Adopting a kitten

[Sarah]

Ever since I was a little kid, my family has had wonderful loving cats. Now that I am living on my own, I want to get my own cat to live with me. I went to a local shelter today and found a kitten that I absolutely love. This little kitty has a little sister. I had not planned on adopting two kitties, but I worry that if I bring just one of them home with me, she will be lonely. This brings me to my question. Is it better to have one cat or two? My parents cats were always very social and played with each other. Do cats prefer to have another cat in their home? Or do they prefer to be by themselves? Or does it vary from case to case?

[Michael William Shea]

I would suggest adopting siblings, that have grown up together. However, most cats can learn to get along with other cats. The key, is to introduce them slowly, or adopt two kittens. Mine, on the other hand will not get along with the other cat and often hear grumbling, hissing, or a full blown cat fight. Cricket, doesn't seem to care and really prefers the dogs.
As a kitten, after keeping Cricket in a locked bedroom. I let Abby during the whole two weeks sniff his blanket, leaving it outside the door. Letting Cricket, sniff Abby's blanket. I used to hold Cricket on my lap and let Abby make the decision to come up to him. They did get along when they were younger, but now yikes. Abs, likes to be by herself, and Cricket prefers to stay with me and the other dogs at all times. Again, most kitties will get along or learn however mine is extremely aggressive.

[Denise]

Hi Sarah. More than anything else, honestly, I think it depends on whether you can afford 2 cats. Remember, you need to get them "fixed", fed, cat litter, misc. vet bills, de-flead, etc. It can run into some money. But if you really want 2 cats, then I think 2 siblings that already know each other would be the best idea. Good luck!

[bams481]

i agree with this...money is always the FIRST thing to think about. Animals can be very expensive, and everything is times 2 with two animals. Litter mates are always the best bet, tho, especially when it comes to cats since they are very territorial. I bottle fed Preston and knew where his brother went...even after a year of not seeing each other, Preston and his brother knew each other and there was all play, no hissing or fighting...and thats odd for cats. Therefore, if you feel you can afford two cats, go for it...this will be the best choice. They will play and keep each other occupied while they are alone...and will be the best of friends their whole life :)

[David Scott--"CATMAN"]

Definately 2.If you have 1 and you leave it alone for extended amounts of time they may start tearing stuff up in your house because they are lonely.I started out with just one about 10 years ago and very quickly found that out.I got a companion for her and everything was fine after that.Now I have 10 cats that I raised from birth and they are all just great.

[Mary Obrecht]

I have always had multiple cats. One of my cats actually owned a cat because she brought home a stray. Adopting siblings is an easy way to do it because they already know each other. Most cats like the company of other cats. Of course then there is my cat Al. He hates other cats but thats because he thinks he is a dog. I found him as a kitten and he was raised by my dog. He thinks other cats are beneath him.

[Dog lover!]

It depends on what u want!