Two Cats are Better than One?

February 17, 2008 10:17 AM

I want two kittens. My husband wants one. Help me win this argument.

I think:

The cost of having two kittens/cats isn't much more than one (barring vet bills - is this the case? We're in the UK.)
Mess from shedding, hairballs, stray vomit and poop, etc. isn't much more from two than one.
They will be indoor kitties and will be fitter and healthier with playmates.

Husband thinks:

It will be spendier, messier, etc. by a factor of two if we get two kittens.

posted by By The Grace of God to Pets & Animals (50 answers total)

Response by poster: Husband adds:

"I think that although the flat we are renting will, in short term, be quite big, there's no guarantee that we will continue to have a humungous four bedroom flat for the next 15 years or whatever. The pair of cats would likely be too cramped in the one or two bedroom flat or house we could afford to buy in future."
posted by By The Grace of God at 10:19 AM on February 17, 2008

Why on earth do you think a second cat will not cost as much as the first? It will eat as much, shed as much, poop as much, require as many trips to the vet.

Further, you double your chances of having unexpected pet bills.

Cats aren't even always social with each other, so the idea that they would play with each other and keep each other company is almost a crap shoot.

Lastly, don't underestimate how bad things can get between two cats...
posted by wfrgms at 10:24 AM on February 17, 2008

Litterbox gets dirtier faster with two cats.
posted by smackfu at 10:24 AM on February 17, 2008

Best answer: In our 3br flat, we have two Abyssinian cats (the border collies of the cat world) who clearly do a fine job of keeping each other company and they're not too cramped. We don't spent anything extra (time/effort) in terms of cat waste, since you should be cleaning the litter boxes out dailly anyway. It will cost you 2x in terms of food, of course, but this is a marginal cost.

I think that your argument about one keeping the other company is extremely important, especially if you both work. These are domesticated animals, and therefore are used to company. If neither of you are around for 8+ hours a day, then it seems far more compassionate to provide some sort of companionship for your companion. A second kitten sounds great to me.
posted by scblackman at 10:24 AM on February 17, 2008 [1 favorite]

Two kitties ARE messier than one.

Two kitties ARE more expensive than one, by every measure.

Two kitties ARE happier than one.

Get two kitties.
posted by Dizzy at 10:25 AM on February 17, 2008 [2 favorites]

Two cats are lowering your blood pressure much more than one. And men are much more subject to high blood pressure (and less space means that they will be much closer to you : which is good for their influence on your health).
posted by nicolin at 10:25 AM on February 17, 2008

Two kittens are NOT messier than one.

One lonely kitten will be destructive as hell. Two kittens won't get as lonely and will play with each other instead of playing with your curtains.

Vet bills shouldn't be much more because, much like people who live alone, cats who live alone tend to get more health issues than those being groomed/cared for by others.

This comes from someone who's done it both ways.

I've also had two cats in a one bedroom apartment. If they've been raised together since kittens, they chill together and aren't remotely cramped.
posted by InnocentBystander at 10:28 AM on February 17, 2008

I have two cats, that currently live in a ~480 sqft apartment with me. As long as they have vertical space (these guys have shelves that give them access to run around the perimeter of the apt almost un obstructed) they will keep themselves occupied. (When I originally got them, it was in a much bigger apartment).

Also, having two cats means your cats will socialize with each other and keep each other busy. The single cat households that I've been in, the cat always seems more aggressive and prone to biting / scratching the humans. When my cats are worked up, they take it out on each other, when your solo kitten is worked up, it will take it out on you.

In terms of cost, you will really want to consider atleast two litter boxes, or an automatic one. I've been told by my vet that the number of litter boxes should be number of cats + 1, so in theory if you have two cats, you should have three litter boxes. However, if you get them both as kittens from the same litter, chances are there wont be territory issues around the box, and I've managed to get away with just one for 5 years now.

For shedding, get the Furminator, and if you want to go all out with the gadgets, the Litter Robot is amazing.

Also, get one male and one female, get them spayed / fixed asap, and they will work well together. Two males can be territorial and start spraying (i know from past experience) as they get older, and two females can be just as territorial.
posted by mrzarquon at 10:33 AM on February 17, 2008

Two cats are messier but you're scooping the litter box anyway, right? Same with the vacuuming/hair removal. That's not a big deal. Two cats that are raised from kittens as friends will not be a problem in a small one bedroom apartment. They will even share windowsill.

