I am adopting a kitten from a local no-kill shelter. I have my heart set on one, but then there is another one equally cute that recently came to the shelter. I've heard that it is a good idea to get kittens in pairs, because then they will play with each other and not be so destructive. Is this true?
Oh, and their names are Starsky and Huggy Bear. Hutch was already adopted.
Kittens - 1 or 2?
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slvrwhispr
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Re: Kittens - 1 or 2?
Can you afford two? Do you have the money to handle the veterinary care, food, litter, toys, and other expenses of two? How about your free time, do you have enough to give two kittens? If the answer is yes, then absolutely! They will generally be better socialized and get more exercise with one another to play with. But ask yourself those questions first and answer them honestly. Remember, it's a life-long commitment to those animals, so be VERY sure you can give proper care to both of them before you commit.
Re: Kittens - 1 or 2?
slvrwhispr already asked the questions that I would....but I do agree that multiples tend to get along better than singles....
and yes....pictures please
and yes....pictures please
Re: Kittens - 1 or 2?
Two is definately better than one.....cats generally live longer and are happier and healthier when they have another feline companion. The bonding, cuddling, companionship between cats is just awesome.
Do be sure to get your newly adopted(s) to your own veterinarian RIGHT AWAY for full exams, testing for FELV/FIV, vaccinations as recommended by your vet, etc. Most shelters are so inundated with pets, they don't often give the necessary tests or vaccinations, that's why its crucial to get them seen immediately and examined by your own vet.
Do be sure to get your newly adopted(s) to your own veterinarian RIGHT AWAY for full exams, testing for FELV/FIV, vaccinations as recommended by your vet, etc. Most shelters are so inundated with pets, they don't often give the necessary tests or vaccinations, that's why its crucial to get them seen immediately and examined by your own vet.
..........Traci
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mnwhiterose
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Re: Kittens - 1 or 2?
I do have the love for a kitten. I have a 7 year old who loves all animals, and I admit that he is the reason I am even thinking about getting a cat. We had an Australian Shephard a couple years ago that had to be put down due to rapidly advancing lymphoma. It was the toughest thing I had to do and I am just thankful that my son was visiting his father at the time.
I'd like to get a kitten for my son because he really doesn't have any chores at home due to the fact that he can't reach anything, like the cupboards to put away dishes. He does put away his own laundry. We've been catsitting a couple of adorable cats at our apartment and he has been cleaning out the litter box every morning before school because one of the cats is OCD and won't go in a dirty litter box. Mind you, I get along with this cat, because who wants to smell a dirty litter box?
Having the cats around has been a lot of fun and they are wonderful companions. They are fun to watch when they cuddle together on the couch and clean each other. Do I have the patience for 2 kittens? Well, seeing as how I've never owned a cat, only dogs (one of them being a yellow Lab that was so hyper it made me tear my hair out), I don't know if I can answer that question. All I can say is that I can try and I know it will be fun watching them grow up and training them. I've already started my research.
The shelter I'm getting them at includes the vaccinations and exams in the adoption fee, and has a really good reputation.
I'd like to get a kitten for my son because he really doesn't have any chores at home due to the fact that he can't reach anything, like the cupboards to put away dishes. He does put away his own laundry. We've been catsitting a couple of adorable cats at our apartment and he has been cleaning out the litter box every morning before school because one of the cats is OCD and won't go in a dirty litter box. Mind you, I get along with this cat, because who wants to smell a dirty litter box?
Having the cats around has been a lot of fun and they are wonderful companions. They are fun to watch when they cuddle together on the couch and clean each other. Do I have the patience for 2 kittens? Well, seeing as how I've never owned a cat, only dogs (one of them being a yellow Lab that was so hyper it made me tear my hair out), I don't know if I can answer that question. All I can say is that I can try and I know it will be fun watching them grow up and training them. I've already started my research.
The shelter I'm getting them at includes the vaccinations and exams in the adoption fee, and has a really good reputation.
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slvrwhispr
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Re: Kittens - 1 or 2?
