1 or 2 new kittens?

[Anonymous]

Random question but my first two cats were a pair and were super close. I loved watching them groom each other and snuggle up. One died early and we got another one - they were tight but not as tight. And then repeat. Now, we are down to one cat again who is 5 years old - female not super into other cats but not too aggressive either. My kids are at the age where the next kitten will probably be there last as children. I miss the closeness of litter mates and think that having two kittens would let the older but still very active cat have some downtime. Then again I worry that 2 would overwhelm her. And really is three cats too many?

Thoughts?

[jsteele]

We were in almost the same situation. We got two kittens years ago. They weren't siblings, but became very close. Then, one died when they were both about 12 years old. A couple years after that, we got two kittens. It took a long time for the older cat to accept the kittens. She didn't attack them or anything, but just kept her distance and didn't want to have anything to do with them. It's been about three years now and the older cat will put up with the younger ones, but is still not friendly. Based on this experience, I"m glad we got two kittens because one would have been constantly bothering the older cat and it would have been a bad situation. Now the two younger ones are best of friends while the older one is happy being left alone.

[Anonymous]

I think you need to get two at the same time if you want to maximize the chances of them being strongly bonded to each other. Since you already have a female cat, you really need to get two male kittens. If you get another female, expect issues!

[Anonymous]

Get 2. Having 3 is not too many.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get 2. Having 3 is not too many.

Agree. Especially if they are litter mates. And especially if you work long hours out of the home - then they have a friend to play with.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all - OP here - we ended up getting two and though it is very early days - it seems to be working. Our older cat is not freaking out about the kittens and they are happy to have each other to play with and cuddle up with. They are curious about the older cat but giving her space especially as she still hisses at them!