Cats are inexpensive to feed. The vet bill issue would be the hitch. Go over your budget. I'm not sure how much vet costs in the UK, but you can make some phone calls and plan how much you're going to spend.

I sincerely hope you will plan on being an owner-for-life. Aging cats are more likely to get chronic illnesses and cost more to maintain, so in about ten years having two of the same age might be costly. I take this into consideration when pet planning.
posted by red_lotus at 10:34 AM on February 17, 2008

Two cats are always better than one. Same with kids. They keep each other occupied.
posted by healthyliving at 10:35 AM on February 17, 2008

If they get to know each other as kittens, they will most likely be best buds for the rest of their lives. I adopted two kittens from a friend of mine, and granted, they were brother and sister, but they stuck to each other like glue, especially when moving into a new home. I couldn't have imagined taking one of the little guys away from their brothers and sisters and bringing them to a new, unfamiliar place.
It's much less lonely for two cats than one, such that most good shelters will recommend that, if you're not home enough to give one kitty the kind of attention/distraction it wants, that kitty's well-being is better off with a companion (this is what we told people when I volunteered at the SF SPCA, for example). It can also cut down on behaviour problems, to have them playing together, wearing each other out, instead of attacking your feet, house plants or furniture (though some might argue that this also exponentially increases the "partners in crime" potential ... depends on the cats in question).
Yeah, it might be a bit pricier to have two, but if you're already interested in a furry companion the expense outlay for food and litter is minimal and worthwhile. Watching them curl up together to sleep (little piles of feet), play together, lick each others' heads and gallop around the flat together is totally worth it. You can't argue against two foot-warmers in winter.
posted by the luke parker fiasco at 10:36 AM on February 17, 2008

Try to get two kittens from the same litter. That way there aren't personality issues.
posted by notsnot at 10:38 AM on February 17, 2008

We have two 3yo olds. We adopted them from a kitten rescue at 8 weeks. Other than the first year they have been very healthy. They are holy terrors, but usually with each other. Their favourite pasttime is play fighting. Knowing their personalities now, I cannot imagine the destruction they would have caused to our condo if we just adopted one of them.

I also think by being together, they have actually kept themselves healthy both mentally and physically which cut down on vet bills. Yes they cost double for food, but its not like you are going to be feeding them T-bone steak everyday. I calculated it out once and we spend a little over a dollar a day on them for food and litter.
posted by Razzle Bathbone at 10:42 AM on February 17, 2008

Two cats are way way less annoying than one, and increase the cuteness factor by about 100. If you get two kittens from the same litter there should be little problem with them getting along, which is the biggest worry with having two cats. I cannot emphasize enough the reduction in the annoying parts of cat ownership when going from one who wants attention to two that get along. One lonely cat will meow at the door when you shut it out at night, try to bite your legs at an attempt to "play", and do all sorts of annoying things to get you to pay attention to it. I was amazed at the difference in my cat when I finally got him a friend; he was happier and so much less annoying and I never had to feel guilty coming home to find him meowing pitifully at the door because he was lonely. The increase in work has been totally negligible, and unless you think you're going to be moving into a 300sqft studio, I don't think space should be an issue.
posted by ch1x0r at 10:43 AM on February 17, 2008

Well, I adopted a stray about two years ago, and she's a bit of an attention whore. I don't recall ever having a single cat previous (that is, a cat who didn't also live with another cat), so I don't have much basis for comparison, but my guess is that if she had a friend -- other than myself -- she'd be much less likely to drive me batshit by hopping up on the desk and knocking everything to the floor when I've been at the computer too long. Make of this what you will.
posted by kittens for breakfast at 10:43 AM on February 17, 2008

I'd vote for two.

Ideally, even if you get them from a shelter, try to get siblings that already know each other.
posted by jeff-o-matic at 10:43 AM on February 17, 2008

We always get kittens in pairs, siblings, (we have five now, only one remaining of the eldest pair)... unless you are home 24/7, they need company, someone to sleep with, someone to play with.....

