Should You Get One Kitten or Two? Key Considerations

So you're considering getting a new kitten. Whether it's your first kitten or you want to add another to your cat family, deciding between one or two kittens is important. Two kittens can provide companionship and entertainment for each other, but also mean added expense and responsibility. Here, we'll explore the key points to consider to help you make the best choice for your household and cats.

1. Do You Have Time, Space, and Budget for Two Kittens?

Kittens require vaccinations, microchipping, quality food, litter, grooming, and veterinary care. Finding a kitten involves costs that double when adopting two. Beyond finances, two kittens demand more time for care and play. If you live in small accommodation, it might be challenging to provide enough space for two playful young cats to thrive comfortably.

Consider your schedule and how much interaction you can offer daily. If you cannot commit more time and space, one kitten may be more manageable.

2. Will Kittens Have Adequate Company During the Day?

Single kittens need lots of human interaction to prevent boredom, which can lead to unwanted behaviours like scratching furniture or knocking over ornaments. Two kittens often entertain each other, lessening this demand on your time.

If the household is often empty during the day, adopting two kittens is beneficial for their mental stimulation. Many rescue centres recommend against rehoming single kittens to homes where adults are away all day for this reason.

Even if you have older cats, they may not always engage in play with a kitten, so two young companions can help each other adjust better.

3. How Will Existing Family Members React to New Addition(s)?

Discuss with your family before bringing kittens home. While they might be thrilled by the idea of two, surprises are best avoided. Similarly, existing cats may react unpredictably. Sometimes two kittens play together and keep apart from older cats, but there are cases where kittens overwhelm senior cats.

Gentle and slow introductions are crucial, especially when adopting two kittens, to maintain harmony. If you already own cats, consider carefully how many kittens you can realistically integrate.

4. Are You Prepared for the Extra Responsibility?

Two kittens bring double the fun but also double the effort: feeding, cleaning litter trays, grooming, and vet care. Kittens also require lots of socialisation and training (such as litter training and bite inhibition). Remember that kittens grow quickly and their needs will evolve.

Evaluate your readiness before deciding to bring two kittens into your home. Responsible ownership includes being fully aware of the ongoing commitment.

5. What Are the Emotional Benefits of Adopting Two?

Research and expert opinion reveal strong benefits in adopting two kittens together. They provide constant companionship, reducing loneliness and stress. They learn social skills from each other and tend to be happier and more confident.

Two kittens often sleep and play together, which means less disruption for owners, especially at night. This mutual emotional support can ease the transition into a new home.

6. Are There Downsides to Getting Two Kittens?

Beyond increased cost and care, two kittens can pose challenges like more potential behavioural conflicts initially and introduction difficulties to other pets. Ensure you have sufficient space and resources to accommodate two growing cats comfortably.

Planning and patience are key if you welcome two kittens, especially in homes with resident cats.

7. What Happens If You Start with One Kitten, Then Feel the Need for Another?

Many owners find that a single kitten seems lonely after a while and opt to introduce a second. However, adding a new kitten later can cause bonding problems. Kittens from different litters or separated by weeks may not recognise each other and may hiss or fight at first.

If you anticipate two cats eventually, it might be best to adopt them together as a pair, ideally siblings or bonded friends.

Conclusion

Deciding between one or two kittens depends on your lifestyle, finances, space, and willingness to take on more responsibility. Two kittens often thrive best with a playmate and offer mutual companionship that helps their wellbeing, especially in busy households. However, one kitten could still be suitable if you have sufficient time to interact or already have a playful cat at home.

Before making your choice, reflect on the practicalities and your long-term commitment, ensuring you provide a loving and stable environment that supports your kittens’ health and happiness. For finding a kitten or adopting a pair, seek reputable breeders or rescue organisations prioritising responsible and ethical practices.