One Kitten or Two?

Hi guys, I'm going to be a parent of an adorable little kittens in a few weeks. I've been told by many long time cat owners that it's a good idea to adopt two instead of just one since just one pet will be lonely by itself.

The only problem is I don't think I have enough money nor time to afford two kitties as I am only a poor art student. I don't know what to do! If giving my kitty a play mate is a lot better then, I am willing to put in more effort money to get two.

Any advice?

years ago the first kitten I took was a single one. There was a older(about 10 at time) cat in the house at the time..not like he even wanted a kitten around him. but in general its better to have two. If it means sacraficing care(spay/neuter(can often find a low cost place-really helps), general vet visits) then one can get along ok. The only issue I had raising the first kitten was when I got another when he was about 10 months old it took him a long time to adjust. He was no more destructive then the rest of my kittens. I played with him alot tho. one game he liked was if I went to my room and then called him he'd dart down hall then I would try to catch him(hed hide in paper bags I had setup) also laser pointers wear them out in minimal time/effort lol. also if your adopting from shelter some have discounts for taking a older kitten/adult...and some even have rates for taking 2 kittens. RJ

Thanks for the advice.

Well these kittens are going to be neutered by the owner, I'll only need to cover the adoption fee and shots. They're less than 10 weeks old so they're very young. I can afford it but I am tight on money. I've been looking online everywhere for low-cost shots. I've decided on one kitten already, but I want him to have a friend as well so he won't be lonely when I'm gone. I've had my own only child experiences, lol.

Adoption fee is affordable. Anyone have low-cost shot recommendations for the San Diego area? And what kind and what time?

Usually the shots are covered at the time of neuter(place I use they get a 3in one shot and a rabies..then come back for boosters in 2 weeks...I don't take them back just cause I have had a couple experiences with shots making them sick-thats my personal thing tho) Could call local shelter(go to petfinder.com and get a list of local shelters/rescues) and find out if they offer anything or any low cost clinic usually offers the shots seperate from thier neuters. RJ

Originally Posted by 051nimko

Thanks for the advice.

Well these kittens are going to be neutered by the owner, I'll only need to cover the adoption fee and shots. They're less than 10 weeks old so they're very young. I can afford it but I am tight on money. I've been looking online everywhere for low-cost shots. I've decided on one kitten already, but I want him to have a friend as well so he won't be lonely when I'm gone. I've had my own only child experiences, lol.

Adoption fee is affordable. Anyone have low-cost shot recommendations for the San Diego area? And what kind and what time?

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The kitten should already have been tested for FELV/FIV and may have received 1 distemper shot....what you will probably have to provide is the additional 2 distemper shots (which will be given a month apart and the rabies shot...usually given at the time of the 3rd distemper shot).

To answer your question of 1 versus 2....I would say that kittens actually do MUCH better in pairs. Here is a really good article on the reasons why we recommend kittens in pairs:

http://www.pawschicago.org/PetCare/catsinpairs.htm

I would read the article and then make your decision. I volunteer with a rescue group and we adopt a lot of second kittens to people who adopted a single kitten and then realized the kitten was lonely on it's own.

Also, below is a list of low cost spay clinics in CA. You may want to call them to find out whether they also offer low cost shots:

http://www.lovethatcat.com/stca.html

Katie

I just wanted to add as well that it doesn't cost much more in food/litter/etc for 2 cats then it does for one.