If you can't afford the second set of costs, you probably shouldn't be getting a cat.

And, let me add, unasked, please get them from a shelter or rescue facility...
posted by HuronBob at 10:43 AM on February 17, 2008

One lonely kitten will be destructive as hell. Two kittens won't get as lonely and will play with each other instead of playing with your curtains.

Not necessarily. Two cats means each cat has an accomplice. I can't count the number of times I've seen one of our cats doing something Very Bad while the other keeps look-out. It's almost like they egg each other on.

If you do get two, you have to make sure they're compatible. Usually this means one cat is the dominant (senior) cat, the other is subservient in all regards. We have two male (neutered) cats, and (distasteful as this may sound) one is definately the Bitch in their relationship. So much so that the dominant cat actually allows the other to eat first like lions in a pride. Without an establishment of dominance, there's going to be a lot of fighting, in which case you'd be better off with a single cat.

And the comment about the litter-box is spot-on.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 10:48 AM on February 17, 2008

My Dad (a longtime two-cat proponent) always said: If you get one cat, it only sees other humans and will forever think it is human. If you get TWO cats, each one will see the other and go "OK, I get it" and be much happier and more aware of its place in the home.
posted by Overzealous at 10:51 AM on February 17, 2008 [3 favorites]

Cost IS likely to double, but the mess and especially the work will not increase by much. Stuff you will have to do anyway, one or two cats: feedings and seeing that the water is fresh, cleanin the litter box, brushing and vacuuming, disciplining. In other words, all the "boring" work will be there, regardless of having one or two cats. If you were to have say five cats, then you'd be looking at a lot more work, but from one to two it's not that big of a difference.

But here's a major advantage to having two cats: they keep each other company. Contrary to having a single cat, leave them alone all day and as long as they have food, water and a few scattered toys, they'll never have a moment of loneliness. In fact, you can leave them alone for a weekend and they'll be fine. Really, they will. (Might wanna put that crystal vase away though.)
posted by AnyGuelmann at 10:52 AM on February 17, 2008

As far as space goes, we have three adult cats in our two-bedroom apartment. But one of the cats is so mellow and sedentary that he almost counts as furniture, so he might not count. But two cats in an apartment is doable.
posted by christinetheslp at 10:54 AM on February 17, 2008

Best answer: I got a cat a few months ago, and originally I was looking to adopt a kitten from a privately-owned rescue group (not a breeder/petstore, but not a city-run establishment either). One of their strict policies was that they would NOT adopt out any cat under 6 months of age unless you already had a cat at home, or were adopting two from them.

At first I thought this was some sort of selling gimmick, thinking they could place more kittens in homes this way or make more money from adoption fees (either reason would've sat fine with me regardless, because they took very good care of the cats and were all volunteer workers, but I digress...)

I would've gladly taken two if I could, but I live in a Studio Apartment and I just didn't think that would be right. I had a long talk with one of the volunteers about their two-kitten policy, and discovered that the main reason they enforce this is purely for socialization. Kittens that grow up alone without other kitty contacts tend to get used to this and often have a hard time socializing with other cats once they are adults. And from the rescue group's perspective, rescuing an adult cat that has lived alone all it's life and does not tolerate living with other kitties is MUCH harder to place in a new home, than a well-socialized adult or kitten, obviously...

So it's in your potential-new-kitten's best interest to have another kitty companion. I'm sure you will be responsible pet owners, but at the same time if for any reason your new kitty is ever out of your care*, it will be better off finding a new home if it is well-socialized with other cats.

I realize your husband is not a Cat Rescue Group and may not care, but I figure I'd throw it out there anyway. ;)

Oh, and two cats in a studio apartment is not advisable. Two cats in a two bedroom apartment is perfectly fine. Even a 1-bedroom, while not ideal, is do-able. This is the policy of that same Rescue Group.

*I'm not at all assuming you'd abandon it, I just mean if it ever gets lost or something.
posted by Squee at 11:03 AM on February 17, 2008

Two cold laps + two warm cats = two warm laps.


grew up with cats, presently cat deprived, and very jealous of your problem
posted by eye of newt at 11:15 AM on February 17, 2008

Forgot to add -

Unable to take two cats and not interested in any of the adult cats at the Rescue Group, I ended up adopting a 5-month old from the humane society.

