Talk to me about adopting 2 cats instead of one

[BorderCauli99]

We lost our lovely old boy in the summer and feel like we are gearing up to adopt again. Possibly around/after xmas.

I am keeping an eye on local shelters for cats to adopt and keep seeing bonded pairs. I hadn’t considered getting two and maybe it’s just not practical but I secretly love this idea! Please can you tell me about this if you have two? Do you need double everything - litter trays etc? I’m a bit concerned about space.

We have a garden, quiet neighbourhood, lots of space for cats to lounge inside and out (but no spare bedroom). I have calm older kids who would love to play with a new cat/s. I’m unsure about two litter trays, four food bowls etc and what’s non-negotiable to meet their needs if we did get two. Any tips or advice? Thank you

Ime having a dualing partner gives your soft furnishings longevity....
A few pairs I know.

With kittens I highly recommend it as they tend to beat each other up rather than your furniture and also great fun and nice to see them grow up together.Most older cats will tolerate another one later on even if not from a bonded pair. My mum has two boy cats who object to each other all day then cuddle up at night - very odd! Have only ever had one litter tray and mine have always shared. The odd one wont though and then you'd need separate.

We got two together that had never met. It's been brilliant. They are completely different characters but hang out together sometimes and also do their own thing. Highly recommend!

We got 2 x 1 year old brothers a couple of months ago.

Like you previously had 1 cat who we adopted as an adult. We were out of practise with litter trays etc.

Oh my goodness, no regrets at all!!

They love each other, play all day, kids think they're hilarious. Absolutely no regrets. Litter trays don't take up too much space. We have a fancy lidded one which they prefer then an extra one. Food bowls... Again don't take up a lot of room, I already had 2x mats.

The biggest thing I'd consider is the cost of things like insurance. It's double and can be quite pricey depending on level of cover.

I had 6 at one point so this won't be an unbiased comment, but go for it! I've never had more than 3 litter trays - never had any issues. My cats mainly have dry food, so there's a couple of dishes down all the time, and then they share a couple of wet pouches before bed, all served on a cheap plastic lap tray, so no need for more dishes.

If you can afford it I think it’s a great idea!

You’re all talking me into it!

perhaps we could try one litter tray and see how they get on. We’re normally up early and ready to open the door to let the cat in and out, we mostly wfh too.

yes insurance is a good point…

I don't need to read past your post title.
The only thing in the known universe better than a kitten is two kittens ❤️

I've always always had at least two at a time, they keep each other company if we are out and about, gives them a bit of security/reassurance imo.

One kitten kill your house, two kittens kill each other. Two beautiful rescue kittens here, it’s a dream

Originally got a bonded sibling pair. Boycat had some "issues" (thick as shit, clumsy, attention span of a pissed gnat etc) and Girlcat tended to look after him, take the lead on everything, let him have first dibs on food bowls and treats etc. They had 2 litter trays, but never ever used one of them.

Sadly lost Boycat to CKD, and as an indoor cat with me working outside the home I had to get a companion for Girlcat. Cue Tobias. Took a little while for them to settle together, but they are currently on my bed (not their own bed in their own bedroom of course) lying close to each other. He is completely devoted to her; follows her around, grooms her, steps back if she requests his treats or toys etc. She accepts his worship as her due. They have 2 litter trays, one downstairs and one in their bedroom, he uses both and she only uses one. One big feeding area mat with water & food on it.

Like with Boycat, they swap & take turns at the 2 wet food bowls, and we were watching them the other day taking turns at the dry food bowl with their favorite kibble in it. They are good company for each other when I'm out at work, and the only difference of opinions they have is that Girlcat can occasionally get jealous & push Tobias away when I'm stroking him.

Good luck with your new pair of cats, we expect Cat Tax when they come home!

Forgot to say - they aren't really "bonded" as such while they are kittens. Yes they get on OK with their litter mates but can grow apart with time. My siblings were about 2 when they came home and were definitely bonded, but it can take longer than most kittens have been alive for a true bond to form.

The bonds tend to form with rescues who lived together previously, or who shared living space for a while after going to the rescue.

I got two 1 year old sisters from cats protection and don’t regret it at all, even if they do run around the house like wildebeest several times a day

they were inseparable but have grown apart more now. They know how to wind each other up as only family can. They do get jealous of each other if they think the other is getting more attention

I tried 3 litter trays, then 2 and now just have the 1 bigger tray. That’s the only one they ever used as wanted even if used

As PP said it’s obviously a lot more expensive with insurance etc for two

Two is double the fun and double the adorableness. I went from 1 to 6 to 3 - 🤣 - she escaped prior to neutering and had 5 kittens - so I kept two. Was so much fun. As long as you can afford the insurance you’ll not regret. Siblings are best as two strangers cats don’t always get along. Good luck OP!

Thank you all!

Love the photos @Whereismyfleeceblanketwho knew cats liked beans!

thanks for your stories, I think I’m convinced now. When our time comes, if there are a pair that want to stay together I’ll be on board 😻😻

I've always got two kittens at a time (except the time we got 3 🤣).
We currently have two pairs of siblings. Two are aged 7 and the other two are 14. I wouldn't describe them as bonded - but they all rub along quite happily.

We have only 1 large litter tray - never seems to cause problems.
Definitely recommend multiple cats.

Another vote for 2!

Definitely 2! Mine are 16 year old rescue girls. I adopted them when they were 5 months old and they are just the best 🥰

I love all the photos of these beautiful bonded pairs ❤️

We have a pair of sisters (got as rescue kittens) and they are fantastic together. DH was reluctant to get 2 but I talked him into it and he soon admitted I was right. They keep each other company, groom each other, play together, support each other (shyer cat looks to her sister for reassurance) and call each other to come when one wants the other. Plus with two cats you double your chances of a cat being in a cuddly mood.

As it happens our cats prefer to share a litter tray. I know all the advice is a litter tray per cat plus an extra, but ours have not read that advice and so choose to ignore it. When they were little they used to go to the litter tray literally together and keep each other company while weeing!

The only downside is that of course the insurance and jabs etc cost more

Plus with two cats you double your chances of a cat being in a cuddly mood.

this! My two take turns and trap me for hours at a time. It’s great

We got a pair, brother and sister, that the shelter said were bonded. In the rescue they were both hiding in the same igloo bed so we didn't question it. Turns out that isn't the case, while they will cuddle together if it's cold they don't actually like each other and never play together or groom each other... secretly I think the girl would be quite happy to see the back of her brother as he hogs all the attention/ best sleeping spots etc.

The downside of having siblings is that they are the same age and now both are getting older (and more expensive!) at the same time.

Two cats isn't really much more work than one and it does greatly increase the amount of cuddles / lap time. Our cats have aligned themselves to a favourite slave so we have one each sharing our pillows at night.

I thought it was illegal to just have one cat (or at least that’s what I tell my husband 😉

Never seen it written down - but always assumed this was the case 🤣

We had a brother and sister. They loved snuggling and grooming in winter. Barely spoke in summer! Just buy one large litter tray.