How many cats?

May 30, 2007 8:29 PM

Should we get one cat, or two?

We're getting a kitten, a Bengal, in a little while (he's staying with his mother until he's 12 weeks). Should we get him a companion?

Reasons why: they'd be the same age; they'd keep each other amused; they could hang out together while we're at work. Endless amusement for all.

Reasons why not: space (we live in a 2-bedroom apartment); extra vet bills; since the 2nd one would be a rescue cat, they might not get along. The apartment might smell like extra cat.

We're not cat noobs, but it's been a while. We got some great pointers from this thread, but do you have any other advice or opinions on the 1 vs 2 issue specifically? What else do we need to think about?

Thanks!

posted by BorgLove to pets & animals (26 comments total)

I've had two cats simultaneously, and I've also had just one. The only time I had two, it was living in rural New England, and they were indoor/outdoor cats. They seemed to do well being able to go outside, chase each other around, etc. They seemed to enjoy each other's company, most of the time. (They do get in not-serious but also not-playful hiss-and-scratch fights from time to time.) When they get too rambunctious, they get tossed outside to work out their energy.

Now, living in a small two-bedroom apartment, the SO and I have just one (indoor) cat. Although I can see how it might seem like a good idea to have another one, to provide companionship/entertainment for each other when we're away, I think it would be a lot harder on us, and also I'm not sure that cats are that social. Our one cat seems totally happy to have "his house" to himself (oh, and his human servants).

My understanding is that cats are naturally not pack animals like dogs, and are OK being by themselves in a household, just with humans. I don't think there's a huge need to get another cat, if you don't really want to have two. And in a small apartment, two cats could easily be more than twice the frustration/noise/fur of just one.
posted by Kadin2048 at 8:43 PM on May 30, 2007

I'd go with two. The extra vet bills is the only major issue, and honestly, it shouldn't be that bad after all the kitten shots / visits / neutering. Then it's just once a year barring emergencies.

Two cats do not take up much more room than one. Originally my husband and I lived with our two cats in a one-bedroom, which was fine for them, and they are more than happy in our 2-bedroom.

No cats are guaranteed to get along but if you are introducing them at a young age, they at least should be able to tolerate each other if not be best friends. My two cats are littermates and they are not best friends, but they don't try & kill each other. Most cats (esp kittens) will play-fight, this is normal and fun for them.

Also, cats really don't smell. Their litterbox smells. Get some good litter and scoop it daily and change the litter at least weekly and it will not smell bad at all.

I think the benefits far outweigh the cons, and it's easier to introduce two cats to your home at the same time so it is neither of their "territory". I think it would be harder for an adult cat to accept a new cat on their established territory. Plus they do often bond with each other and provide some comfort to each other when left alone.
posted by tastybrains at 8:47 PM on May 30, 2007

My SO and I have two cats. He got the second one because the first one was going a bit insane being alone all day. It depends on how much time you will be able to spend with the kitties. His original cat was bored alone, and now cat #1 has an annoying cat #2 to keep him occupied. I had never lived with two cats prior to moving in, but I have lived with one (in a household of multiple other animals) and two is not much more work/smell than one.
posted by nursegracer at 8:53 PM on May 30, 2007

they'd be the same age; they'd keep each other amused; they could hang out together while we're at work. Endless amusement for all.

I recently got two cats about the same age around the same time for these exact reasons. The reality has not turned out to be so companionable as I might have hoped. Note the people saying that the compatibility problems they have are common and normal...

We're still getting by, with the help of a Feliway, but it ain't exactly the "best buds" situation I was hoping for.
posted by scarabic at 8:57 PM on May 30, 2007

A 2-bedroom apartment is plenty big enough for two cats. Don't let that stop you. Some cats prefer to be single cats, but I suspect if you raise them together from a young age they will be happier with a companion. My cat used to meow sadly at the door every day when I came home until I got him a friend. Now they greet me together and instead of play-biting me when he's bored he play-bites his friend. Much better.
If you're worried about the cats not getting along ask the people you're adopting from to steer you to cats that get along with other cats. They should be able to tell. "Formerly feral" and "jumpy" together are generally warning signs.
posted by ch1x0r at 9:01 PM on May 30, 2007

Agreed, that two-bedroom apartments are plenty of room; agreed that daily litter upkeep is essential. Keep in mind: you may need two boxes.

