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Choosing between rescue cats

83 replies

Esgaroth · 16/09/2024 14:53

Following on from my other thread but with a more specific question. We have the chance to adopt one of two cats. We went to see them today and I definitely didn't 'just know' and neither did DH. They were quite different but both lovely.

Both cats are 4/5 year old males. They are brothers but not bonded so the rescue say they don't need to stay together. They were raised in a house and were left behind when their owners moved (unbelievable!) but otherwise seem to have been well cared for, neutered and chipped. They have been in the rescue as no foster homes have been available yet - have only been there a few weeks. No known health issues.

Cat 1 was very chilled out, sniffed our fingers, rubbed his head on our hands and accepted head strokes and treats from our hands. He was purring a lot and he didn't get up, just lay there seemingly enjoying the attention. He was gorgeous and seemed confident and friendly, but did not approach us.

Cat 2 was shyer and more cautious, but also very curious. He did sniff us a little and accepted a few strokes on the cheek but was more wary of us. He almost started playing with his toys a few times but it was as though he didn't quite dare. The volunteer let him out and he was very keen to explore, though he moved very slowly and carefully and he looked at us a lot. He accepted treats placed near him but not from our hands.

I feel like Cat 1 is maybe a safer bet for a first cat? But there was something very appealing about Cat 2 that made me think he could be a real character once he'd settled down and made himself at home.

What do you think? And I know people will say to get both but we only want one cat really.

OP posts:
StrawberryFizz27 · 16/09/2024 14:54

Take them both!

pinkpanther84 · 16/09/2024 14:55

Both 😄

KhakiShaker · 16/09/2024 14:56

Cat 1 will likely be easier, if that’s what you want. You’ll never really know until you get them home and they settle in and claim it as their own.

i wouldn’t break up the brothers though. They may not love each other but cats do love familiarity and routine. I’m afraid my advice is to get both of them if you can afford two cats!

urbanbuddha · 16/09/2024 14:56

The cat that came to you. You should always let cats do the choosing.

ncforcatquestion · 16/09/2024 14:58

I got a kitten and always regretted not getting his sibling too. I ended up getting another cat anyway a few weeks later for a playmate for him

Singleandproud · 16/09/2024 14:58

Both. They will be used to living together.

TerfTalking · 16/09/2024 14:58

I would take both too, but I’m a sucker for rescues.

Im Sat her playing with a string toy and my latest addition - who I might add was very timid and scared when he came in May but is now a wild little monkey who snuggles like a baby at night purring loudly.

my other big black chilled boy is watching the world go by on a sunny window sill,

Anjelika · 16/09/2024 15:00

Another vote for both. At least that way you won't ever regret getting the wrong one! No seriously I would get both.

PandoraSox · 16/09/2024 15:01

If you can afford it and have room, I would take both.

Esgaroth · 16/09/2024 15:01

They apparently ignore one another so I'm not convinced they'd prefer to stay together. They're not buddies, just were together through circumstance.

I used to have brother cats as a child that were utterly indifferent to each other and one was actually delighted when his brother died and became a much happier, more confident cat.

I knew everyone would say both, though! I will think about it.

Neither of them really came to us, but Cat 1 seemed happier to let us approach him.

OP posts:
sheldonRockz · 16/09/2024 15:02

I’m firmly in the “take both” camp.

They do best in pairs so they’ve got a play mate etc. Plus the more confident kitten will probably help the shy one come out of his shell more. Also the first one seems to like lots of attention etc, so having another cat will take some of that attention seeking off you.

GET BOTH 😁

Hoppinggreen · 16/09/2024 15:03

I have always had more than 1 cat and they have liked/not liked eachother to varying degrees but one of mine died last month and her sister who never liked her does seem to miss her so sorry but I also agree that you need both

Smartiepants79 · 16/09/2024 15:06

I have always had single cats with no issues.
BUT in this scenario, if I could afford it and had the room, I’d take them both.

Esgaroth · 16/09/2024 15:07

It's just that in my (limited) personal experience, cats don't do better in pairs because my childhood cat was the exact opposite! He was practically dancing on his brother's grave - and they never fought and appeared to tolerate each other fine.

I've heard of the same thing happening many times from other people, where surviving cats from pairs that tolerated one another but didn't actively like each other, became much more confident as only cats.

OP posts:
Esgaroth · 16/09/2024 15:09

But OK OK, we will THINK about getting both. But if you were going to take one, which one?

OP posts:
yorktown · 16/09/2024 15:10

Cat 2.

Cat 1 will easily find a place. Hopefully at your place as well. 😀

Reugny · 16/09/2024 15:17

What cat your DH likes best.

Why? Because you wouldn't mind either.

urbanbuddha · 16/09/2024 15:18

I definitely agree with you that siblings don’t always get on as adults. If they don’t get on now they probably never will.
Can you visit again and see if one cat comes? If not go for cat 1 as you seem to prefer that one (you see his positive qualities, you see the other’s negative qualities).

Esgaroth · 16/09/2024 15:22

I was more charmed by Cat 2 actually, in a way. He seemed like he had more about him, if you know what I mean, and I thought he had a friendly nature but lacked confidence. He was funny and fun to watch as he was exploring.

But Cat 1 was very straight forwardly sweet.

OP posts:
Toddlerteaplease · 16/09/2024 15:24

Both. Two cats is great!

urbanbuddha · 16/09/2024 15:25

Toss a coin. Heads cat 1, tails cat 2. If you’re disappointed with the way it falls you’ll know the other cat’s the one for you.

Compash · 16/09/2024 15:26

If you really can't do both, you did seem more interested in Cat 2 - he sounded more to engage with, more of a challenge. And I suppose you'd be doing him and the recuse a favour because the less friendly ones don't get adopted as soon...

TheCultureHusks · 16/09/2024 15:27

Esgaroth · 16/09/2024 15:01

They apparently ignore one another so I'm not convinced they'd prefer to stay together. They're not buddies, just were together through circumstance.

I used to have brother cats as a child that were utterly indifferent to each other and one was actually delighted when his brother died and became a much happier, more confident cat.

I knew everyone would say both, though! I will think about it.

Neither of them really came to us, but Cat 1 seemed happier to let us approach him.

Edited

Yep OP, we’ve had this too. Delighted and totally came out of their shell when the other one died!!! Practically dancing on the grave 🤣🤣

A lot of cats are genuinely happier owning their space

BlueyTuesdays · 16/09/2024 15:27

Cat 2. Because Cat 1 will by the sounds of him get a home easily. But Cat 2 needs your input and patience to come out of his shell and will reward you with love and nonsense.

At the shelter we went to our dcat hissed at my DH but liked me. And very slowly and carefully came round to loving my DH wholeheartedly. The people looking before us didn’t want our boy because he hissed at that man in that couple. I’m always pleased that we could see his qualities and took him because he is the best cat ever (also our first cat).

Compash · 16/09/2024 15:28

'...doing him and the rescue a favour.' And yes, @BlueyTuesdays is explaining it better than me... 😸