I really wish I could've taken two, because I do feel guilty when I leave for work every morning and have to leave him alone. I've provided him with ton of toys, but I know that probably doesn't satisfy him as much as the company of another cat would.

Also, this is probably not entirely a consequence of him being an only-kitty, but my cat is extremely "needy" whenever I'm home. I don't do anything alone anymore in my apartment to be honest - if I'm making the bed he's "helping," if I'm watching the dishes he's perched on the counter watching, if I'm working on my laptop he and I are in constant battle over the keyboard.

Personally, I love this...especially since every other cat I've ever owned as been more of the aloof, not-so-affectionate type. It can be a little trying when I DO need to get work done, but it's makes all of the mundane stuff so much more fun.

I'm mentioning it though, because I know some people don't want this sort of behavior in a cat, and I'm inclined to think he's partially this way because he's completely board-out-of-his-gourd all day when I'm at work and he's home alone.
posted by Squee at 11:17 AM on February 17, 2008

bored-out-of-his-gourd, I meant.

Arrrrrrrrg.
posted by Squee at 11:18 AM on February 17, 2008

you're asking us to help you prove to your husband that

1+1 = 1

it's impossible. if his objection is higher costs, you can't win the argument, because he's right. try to manipulate him emotionally or blackmail in some way, because if by "argument" you mean something related to logic, you can't win the argument, it's more expensive, dirtier, messier. try to convince him that having two cats is better for them and for you -- the cats will be happier and you'll be happier. but that's not an argument, really, it's an appeal to emotions.
posted by matteo at 11:27 AM on February 17, 2008 [1 favorite]

(and I say this as a pet lover)
posted by matteo at 11:27 AM on February 17, 2008

2 cats are less destructive than one. Instead of playing with your things, they play with each other.

2 cats are also cleaner, grooming wise. They help each other.

I came into the marriage with one female cat, my husband came in with one male cat. We both agree that the 2 are better than one.
posted by sandra_s at 11:36 AM on February 17, 2008

I find the idea that a pair of cats would be cramped in any house that could reasonable accommodate a pair of people a bit odd. They're cats. They weigh 10 lbs or so.
posted by jacquilynne at 11:36 AM on February 17, 2008

Petsmart or Petco, I can't remember which, won't let you adopt just one kitten here in the bay area. They only adopt them out in pairs, and those pairs are fixed depending on which two end up hanging out with each other the most. They claim it is healthier for cats to have a buddy - just something to think about.
On the other hand, I can't imagine my cat ever getting along with another kitty, she wants her humans all to herself.
posted by idiotfactory at 12:01 PM on February 17, 2008

When I've had cats, it's always been two, and I agree with those who say that although it's more expensive it's well worth it. In my experience single cats are far more neurotic, dependent, and just plain weird. And come on, catfood doesn't cost that much; if you can't afford two, you probably can't afford one. Also, as said above:

Please use the local pound to get a cat and not from a pet store or breeder.
posted by languagehat at 12:06 PM on February 17, 2008

in 1995 I adopted two little furballs - which I named henry1 and henry2 - specifically because they would be indoor kitties and I worked so I wanted them to have playmates. I lucked out and got two very loving males who looked more or less identical and adored each other. No fights, just play and hugs and all was well... Except... Potty training two kittens at once is a lot harder than just one and I had problem with them both at the start. Many smelly accidents everywhere. They both developed a "I won't go in box unless it's perfectly clean" habit so that means checking the box (or what worked best, having two at all times) as many times a day as you can. If henry1 eats and goes, henry2 who spent his time eating what henry1 left will find something already in box and go elsewhere. Pain. It was unusually hard work getting them litter trained, and I've taught one cat to go on the real toilet so be prepared to spend at least three months constantly checking the house for accidents. You can't punish them because you don't know which one is to blame (and frankly, that never works anyway). Plan for two boxes from the start.

Also, henry2 would never stop stealing henry1's food so I had to feed henry1 on countertop and keep henry2 off it.