As far as companionship goes, as stated above, it does depend on the cat. Most cats do prefer companionship, in my experience. The rescue house ideally should have a pretty good idea of how well each cat tolerates other cats and miscellaneous animals. Two males would probably get along better.
posted by moira at 9:35 PM on May 30, 2007

And scarabic, your story is interesting. We had a similar situation, with a female rescued feral cat and a male socialized-and-spoiled-from-kittenhood cat. The female was shy, jumpy, and territorial. When the male wanted nothing but fun play, she took it very seriously. It was stressful for both.

They did, after a year or so, come to a sort of agreement. They tolerated each other, gave each other space, and chased each other around every once in a while. Most of the time, they hung out a few feet from each other, but there was no cuddling or friendly touching, and lots of slinking whenever that personal space was invaded.
posted by moira at 9:44 PM on May 30, 2007

(On even further thought, it's possible they were more fond of each other than we ever realized. They died within a week of each other after four years together.)
posted by moira at 9:47 PM on May 30, 2007

I've never had just one for long. A male kitty I had kidnapped his girl, no ransom note and just took her. They would've been a week apart at best and both ginger. Just brought her home and reckons she can eat out of my bowl and sleep on your bed with me. Ah he was a funny one caught him camping out on a litter of baby kitties once like a hen on an egg. Alarm quickly turned to mirth, he truly was a beautiful and bizarre creature.

Anyway enough of that. Yes you should certainly get two. A girl kitty with some spunk about her and sharp eyes that peer into yours. Not too rambunctous though maybe one that pauses to cuddle up to the glass or wire before pouncing on a fellow inmate.

The two I have now I can't imagine without each other.The mischief, the ploys and scams. Those ohhww look where the kitties are quick get the camera moments. It's just all too much fun.
posted by mu~ha~ha~ha~har at 10:08 PM on May 30, 2007

A Bengal? Given their reputation as high-energy felines, you might want to get a second cat as a playmate if you plan on being gone 9-5.

(My parent's cats, who are littermates, love each other to pieces and spend hours cuddling; my own cats, who are also littermates, seem to be on reasonably good terms, but are never physically affectionate. So you really can't predict.)
posted by thomas j wise at 10:34 PM on May 30, 2007

When I lived with two cats, one sedentary, my 900sf apartment was about as small as I'd want for them.
posted by rhizome at 10:41 PM on May 30, 2007

Bring home a rescue kitty the same day and socialize them from the beginning.
I have 2 in a smaller apartment than yours and it's no problem.
I really couldn't imagine life if I had brought home just the one.
posted by BillBishop at 10:42 PM on May 30, 2007

It wouldn't be fair to not mention these points also,,, If Moopy Schmickles can't find 'his' (MY!!) fluffy rug he will cry and cry. Or if scruffy girls is laying on it he cries. If he looks out the window and sees it being hung out - WHAT!! That...- that's my blanket! What is it doing out there!! Then he will sook and mope about. When he gets it back will immediately knead it until it is wadded into a ball - so no-one can have any. He can't lay on it mind you, but neither can anybody else!

He is IN my basket... Enough room for both of us? Surely you are not suggesting? There can be no sharing in this house! Now make him get out. I want some milk. I want some bikkies. Now I want both. Go out there now, into the dark and fetch me some lizards - at once. (One time one was brought in by accident and he has NEVER forgotten.) And will demand them from this person and myself most expectantly.

He's talking to MY friends, she's getting MY cuddles. Something I like is not where I like it. It will be something insignificant think carefully the trigger may be small but find it and the cloud will instantly lift from your house. So yeah it's just all too much fun :)
posted by mu~ha~ha~ha~har at 10:47 PM on May 30, 2007

But don't Bengals have a reputation of being very dominant cats too? The bengals I've knows surely are, and have been happy in single-cat households. Google lead me to a bengal cat community online, which may be a good place to ask this question too.
posted by .kobayashi. at 10:53 PM on May 30, 2007

It depends on the cats. I have had good cat experiences and bad ones.

I've had singular cats, and have added additional cats with varying results.

