One or Two Kittens – Which is Best?

Unlike puppies, kittens – especially from the same litter – can usually be homed in pairs without any problems. If you’re pondering the ‘one or two kittens?’ question, then this article is for you.

Lots of cat fanatics consider more than one kitten when they’re looking to buy or adopt so that the little fluffballs always have someone to play with. Plus, there’s double the cuteness factor! Though the need to remove pet fur is doubled too…

If you’re trying to find out whether one or two kittens is the best choice for them (and for you), this article lists a few things you should know.

One or two kittens: The argument for two

Let’s start with why it’s a great idea to get double the trouble when you’re looking for a kitten. Other than the fact that they’re undeniably cute (and the more cute in your life, the better) there actually are a few very good reasons to get your new kitten a friend. And it’s not just that if you have two kids, it can prevent arguing….although that’s as good a reason as any!

Kittens, like most animals, learn by interacting with one another. While they’ll have already had some interaction with their mother and siblings, having a well-adjusted adult cat is often a result of other beneficial interactions as a youngster.

Or it might just come down to personality. On that front, you can add to your odds of having a good-natured cat by choosing one of the friendliest cat breeds. Curious about other cat personalities? Take a look at our ‘5 Different Cat Breeds and Their Personalities’ article too.

Unlike dogs, most cats usually don’t go out for big walks or to the park – though if you’re keen, here’s how to train a cat to walk on a lead. So, their best bet for learning how to be a cat will probably be at home. If you don’t have a cat at home already, getting two kittens means they can teach one another boundaries… so you don’t have to be the one telling them when their biting is too hard!

Further in favour of two

Other reasons that the ‘should we get one or two kittens?’ debate might swing in favour of getting two include:

• Two kittens can keep one another occupied and content, so you don’t have to do it for them.
• Two kittens might be easier to introduce into a home where there’s already a cat or cats. While one kitten could be demanding on the existing cat(s), two kittens will generally play together instead and leave the grown-ups alone.
• Two kittens might pick up positive behaviours like cat litter box training more easily by watching each other, especially if one is timid.
• If you want to have indoor cats, choosing two means they’re more content and less likely to want to wander outside out of boredom.
• Adult cats tend to be more accepting of others if they’ve grown up in the company of other cats from when they were young.
• The companionship helps reduce the risk of separation anxiety in pets if your home situation changes.
• You get to watch them cuddle together!

One or two kittens: When is one enough?

Most experts agree there aren’t many drawbacks to getting two kittens instead of one. The kittens will benefit socially, and cats are less demanding pets than dogs. This means the pet parents don’t usually feel like they’re over stretching themselves. In fact, two kittens can often be less work as they play with each other instead of with their humans.  

That said, there are some instances in which one cat might be a better option. Most of these relate to the owners than the pet, though. It’s important to remember that costs will pretty much double with a second pet. Food, equipment, vet visits, and pet insurance all need to be considered though with a good insurance provider you’ll get a discount for a second animal.

If your finances only allow for one cat then it’s definitely better to take great care of one kitten than average care of two.

Remember: no matter how many cats you get, the responsible thing to do is to spay and neuter. Even if you plan on keeping them inside, an open door and 10 minute jaunt could leave you or someone else with unwanted kittens.

Cat insurance for one or two kittnes

Whether one kitten or two, there’s no need to put yourself under financial pressure to keep them medically fit when you have pet insurance. Give your little fluffballs the gift of knowing that you can provide them with medical attention whenever they need it. At the time of writing, we’re offering one or more months free cat insurance (or dog insurance) with no lock-in contract. Enough said?

Anyways, hopefully you’re now ready to adopt a cat or two. If it’s the latter, you’ll also want to look into our multi-pet discount that you may be eligible for… just saying!