I would like to adopt two cats, but I am wondering which combination would be best. For example, an adult male paired with an adult female, or two female kittens?
BY: The Daily Cat experts
Most animal experts believe it’s better to have two or more cats instead of just one. As much as we love our cats, we cannot fully communicate and behave as a cat would, so having interaction with the same species is important for your new pets. Another perk is that the cats can keep each other company when you are not available, providing less lonely time for them and making play more interactive.
In terms of pairings, Dr. David Brunner, a veterinarian at Indianapolis’ Broad Ripple Animal Clinic, and author Sam Stall share some helpful advice in their book The Cat Owner’s Manual. Young, neutered male cats are best paired with another male cat of the same age. Adult, neutered male cats with gentle temperaments tend to do well with either male or female kittens. While that combination might seem unlikely, the easygoing male probably wouldn’t feel threatened by the new kitten.
Older females are a bit trickier, since they can be more suspicious of strangers, say Brunner and Stall. That’s particularly true if they’ve been in a house for a while as the only pet. They are best paired with a younger female.
I’ve also had great success raising two or more members of the same feline family. If a local shelter has kittens from the same litter up for adoption, consider bringing home as many as you can. As for humans, you’d be preserving the genetically tied family unit, setting the stage for a lot of happiness to come.
