Adopting two cats (requirements v. just one cat)

springer211

We are thinking of adopting two cats, from a local rescue centre.
I've had a cat before, but never a pair.

I was wondering what we need to buy and also do differently if we get two cats.
Obviously we will get advice from the foster mum about the specific needs of the cats, but I thought the experienced animal lovers on this forum might be able to help

We are thinking of buying just one bed if they are used to sleeping together, or two if required, and also one large carrier, but we are not sure about the litter box (we don't really have room for two, we live in a small flat).
(we would be getting cats over 6-8 months old, that come as a pair already, probably siblings, and who get along fine).

Also as having two cats is going to be rather expensive, any tips for saving money would be very welcome

JournalGirl

Vet advice is one litter tray per cat plus one spare, but as long as you clean it out very regularly one should be fine (We currently have two for four cats)

Don't worry about beds, cats will sleep where they like. If anything life is easier with two as they will play together and be less bored

paulineb_2

Ive got two cats that came as a pair, from the same litter. (and some more) My cats dont sleep in a cat bed.

But other cats might do. No real issues about having two cats. I ended up with two because I was looking to get a kitten but I worked and couldnt leave them alone for long spells as they need fed quite regularly, I worked full time.

All I will say is cats have their own personalities and out of my brother cats, one took longer to settle than the other. The day they came back, one of my cats ended up hiding in a cupboard and his brother went in with him to keep him company, one came round v quickly but the other was shyer and sometimes being in rescue can take a bit of getting over, even if they are treated well.

However one of my other rescued cats came home and was strutting around like he owned the place within 5 mins. Before I got the brothers, I had only had one cat and I was a bit terrified about taking on two more, but they were fine.

Cats can and do use the same litter trays. Not all cats like toys. Not all cats like the same food (mine do thankfully). My pair were one when I got them and theyve been here 6 years now, still get along fine, same mannerisms and you can tell they are related from their markings, apart from a bit of hiding and shyness from one of them at the beginning, never had a bit of bother from them at all and really happy I got them.

valk_scot

I have three cats, all unrelated but they get on fine. I have one big litter tray that I clean out properly every day, one big water dish and one pair of food bowls for wet and dry food. There are no fights, they share. I have several sleeping areas set up for them but I find that at any one time two of them will be squashed into the smallest bed and the third will be asleep on my pillow or on top of the wardrobe. Not the same combo every time btw.

I do have three cat carriers though. If I did need to take them all at once to anywhere like the cattery or vet I think they'd be stressed enough without being shoved into a basket together. And if they were injured or had stitches etc they might fight. Also they're all big cats, I doubt I could carry two in one basket!

springer211

valk_scot wrote: »

I do have three cat carriers though. If I did need to take them all at once to anywhere like the cattery or vet I think they'd be stressed enough without being shoved into a basket together. And if they were injured or had stitches etc they might fight. Also they're all big cats, I doubt I could carry two in one basket!

This is a good point, we'll need to think about that. We were planning to buy a larger carrier, I'm glad I asked.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Develop selective deafness.

You'll need it when they decide to dash around after each other at 3.34am.

southcoastrgi

I've got two cats, one litter tray (they are indoor cats as well), one water bowl, two feed bowls, beds are a waste of money they sleep where they want (atm one is nowhere to be seen & the other is asleep on top of the printer/scanner) & their bed is sat there empty (as it always is)

springer211

We have decided to buy two carriers. We are planning to buy one larg-ish litter box, but we'll wait to hear the foster mum's advice first, just in case it turn out the totally refuse to use the same tray.
We may not buy a bed after all, except for winter because it can get a bit draughty.
It's gonna be fun, I'm sure

gunsandbanjos

I've got 2 unrelated cats, one male and one female both neutered. I only have one litter tray and one set of food dishes, they share everything and don't seem to mind.

lisajane8482

We have three litter trays and our two cats generally use the same litter tray all the time even straight after the other one has been.

We don't have any cat beds, I did buy one and it was never used so we gave it away. They generally sleep on our kingsize bed or their cat trees. I would, if you have the room for one, say get a cat tree (with two beds) best thing I have bought for them both. They have on each as we got our two cats 18 months apart but they are the most used item/toy they have.

springer211

Thank you all for the advice
We've got the two carriers but we'll try using one litter box and see what happens. All is missing now is our babies, can't wait!