Finally ready for new friends after 2 years

hi,

We had our last cat for 13 years and she became very ill in the end. We tried everything available but it came down to the fact that given the pain she was in we were being very selfish in trying to prolong her life. It was among the hardest decisions we have ever made, but in the end I know it was the right one. We decided that we would have no more pets after that because it just tore us up to do it, but now 2 years after the fact, and a solid year of our kids asking we are getting 2 new kittens this week from the local SPCA. We are both really excited about it and looking forward to once again having a furball to share the day with. Now I am off to research water, feeding, and litter for more than one cat. Can anyone tell me if we need two of everything or will they share?

Thanks!

Hi there

we're so happy to get the chance to welcome you and your furfamily to TCS. I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay with us - we're one great big family and you'll find loads of friends here. If I can help at all while you're finding your way around TCS just click on my username and send me a Personal Message - I'll do what I can to answer your questions

I'm sorry that you lost your kitty

, it's wonderful that you feel the time is right to share your home with two new bundles of fluff now

Welcome to TCS!

I`m glad you`ve decided to give a home to two kittens in need. How exciting!

Hi! You have found the best cat site around!

We have a lot of support and advice to give here. Our members are always ready and willing to help you or just chat with you. We also have a game called KatKwiz (cat quiz), designed for newcomers just like yourself, which teaches you things about The Cat Site and also allows you to win lots of points. (It also teaches you what points are.) Just click on the here link below to learn more. Glad you decided to join us!

Hola y bienvenido a TCS, ...Catulina

y Milky

te saludan!!!........

(Translate: Hi and Welcome to TCS, Catulina and Milky say hello to you!!!... )

See you on the forums!

If you get both cats together as kittens, they may be willing to share a box. We've had many pairs of cats who did. You'll want to make sure you're especially regular about scooping and cleaning, though. One time of letting things go too long may mean you'll need to add a second box (though usually it takes more than that, unless you have two boys.)

If you do go with two boxes, put them in different areas. Also, watch out for one cat guarding the cat boxes. One of them may try to dominate both boxes (or the one, if you have just one.) In the end, whether one or two boxes are necessary will depend on the cats, their relationship with each other, how good you are about cleaning, and just their individual nature.

While they're young, try not to over-react to changes you think are happening in their box use. My experience is that they typically don't settle down to an adult pattern of use until about 6 months or so, so far as sharing and all goes. And even at that, they stay pretty pliable for the first year, so if one cat seems to have gone off the box, see if you can figure out why before adding a second box (or third, or fourth...)

We weren't able to get a young pair together this last time we got a cat, but when we've been able to do that in the past we've ended up with cats who are the closest and easiest with each other. We most like to get a young boy and girl pair. Two boys may become brothers (whether they are by birth or not) or rivals (even if they're from the same litter, and appear to have the same father), and there's nothing worse than two competetive girls in the same house--especially if there aren't any other cats around to mix things up a bit.

Good luck! I'm sure your family will have a wonderful time with your new family members!

Wow! I have joined a lot of different boards over the years for various topics and this is the most and the friendliest responses I have ever received to my "Hi I am a newbie post". Thanks! We are hoping to get two females of the same litter. I am not 100% against males, but it has been my experience that the males are more trouble than the females. Plus both of my daughters are begging for girl cats. We are going on Saturday to the shelter and hopefully they will have what we are looking for. I will post pics when I get them. Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and the advice!

Your hearts must be filled with excitement, as you look forward to Saturday.
I will be watching for your good news update.

My girlies and I are so excited with you about your upcoming additions to your family and look forward to meeting your little ones!

Welcome to TCS!

well, no pics yet...the weekend did not exactly go as planned, but we are still hoping to have new kittens within the week. As soon as we get them home I will be sure to make this my first stop though.

Welcome to TCS!!! I'm so sorry for your loss It's a terrible thing to lose a friend/furbaby. I lost my nearly 17-year-old cat that I had since I was 4 last spring when I joined this site. There is a forum on this site called "rainbow bridge" that you can tell us about your loved one. It's a great way to find some closure.

I'm so glad you are ready for some new friends! I can't wait to hear about them!