Minor problems in the long run, henry2 departed this earth nine years later and henry1 is still with me and the box cleaning routine really hasn't changed much, but these days nobody steals his food. I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. They were each others best friends, very healthy and happy and gave me twice as much love. Henry1 was very depressed for a year after henry2 was gone, very sad.
posted by dabitch at 12:14 PM on February 17, 2008

I should probably add that these two guys lived in a large 5-room apartment with me from the start, then a very small one bedroom, then a larger one bedroom, then a three room... They adapted quite well to smaller space.
posted by dabitch at 12:16 PM on February 17, 2008

I vote for two.

Side note: I had a very old kitty who disappeared for 3 weeks. I had decided it was the end of him :( and I had to get a kitten to distract me from my anguish. Of course, old Alex showed up again a week later. The new kitten tortured him--wouldn't let him eat, rode him around like a horse, just pestered the dickens out of him. My vet's solution? Get another kitten.

I said, no, no way, but then she showed me the kitten. Love at first sight, of course, and I brought him home. It was amazing how well this worked. The first kitten immediately gave up driving the old, boring cat crazy and latched on to the new kitten. Alex finally got some peace. And the little guys provided endless hours of fun for each other (and me).
posted by thebrokedown at 12:17 PM on February 17, 2008

The best reason to have two cats is because you like them and enjoy watching them play and interact with each other.. KIttens raised together have a close relationship. It's hard to integrate a second cat later on.

I"m big on having to cats because they keep each other company and are entertaining to watch. I nice cat left alone all day or all weekend can get bored, depressed or destructive.

Personally I don't find one cat that much more work. I scope the boxes every day, brush them at the same time, feed them together. So technically yes, I do spend twice the time cleaning and brushing, but I doesn't bother me.
posted by gesamtkunstwerk at 12:19 PM on February 17, 2008

Could I have made more typos? Sorry. I have two cats on my lap while I typing, and I'm very happy having both.
posted by gesamtkunstwerk at 12:23 PM on February 17, 2008

Two cats are more expensive, but not twice as expensive - the second cat is a small-ish added increment. ("Small" being relative depending on the size of your budget.)

That said, I've had single cats and up to four cats, and I'll never have a lone cat again. I've found my cats seem happier, require less intensive care from me, and give each other exercise if they're in at least pairs.

I'd say get one and see how it goes, except that in my experience they do better if they're raised together from a young age. So if you go that route, don't wait too long before you make a decision on the second.
posted by Stacey at 12:48 PM on February 17, 2008

If you love your cat as much as you will, you will eventually want another. Get two now so that they grow up together and are best kitty friends! If I could do it over again, I would have adopted littermates.

The only pain with two is that the litterbox fills up incredibly fast, but he and I switch off box duty so it's not a big deal.
posted by sian at 1:23 PM on February 17, 2008

Two cats, definitely two cats. The costs are greater, but not necessarily double in many cases. And they're more than made up for in quality-of-life improvement for you AND the cats. The cats keep each other company, which means a lot less annoying cat behaviors you have to deal with, and they're so much cuter. I have raised kittens alone and they're sad and very needy. Two kittens? It's perfect. Especially if you get them as kittens, they bond and they're like two peas in a pod.
posted by Anonymous at 1:58 PM on February 17, 2008

Two cats = good, as many have said above. I've had two or three cats for a couple of decades now, and just last year was down to one, and he was so lonely, he almost drove me nuts. You can find my AskMe if you want to know how that went... I eventually adopted a second cat from a shelter, they are both adult neutered males, they get along wonderfully and the house is so much happier.

So, littermates often work, though I haven't had two cats from the same litter since my brother and I were children and were given kittens. Since then, I've never had any protracted troubles introducing unrelated cats, they've often been adults on meeting, and they seem much happier to have at least one other of their kind about. The amount of "work" for two or three cats really isn't much more than one, and their happiness and comfort is evident.

Cats are highly social creatures, different from dogs, sure, but they depend on company just like all of us.

Not convincing, I know, but cats are happiest with the company of at least one of their own.
posted by vers at 2:00 PM on February 17, 2008

We had a single, beautiful -- and extremely crazy -- cat. No one slept. No one came to visit.

That is, until we got her a kitten of her own. Two is better than one.

