with me that he would get separation anxiety if I were out more than an hour or so!

It may be the case that you go to a rescue and meet a bonded pair you fall in love with, or equally a single cat who needs to be an only cat. I would say to a rescue before you visit that you would be open to either depending on the individual cats and go from there.

If kittens, definitely 2!

2

One per windowsill is the correct ratio.

Why indoor op?
Why would you consider 1 dcat stuck indoors with no playmate?
Very sad...

@Sheepsheepeverywhere for several reasons. But fyi, cats are considered indoor only animals in many many countries around the world, especially in cities where most people live in flats.

@BungleandGeorge I just assumed they'd keep each other company (if already a bonded pair or kittens from same litter)

Definitely two cats. When you have one. The second doesn't cost much more.

I read a book about domestic cats. The author worked with behavioural issues and said there are two main issues that cause behavioural problems;

1. households with more than one cat
2. cats kept indoors

I have 2 and they get on very well but a cattery is just too expensive. Also, one is on a special diet (£65 a month) and if they both needed that I would struggle.

IMO cats need to go outside, it's cruel to keep them in.

We got two kittens. They are nearly 8 now and hate each other. For indoor cats I would go for an adult rescue that needs to be an indoor cat. And a bonded pair that want to be together. I would also see about cat proofing the garden or at least providing a catio!

I asked our vet if I should get a 2nd. His answer was it depends what you want from your cat. If you want a more independent cat get 2 as they will rely on each other more than you. If you want a cuddly, more dependent cat get 1

It's great to hear that you are considering adopting cats! Cats can make wonderful companions and are generally well-suited to indoor living.
In terms of whether to adopt one or two cats, there are pros and cons to each option. Here are some things to consider:
Pros of adopting one cat:

• Lower cost: As you mentioned, the cost of owning one cat is generally lower than owning two.
• Easier to find a pet sitter: If you go on holiday, it may be easier to find someone to look after one cat than two.
• Stronger bond with the cat: With only one cat, you may be able to form a closer bond with them and they may be more likely to seek out your attention.

Cons of adopting one cat:

• Potential loneliness: Cats can get lonely and bored when left alone for extended periods of time. If you work from home only part of the time, your cat may be left alone for several hours on the days you are away.
• Need for entertainment: Cats can also become bored if they do not have enough mental and physical stimulation. With two cats, they can entertain each other and engage in play, which can help prevent boredom.
• Destructive behavior: If a cat becomes bored or lonely, they may engage in destructive behavior such as scratching furniture or knocking things over.

Pros of adopting two cats:

• Companionship: Cats are social animals and enjoy having a feline companion. With two cats, they can keep each other company and play together.
• Less likelihood of destructive behavior: With two cats, they may be less likely to become bored or lonely, which can reduce the likelihood of destructive behavior.
• Easier to manage litter boxes: Two cats will likely generate more waste than one, but it can be easier to manage litter boxes if they are using the same one.

Cons of adopting two cats:

• Higher cost: As you mentioned, the cost of owning two cats can be higher than owning one.
• More difficult to find a pet sitter: If you go on holiday, it may be more difficult to find someone to look after two cats.
• Less individual attention: With two cats, they may be more likely to entertain each other and require less individual attention from their human companions.

Ultimately, the decision to adopt one or two cats depends on your personal circumstances and preferences. If you are able to provide enough attention, stimulation, and care to one cat, then that may be the best option. However, if you are concerned about potential loneliness or boredom, then adopting two cats may be a good idea.

It's great to hear that you are considering adopting cats! Cats can make wonderful companions and are generally well-suited to indoor living. how many bagels can a cat have In terms of whether to adopt one or two cats, there are pros and cons to each option.