One cat + kitten had a rocky start, but got on really well; but alas, kitten went to kitten heaven; and cat ended up very clingy, and spent a while looking for his little cat-buddy.

One cat + two kittens was very ungood. The one cat, normally terrified of cars, ended up being hit by one about a week after their arrival. I may be anthropromorphising a little; but I don't think it's a co-incidence. The two kittens ended up getting on extremely well, to the point of doing the grooming+sleeping thing (The two kittens, while the same age, were quite unrelated; so it wasn't just a sibling thing).

The two kittens grew into two cattens (uh, word I made up for neither kitten nor cat); and alas, again, one catten. So we looked to get her a companion.

As it happens, two tiny-tiny feral kittens ended up moving in. The catten was terrified of them (we're talking 5 week old kittens). Once she decided she wasn't scared anymore; she'd beat the snot out of the feral kittens at every opportunity, and the feral kittens would mostly hid behind the TV.

Then I moved out, taking the feral felines with me, and into a house with two young cats. And the feral kittens turned into little social beasties who liked playing, and didn't hide very much at all.

And now, having moved again, I'm living with the two feral cats; and they are super-lovely, and stand up to the neighbourhood cats when they are foolish enough to come through the cat door. It's a nice reversal from the cower and hide.

So. Like I say - it depends on the cats. I've had the suicidal cat, and the feral cats who turned into sweehearts; depending on their companions.
posted by ambilevous at 11:37 PM on May 30, 2007

My two cats I also can't imagine without each other. I got the little bad one because the big favorite was going crazy with me out of the house all day. We might see them cuddle once a week, and their mutual attempts at grooming become jovial scrapping almost immediately. If it were just one cat, I would feel very bad about leaving town for a night or two every month, but with two, we just put out an extra litter pan and copious food.

You might have some extra work if one cat requires a special diet and both cats are used to grazing from the same bowl all day.
posted by bilabial at 3:58 AM on May 31, 2007

I have two cats who are incredibly happy together. The first one we adopted is a girl with a very gentle disposition. We decided to get her a companion after about a year because the she was an indoor cat and seemed a little lonely.

I think there are a few key things that resulted in our harmonious feline household: First, we shopped the shelter for several weeks for a cat/kitten with a complimentary disposition -- more playful, less standoffish, similarly gentle. Second, we looked for a cat of the opposite gender, to minimize competition. Third, we got one about a year younger, so there would be some clear age hierarchy. Finally, we introduced them slowly and gently. First with the new guy in a closed off room for the night where the first cat could sniff him under the door, then letting the first cat meet him through a carrier on the second day, and on the third day, letting him out so they could play together.

They've been inseparable ever since.
posted by waxwing at 5:39 AM on May 31, 2007 [1 favorite]

Three-cat person here. Had one, got the other as a companion, and the third came along when the partner and I moved in together.

My two weren't from the same litter, and were of different ages; the adjustment period was long, but they like one another now. They are not the snugglebunnygroomingfriends that they would be if they were from the same litter, but they play with and annoy one another and have a pitch-perfect "older brother/younger sister" relationship.

Two cats are worth it for the company they keep one another, especially if you work all day, and the hilarity that can ensue. If the cats are healthy, the vet bills aren't a huge burden, and I'm speaking from a tight budget.

The only problems I foresee for you is the fact you're getting non-littermates. Unless they are exceedingly young, or the exact same age, and can bond to one another--ie, bringing them home on the same day--that might be your problem. I'm not sure if it's the same possibility, but can you get two Bengals from the same litter--or even two rescue kittens, who are a dime a dozen and can be adopted together as a bonded pair?

I don't meant this to deter you. In my opinion, two cats is always the better choice, for them, and for you. YMMV.
posted by atayah at 6:43 AM on May 31, 2007

We go two non-littermates one day apart. The male Siamese kitten came home first, prowled the apartment, then settled down on my chest to sleep that night, looking very smug.

The next day we brought home what had seemed to be a quiet, sleepy tabby kitten, who turned out to be an alpha female. The Siamese was not pleased to have her around -- we got hurt looks from him for a couple of days -- but they soon bonded, snuggled and got along very well.