One cat is not terribly expensive. Twice that is still not terribly expensive.
posted by GPF at 2:12 PM on February 17, 2008

I had a single cat who was a terror because he was lonely. He destroyed blinds, meowed constantly, would knock stuff over just to get a reaction. Seriously, for about two hours when we got home from work, it would be constant, constant screaming at this cat to stop doing this, get off that, etc. We gave him to a girl who had another cat, and I think he's still crazy, but better now.
posted by sweetkid at 2:28 PM on February 17, 2008

Cats come in pairs. Two kittens playing is the cutest damn thing you'll ever see, and when they clean each other or curl up to sleep together your husband will be right there with the awwwwws.

Seconding everything everybody said up there--there is very little difference in the work or money levels, and being able to leave them alone for the workday or the weekend is priceless.
posted by bink at 2:57 PM on February 17, 2008

We have one cat and she seems to be doing fine on her own.
posted by Lucinda at 3:22 PM on February 17, 2008

Best answer: My wife works for a vet. Before that, she worked at a cat shelter. Her advice: get two cats.

First of all, the best toy for a cat is another cat. When they're tumbling around the house and chasing each other, they're not jumping on your desk or dresser and knocking things down just to watch them fall. Plus, when one cat sees the other napping, he/she often thinks "Hey, that looks like a good idea. I think I'll join in."

More mess? Yes, but the amount of time you spend cleaning is the same. You still have to take the time to nab your cleaning supplies, scoop the litterbox, etc. By the time you've started, you really aren't spending any more time.

Vet bills? Yes, you may indeed end up spending more. But, for what it's worth, we have 8 cats and 2 dogs, and have rarely had any significant vet bills over the last 15 years. They don't get badly ill very often. Shots and other necessary items don't cost that much if you look for shot clinics. (I can get a full set of shots for a cat for under $20 - if we were actually paying. Since my wife works at a vet, it's free. Just watch for the clinics.)

Get the second kitty. It WILL be worth it.

So, while you may end up paying some more for a second cat, you will probably make it up in savings from damages that a bored single cat may incur.
posted by azpenguin at 3:43 PM on February 17, 2008

Not in any way detracting from the above answers, it IS possible to adopt one cat and have it work out fine, but in that case I would suggest getting an older cat from a shelter that's evaluated the cat's personality and recommended them for a one-cat home.
posted by bettafish at 5:58 PM on February 17, 2008

I adopted one kitten, who sorta came to me by accident. For about four years she remained neurotic and whiny, and was never happy unless she was in my lap. She whined constantly and drove me nuts (and god how I love her). It was worse than having a toddler; I couldn't do homework, or clean house and she wailed loud enough to bug the neighbors if I wasn't home.

So, I caved and got a second cat. Oh man, how she hated him. They didn't grow up together and he was significantly younger and more peppy, so there was friction. But you know what? She stopped whining and even with giving attention to the second cat, I had a LOT more free time, and she stopped freaking out when she was alone.

Don't get a kitten without getting a second one. Seriously. Learn from my mistake.

(And the exact reason I didn't get a second one from the beginning was room: I lived in a one bedroom apartment.) Trust me, you'll be fine, and if you downgrade in space in a few years the cats will be indolent lazy grownups.
posted by tejolote at 6:02 PM on February 17, 2008

I got one kitten once. It literally cried almost all day long, and wouldn't let me work because it was lonely and wanted attention. After a few weeks of that I realized that I had to get a second kitten. They were so happy playing with and snuggling each other!

So, get two!!! Even if it's a little more work/expense (it won't be twice as much), your kittens will be so much happier and they will not require as much of your time and attention as one unhappy, lonely kitten.

It is better to get two kittens from the same litter at the same time and raise them together than to get a second kitten/cat later. Mine did bond quite closely, but there was a worrisome period of a few days at the beginning during which the first kitten established its dominance over the new kitten through physical aggression. And I've seen cats introduced as adults NEVER get along.
posted by Jacqueline at 6:45 PM on February 17, 2008

Response by poster: Well, folks, I have won the argument! Yay kitties! I am really looking forward to this.
posted by By The Grace of God at 2:13 PM on February 18, 2008

Excellent! Thanks for letting us know, and you might update us eventually on how they're doing—these threads stay open for a year.
posted by languagehat at 3:26 PM on February 18, 2008