Hi,
I'm planning on adopting a cat, hopefully a young male between the ages of 1 and 2. I've read that it's usually better to have a companion for a cat of this age. I haven't had a cat since I was a child, so the thought of going from no pet to two all at once is a bit overwhelming. Is it better to get two at once, or get one first and then add another? Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated - thanks!
Katie
Adoption: One or Two?
I would recommend getting both together...that way they can adjust to their new surroundings together and get to know each other...but you will still have an introductory period unless they are friends or littermates already...
By getting one and introducing another later on, then your first cat has set up your place as his and it may be harder to introduce a new one at a later date..
God Bless You for wanting to adopt an older cat or two who might not have a chance elsewise...
When you get them, be sure to come post pics
We all love pictures here!!
Oh, and be sure to keep them INDOOR ONLY
By getting one and introducing another later on, then your first cat has set up your place as his and it may be harder to introduce a new one at a later date..
God Bless You for wanting to adopt an older cat or two who might not have a chance elsewise...
When you get them, be sure to come post pics
We all love pictures here!!Oh, and be sure to keep them INDOOR ONLY
Re: Adoption: One or Two?
I would definitely suggest adopting two together. If they are littermates, even better.
Cats are pretty much self-sufficient and taking in two together really won't be all that overwhelming. Be sure to have at least two litterboxes for them, lots of toys, comfy beds (although they'll sleep wherever they prefer).
It'll work and be rewarding. Good luck and post back with updates, pics, etc.
Cats are pretty much self-sufficient and taking in two together really won't be all that overwhelming. Be sure to have at least two litterboxes for them, lots of toys, comfy beds (although they'll sleep wherever they prefer).
It'll work and be rewarding. Good luck and post back with updates, pics, etc.
Re: Adoption: One or Two?
I also think two is better. You won't be there all the time, and in that way they won't get bored so easily.
It's great fun watching them play as well
It's great fun watching them play as well
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Jilliebean0606
- Posts: 37
- Joined: Sat Sep 10, 2005 10:24 pm
Re: Adoption: One or Two?
A lot of adoption places will only adopt out in pairs. I ran into that problem when I was first looking for a cat. At first I was only planning on getting one, mainly because I had just moved into a tiny one bedroom apartment and I was afraid they would get bored in such a small place.
My friends who had cats though all reccomended I should get two. So I ended up adopting two anyway
They are brother and sister from the same litter and they get along great. They are always playing together- chasing each other, wrestling, it's really funny actually. One will hide behind something and wait til the other walks by to pounce on them.
They are also great company for each other. I don't know what your schedule is like but there are some days when I work 8 to 10 hours at a time. That was actually the main reason why I ended up getting two kitties. So they would have company and someone to play with while I was gone all day.
Oh, and I know someone above said you should get two litter boxes and if you have the space then you definitely should. As I said before though I live in such a small apartment that I only have space for one. I got my cats when they were six weeks (they are now 8 months) and they have never once had an accident. So if you can't fit two boxes, it may not be a big deal. Obviously I clean it every night and I've never had a problem.
Good luck and please post pictures when you get your new kitties!!
My friends who had cats though all reccomended I should get two. So I ended up adopting two anyway
They are brother and sister from the same litter and they get along great. They are always playing together- chasing each other, wrestling, it's really funny actually. One will hide behind something and wait til the other walks by to pounce on them.
They are also great company for each other. I don't know what your schedule is like but there are some days when I work 8 to 10 hours at a time. That was actually the main reason why I ended up getting two kitties. So they would have company and someone to play with while I was gone all day.
Oh, and I know someone above said you should get two litter boxes and if you have the space then you definitely should. As I said before though I live in such a small apartment that I only have space for one. I got my cats when they were six weeks (they are now 8 months) and they have never once had an accident. So if you can't fit two boxes, it may not be a big deal. Obviously I clean it every night and I've never had a problem.
Good luck and please post pictures when you get your new kitties!!
Re: Adoption: One or Two?
If you only have room for one box, get it aas big as possible...I actually use under bed storage boxes made by Sterlite (you can get them at WalMart) and they are about 17x24 and about 4 or 5 inches high...
If the cats are old enough, over 6-8 months of age, you can use a clumping litter, and Arm & Hammer makes a wonderful flushable litter if you keep the box in the bathroom...just scoop a poop every time you go in there and it stays clean basically all the time
Kittens UNDER 6-8 months of age can unly safely use the basic non-scented clay litter because they are so little and too close to the litter box...you risk them inhaling or ingesting the litter, and if it clumps in the box, imagine what damage it could do to stomachs, intestines and lungs!!
If the cats are old enough, over 6-8 months of age, you can use a clumping litter, and Arm & Hammer makes a wonderful flushable litter if you keep the box in the bathroom...just scoop a poop every time you go in there and it stays clean basically all the time
Kittens UNDER 6-8 months of age can unly safely use the basic non-scented clay litter because they are so little and too close to the litter box...you risk them inhaling or ingesting the litter, and if it clumps in the box, imagine what damage it could do to stomachs, intestines and lungs!!