two kittens of a different breed or just one ... that is the question.

Hello all,

I will be getting my cream burmese darling in 4 weeks. Prior to him I had a russian blue mix (and no, not 'just' a grey cat!). Billy was my heart and I miss him dearly. Fast forward 2 years since Billy.. i now have a 20 month old and an 10 week old. This summer I found a grey kitten in a bag of kittens... (worst sight of my life) my vet said he was 5 weeks old. He was my sons best friend, they did everything together... he would jump up on the bath tub even when we were bathing my son.. if my son cried.. murphy was there.. he even learnt to open my son's door! When he was about 4.5 months he began trying to escape.. my vet refused to neuter before 6 months... well one week before the scheduled neuter.. murphy got out... we searched immediately door to door.. posters on every post.. nightly and daily searches.. postings online at vets the shelters...EVERY WHERE! He was gone. My son was heart broken and though 4 months later he still calls for him. Takes his stuffed cat everywhere and says 'momma meow' for me to show him cat pictures on my phone which he then gives a sad look to and kisses. It's heartbreaking.

fast forward to now. After my research on a breed we decided on a burmese... (i wanted a russian blue but heard the burmese was the best with kids... funny enough when my 10 week old cried all 3 of her burmese ran over to my son)so we picked one and will get him in 4 weeks.. i heard they do well with a 2nd cat. I would love to have another russian blue for me... is it a bad idea to have two of a different breed... is it bad to have two this young..? My 20 month old is in nursery school full time so they would be with me all day and I have ample time but I thought a kitten would prefer to be dotted on alone?

Thanks for reading this Long mess of a post. I spent a month researching one cat.. now to hear it's best to have two kind threw a curve ball... I knew one day I wanted more than one. . But I wasn't expecting so soon... it's a 20 plus year commitment. .. so I welcome all the suggestions and feedback!

if you are contemplating wanting 2 cats and can financially afford two now, go for it. It will be MUCH easier to integrate 2 kittens than it will be for an adult that is accustom to being an only to adapt having another cat around.

Being different breeds has no barrings. You simply want to try and match personalities and activity level.

On a whole, kittens actually do best having another of their own around. It helps get the crazy kitten energy out and perhaps save you from dealing with behavior issues associated with a bored kitten.

Also, having 2 kittens definitely doesbt mean they will only bond to each other. There will simply just be double the kitten love for you!

Hello, and welcome! I only have one cat, but I also agree that with two kittens you will have double the love, and I definitely think that you will have double the fun too! Best wishes!

Thanks for responding! Affording is no issue... I just want what's best for the cats (cats). It's a 20 plus year commitment so it's one I'm not taking lightly. My husband and I keep talking and though I have my heart set on a russian blue... there are so many kittens in the shelter I kinda feel bad for being on lists for kittens not even born (im not judging) after murphy I'm kind of scared to go with a stray... but billy I did rescue and he was amazing. Before I bought this one I did check out all shelters and there was a beautiful 4 year old girl who followed my son and I around. . Gentle and sweet but she hated to be picked up. She was with other cats in what they call the bubble. . She would go up to them.. the cats would hiss and she would walk away. I keep thinking of her.. and surprisingly. .. she's still at the shelter! You mentioned same personalities... burmese are very. .. playful.. plus he's a kitten.. would adopting her be a no no? Should I even consider an adult or should I be looking for another kitten? I'm so worried about putting two cats together who will hate each other.

I have an adult cat and kitten who get along excellently. It took time to get them that way though. They play absolutely crazy together, but the kitten also needed playtime with humans to wear her out when she was a lot younger. Here's a link to a picture thread of them.

 [thread="306236"]Gradual Introductions Work​[/thread]  

The kitten is a little boy? If so the male female pairing does tend to work out well. 

I don't think it is crazy to think of adopting an adult. It is likely to be a bit more challenging to introduce them and make it work. 

You've mentioned Russian Blues.. I have two - one with a health issue I took on as a kitten.  They don't get on all that well and I have a feeling that Russians tend to want to be with humans and not so much with other cats... @MServant  

If you're really keen on a Burmese companion, have you thought of getting an adult?  Sometimes breeders rehome their cats when they feel it's time for them to stop breeding.  You could look into that.

But, to be honest,  I'd go for a good old moggie who needs a home; adult or kitten.

It would really depend on how playful this girl is. I would talk with the shelter and find out if they have ever tested her with kittens.

On a whole, I would say the introduction time is likely to be longer with bringing an adult into the house vs. another kitten. Though, it's certainly not *always* the case. But, adults typically take longer to adjust to new environments. You would want both cats comfortable in their environment before proceeding with introducing them. Just something to think about.

this is the beauty waiting by the door

Lol I find russian blues get along great with pets... it's children they run from lol... honestly though it's why I first went for a burmese

She is lovely with kids.. just don't pick her up . She really tried to go to the other cats but tgey hissed. I know she isn't playful I went twice... shot balls.. waved the wand... she just wanted petting

newcndcatmomma said:

She is lovely with kids.. just don't pick her up . She really tried to go to the other cats but tgey hissed. I know she isn't playful I went twice... shot balls.. waved the wand... she just wanted petting

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Cats act different in shelter than at home. My orange cat wasn't at all playful in the shelter and had no interest in the toys they had there. He was just not at ease there. When he got home, he became very playful. 

Very hard telling how a cat will be from meeting a couple of times at a shelter to how they will be when you bring them home - also very difficult to predict how two cats will react to living in the same home.  It is always a risk.   I have heard that Burmese like a lot of activity and are easily bored so best not left on their own which is why many people get two cats if they have a Burmese.  That said I have also seen and heard stories that double the Burmese cats double the trouble / mischief they get up to.     It is more the 'don't leave them without human supervision and diversion' than having a play mate I fear.  Your kids might be the best companions ever for your little Burmese kitten.     

If you have your heart set on a second cat I would go more for shelter cat than another, different, pedigree like Russian Blue.  Esp because RBs often prefer quieter households and unless you go to a breeder who says they have a cat who has been socialised and happy with other cats and also happy with noise and young children it probably wouldn't be an easy match.  As others have said though, it will always be easier introducing two kittens than a kitten and an older cat, the older cat will likely be much more stressed by the move and new aquaintances, and may well not be too keen on kids or kittens.  

From my own experience, if you have more than one cat the cats will often be less engaged with their human house mates, but if you have a single cat then humans will be their primary companion and play mate.  If you want a play and cuddle buddy who is actively communicating and demanding of all of your time one cat might be best, but if self entertaining cats who have you in fits of laughter while you watch their antics playing together and being furry cuddle buddies then two may suit better.  You always have the risk cats won't get on with each other, whether it is from when you first introduce them to a few years down the line when they have done all their playing and want space to chill out and can't agree on who's boss.  

Wish you well in your decisions, and especially with bringing home your young kitten (and any other new addition you decide on). Look forward to hearing how things progress.

I agree that a shelter cat would be the best option. If you have your heart set on a blue, have you considered a blue British Shorthair? They have the same double coat as the Russians, but are really family friendly and easygoing. They're big but gentle. This is my British Blue (now 13)