I will warn you... kittens do go through a destructive phase. With both of mine, it lasted until they were about 2. Be prepared for that. Learn how to safely and effectively discipline cats; it's not the same as dogs, and I was an all-dog person before as well. It can be frustrating. But, it can also be rewarding when they grow up into well-behaved adult cats. Just make sure you give them as much play time as possible to reduce their hyper urges to knock everything off tables and shred things into oblivion.
Also, just let go of the idea of having toilet paper without claw marks in it for a while. It works just as good with some tears... just wad it up. lol.
Also, just let go of the idea of having toilet paper without claw marks in it for a while. It works just as good with some tears... just wad it up. lol.
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mnwhiterose
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Re: Kittens - 1 or 2?
LOL Actually, one of the cats I'm sitting is going through that phase where he likes to tear apart the toilet paper and paper towel rolls. I think I can live with it. I just have to remember to put my drinks in the evening in cups with covers.
Do you guys mind if I ask you dumb questions at times, being a first time cat owner? I'll post pics of the babies, of course. I spent today trying to figure out how to quarter off part of my apartment to be the 'kitten' area during the day until they are old enough to have free range of the entire apartment. Going to keep them in the bathroom for a little while, but after awhile I will want them to have more of a play area. Suggestions?
Do you guys mind if I ask you dumb questions at times, being a first time cat owner? I'll post pics of the babies, of course. I spent today trying to figure out how to quarter off part of my apartment to be the 'kitten' area during the day until they are old enough to have free range of the entire apartment. Going to keep them in the bathroom for a little while, but after awhile I will want them to have more of a play area. Suggestions?
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slvrwhispr
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Re: Kittens - 1 or 2?
Of course we don't mind! That's what we're here for.
Since you have a son, you're probably well-aware of how to baby-proof a home. Kitten-proofing isn't much different. But don't separate them from the humans. They'll get scared and lonely and it'll work against the socializing you want to do. As long as the vet gives them a clean bill of health, there's no need to seclude them unless you plan on spending most of your time in the secluded area with them. If you're concerned about your home being too big at first, consider having them in your bedroom or another room where you can all be comfy, and spending good family time, you and your son, in there with them.
One thing, just so you know, cats are susceptible to a lot of toxins you might not think of. On the left side of the page, there are a lot of links that are worth a read, especially under the Emergency! heading, particularly the poisonous plant list and the home hazards. If your home is free of those, they should be just fine!
Since you have a son, you're probably well-aware of how to baby-proof a home. Kitten-proofing isn't much different. But don't separate them from the humans. They'll get scared and lonely and it'll work against the socializing you want to do. As long as the vet gives them a clean bill of health, there's no need to seclude them unless you plan on spending most of your time in the secluded area with them. If you're concerned about your home being too big at first, consider having them in your bedroom or another room where you can all be comfy, and spending good family time, you and your son, in there with them.
One thing, just so you know, cats are susceptible to a lot of toxins you might not think of. On the left side of the page, there are a lot of links that are worth a read, especially under the Emergency! heading, particularly the poisonous plant list and the home hazards. If your home is free of those, they should be just fine!
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mnwhiterose
- Posts: 19
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Re: Kittens - 1 or 2?
Actually, I never baby proofed my home. My son was never alone to get into things and I was always in the same room. when he was older, I showed him what was under the sink and told him that those were not food and would make him very sick. But he was such a good kid, I never had to baby proof. So, I guess I will have to look up kitten proofing, huh? You can't exactly explain those things to a kitten.
I just need to barricade them from the rest of the house when I am at work. During the evening hours, they can be with me and my son wherever we are.
I heard something that I had never heard before. These kittens are condo mates and share a litter box. But someone told me I need to get a litter box for each of them? Is this true, and if so, can I put them in the same room side by side, or do I need to put them in separate rooms?
I just need to barricade them from the rest of the house when I am at work. During the evening hours, they can be with me and my son wherever we are.
I heard something that I had never heard before. These kittens are condo mates and share a litter box. But someone told me I need to get a litter box for each of them? Is this true, and if so, can I put them in the same room side by side, or do I need to put them in separate rooms?