So I'd agree that getting a second kitten, while both are still pretty young, can work out quite well.
posted by rosemere at 7:00 AM on May 31, 2007

Streak used to follow me around the house and cry when I left, so I brought home a tiny black kitten as a companion for her. Streak responded to the kitten by wapping her in the head, spitting in her face, and then chasing her into the bathroom while making a noise that I've never heard from another living animal.

That was fifteen years ago. Streak has never forgiven me, and still beats up on "new cat" Gremlin (now thirteen years old) every chance she gets. Gremlin mostly lives in the bathroom (her preference) which is her only respite.

They never became friends; they have worked out an elaborate set of rules to coexist.
posted by answergrape at 7:11 AM on May 31, 2007

I had one cat for five years. We got a kitten last fall. Old cat's disposition improved immeasurably now that he has a buddy.

Cats communicate in ways we humans can't understand, and I think it's only fair to let them have someone around who "gets" them.
posted by desjardins at 7:21 AM on May 31, 2007

I agree with the two-cat option. I wouldn't say our cats are best buddies, they spend a lot of time apart and occasionally mock-fight (he's not serious about attacking her but he's a lot bigger and we occasionally worry), but they get along fine, get exercise chasing each other, and if one of them accidentally gets stuck behind a door the other will come alert us ("BillyPushkin's fallen down the well!"). I work at home, so it's rare that neither of us is here with them, but if we were both away for long periods I'd be extra glad they had each other for company.
posted by languagehat at 7:44 AM on May 31, 2007

It seems to me that what you're hearing here, from all of the differing opinions, is that your answer is "it depends." Cats are as individual as humans - some want companionship, some do not. And it's damned hard to tell ahead of time if two cats will get on or not.

My own story: got my cat from a shelter, let her adjust to life in our house for about 8 months. She wasn't a lap cat, which is what my mother wanted, so she went out looking for another cat. Got one who was very cuddly (our first cat was very aloof), introduced her into the household. They didn't seem to like each other, but we thought it was just territorial-type squabbles and that eventually they'd adjust. The intervening years saw the aloof cat become the Alpha Cat and beat the crud out of Beta Cat whenever she felt like it. They had moments of semi-cute companionship, but mostly seemed disdainful of each other. That went on for about ten years. This past June we had to put down Alpha Cat (kidney failure, poor babe). Beta Cat, as it turns out, never had any feelings of loss in the slightest, but seemed to know right away that she had, by default, now become the Alpha Cat, and never looked back. So after a decade of cohabitation, nope - it seems they never really bonded, and may have been happier as individual cats.

(That said, Beta Cat is a brat. Not that Alpha Cat didn't have her... moments. But she was the greatest. :) )
posted by AthenaPolias at 8:41 AM on May 31, 2007

.kobayashi. - thanks for the link. We'll definitely ask our question over there.

atayah - we could get two Bengal littermates, but I think one expensive pedigree is enough. If there's room in the family for another cat, I'd like that spot to go to a rescue cat who really needs a home.

Our plan, if we get two, is to try to time it so they're both 12 weeks old, and come home on the same day. I guess they'll work out some kind of dominance structure in due course, but at least things should start out fairly equal.

Thanks for the great answers, my wife is now twice as excited. But above all we want to do what would be best for the cats, and subject to the element of chance it seems they might prefer company to being alone.
posted by BorgLove at 10:22 AM on May 31, 2007

Definitely get two.

I used to have 2. Then my g/f moved in now we have 3. One of them is a purebread (Russian Blue) and the other 2 are stray/rescue cats. They go through the expected alpha/dominance issues, but that's how cats are supposed to socialize. My g/f's cat was a neurotic loner, but learned to relax and become both more assertive and affectionate by being around the other two.
posted by mkultra at 11:28 AM on May 31, 2007

I am so happy I have two. They play together, have a great time, and best of all-- don't miss me when I'm out of town on business for a few days at a time.

They are both very different. One is sweet and snuggly, one is wild and crazy. They get along great and even though one is clearly dominant, it's all in good fun.

I adopted them around the same time- within a few days- and the first one is so shy. Until I got the second one, she wouldn't even come out from under the bed. With a friend in the house, she came right out and since she was older, the more dominant younger kitten couldn't push her around too much. They ended up settling into a nice dynamic. I've had them for three years now and can't imagine life without them!
posted by Sabine3283 at 4:43 PM on June 28, 2007