New Member

Posts: 9
From:
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-01-2003 05:12 AM         

---

What are the pros and cons of having 2 cats vs a single cat? I know it costs more to keep 2 cats but what other problems or benefits would 2 cats have compare to a single cat?

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 201
From:Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 12-01-2003 06:10 AM         

---

I have four cats and it's great.

My cats love having each other. Both my husband and I work full time and live busy schedules. So, when we're not home, the cats can entertain each other. They play together and sometimes even sleep together.

Personally, I don't see many cons to having two cats. But, I've never had just one. I do know my cats like each other's companionship and love to play together.

The only con that I can think of is that very rarely two of my cats fight (they're brothers) to reassert who's boss in the house. Their fights were never serious, though... just a swat or two to say who's still boss.

Do you have a cat right now? Or, are you considering getting two at once? If you already have one cat and you're thinking of getting a second, do some research on the right match and how to introduce them properly to have they become life-long friends.

Having my four cats is a thrill a minute. They're better to watch than TV!

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 43
From:Methuen, MA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-01-2003 11:51 AM         

---

Well I started with ONE kitten, Rory who is a 7 months old black shorthair. My boyfriend and I work full time and were noticing that he wanted constant attention (which we love to give him don't get me wrong but made me think maybe he was bored during the day) and would get mad at us if we didn't come straight home from work. We decided that a playmate would be great for while we were away so that he would not get bored or as angry with us.

So, we got Sammy, a 4 month old gray and white shorthair. From the moment he came into our home, he and Rory have been friends. Rory, of course, had his moments where we assume he was mad at us for bringing a new cat into the home but he has adjusted quite well. He seems happier now. They run and play and sleep together.

We have seen how happy 2 cats can be together and I definately recommend it. Especially if you work full time.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 120
From:West Chester, PA.
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-01-2003 12:21 PM         

---

Having 2 kittens or more is great. They REALLY keep each other company, along with the fact that they play with each other . When you are not home, or at work, you will never have to worry about the kitty being lonely.

My opinion is having 2 or more cats really doesnt cost more. Besides an annual check up, or when they really get sick (which isnt often if you keep them indoors), there is no cost difference for having 2 cats compared to one.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 24
From:Rockhampton, QLD, Australia
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-01-2003 04:09 PM         

---

I had one kitten, but i love kittens so much i now have two. They are so happy, they do everything together. i would get a 2nd cat if i was you.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 12
From:NO, LA
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 12-01-2003 07:56 PM         

---

I currently have 6 cats right now (yes 6!). And besides having to keep up with the litter box more often and putting out more food there really isn't that much difference than having 1 or 2. They are all like one big happy family (except the newest addition who is still adjusting). It's really cute to watch them all huddle together to go to sleep and clean each other. It is a little more exhausting though when they are in the mood to run and play because sometimes they get a little too energetic and get into everything! But for the most part they really are a pleasure to have around.

IP: Logged

Moderator

Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 12-01-2003 09:07 PM         

---

I have 6 also. They really seem to adore each others company (and mine too). The only cons I can think of are if they did'nt get along well or all got sick at the same time.

------------------
Vanessa

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 48
From:royal oak, mi, usa
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-02-2003 07:19 AM         

---

I started with one cat, Willie who was about 4 years old; his previous owner said he did not get along with other cats. About two years later Charlie, a kitten came into the picture. He and Willie got along great, always cuddling and grooming each other. Willie took care of the kitten and they had a father son relationship. Willie’s health declined and he had to live at home with my mother while I was off at college, but I took Charlie with me. Due to my late hours at class, Charlie became depressed, so I adopted a stray, Cloe. Charlie was irritated with her, but his depression and vomiting stopped instantly. They get along with each other much like my brother and I get along. Willie passed on, and it was just Charlie and Cloe for a few years. Then I moved into a house in Detroit that was haunted, and Charlie was having some sort of seizure, so for his health could not live there, and he went back to my moms, and got real fat. Cloe was left all alone; she would sit at any closed door and meow her little heart out. This was her way of ratting on Charlie when he snuck downstairs. She missed Charlie! So I decided to get a kitten for her, and ended up getting two 3-month old kittens. Kiva and her littermate Suchimu got along great with each other, but Cloe is a bit crabby towards them (mostly Kiva). When I moved into my new house all 4 cats came with me, they each have their own little attitudes, but still get along...time for a dog or two!
That’s my multiple cat tail, I could go on…
Read more about my pets at http://www.gj9tech.com/menagerie.html !

Pros: Keeping each other company and always having a feline playmate, two cats cuddled up on your lap…
Cons: Twice as much normal cat stuff. Ie: food, vet bills, litter, toys, two cats on the dining room table…

As long as you can properly take care of them, have as many cats as you want…or as many the city you live in will allow.

[This message has been edited by HaloKittie (edited 12-02-2003).]

IP: Logged

Moderator

Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 12-02-2003 05:56 PM         

---

Halokittie: Your website is great! Your animals are beautiful and look very happy.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 152
From:Ottawa, Ontario
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 12-03-2003 01:24 AM         

---

I am scared to get another kitty.
1. I live in a small apartment and find there is barely enough room for us 2 and our cat!
2. My cat is an attention hog.

But on the other had, I wonder if she hates being alone? I mean, we are gone for like, 11-12hrs a day sometimes I feel horrible about it, but we can't help it.

[This message has been edited by Auspetian (edited 12-03-2003).]

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 152
From:Ottawa, Ontario
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 12-03-2003 01:33 AM         

---

Oh, and HaloKitty, your site is awesome! It's so cute.

[This message has been edited by Auspetian (edited 12-03-2003).]

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 48
From:royal oak, mi, usa
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-04-2003 06:34 AM         

---

Thank you, on the complements to my website.
I do love my animals very much, and they are quite happy.

Kayliface:
Try to keep a radio on wile you are gone to keep your kitty company.
If your cat is lonely and you are thinking of adopting another one, you could always take your cat up to a shelter and try a visit with another cat.
Sometimes its best to get a kitten for your cat, or look for cat that has lived with other cats before. Everybody will have a personality quark, but you just need to adjust.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 17
From:Londonderry, NH USA
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 12-04-2003 11:26 AM         

---

we have one kitten and she is very energetic and always getting into things, esp when we are trying to sleep or when we're not home. would having a buddy help stop this behavior or make it worse? we can't decide! it seems to be that she does these things for attention, but how can you really tell?

IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)