How do I raise a two kittens without neglecting one or the other in the process??

Question

My first time own two kittens at one time has left me feeling very new to this when in fact I have raised quite a few kittens in my life time. I purchased two male kittens, about 4 months old, from a pet store which apparently takes strays and sells them. The kittens have two very different personalities which is normal of course, but these differences make me feel as though I am neglecting one when paying attention to the other. Though its mostly just motherly worries, my main concern is that the kitt with the younger less dominant personality may not be able to bloom fully into his own personality with his brother being much more in your face and bold and clear about what he wants. Havok (the more timid) mimics what Hazard does, Havok also seems to act out, getting into trouble for attention when it is he who lays off alone. He also shows signs of being slower (mentally) then normal in various aspects. Im afraid he may be better off as an only cat but Id hate to see him go. :( help!

Answer 1

You should keep both of them. I have 2 male cats which I received at 7 weeks. Like you, I had one that required much more attention than the other one. He was so independent, persistent and has a strength of will like you would not believe. Although he required more attention, than the other one... it all worked out fine as each one has their own unique personality. Most important is to find out what each one likes, and give them special attention based on those differences. Just for example, one of my cats loves being brushed, absolutely loves chasing raw spaghetti and chasing bubbles - I can bond with him over these things. The other cat doesnt like any of these, but absolutely loves to go for long walks, exploring nature and we have our special time for doing this. This is unique to him, as the other cat has no interest in nature walks.

Answer 2

As long as you also pay attention to the weaker kitty all will be ok. Its obvious that the more forward kitten had a better start in life than the weaker kitten and may also have been fully waened before being taken from the mother or the mother from him. It is normal when there are 2 of the same sex in the CAT World(all cats including the Big Cats-lion,tiger and such) that one is dominant and it s always the stronger of the two-were there 3,4 kittens there would be one the most dominant-the most stronger and he would be leader. Its most important that when they are ready to be I think(not quite sure ) approx 6weeks-was suprised when one of my kittens showed signs time to be fixed at that age because these are 2 Males and when they get to that point will spray(Urine) to mark their territories esp the dominant one although both will and they they'll both spary over the others and it'll be well I'm sure you can imagine 2kitties spraying urine all the time and the dominant one will eat first and so forth. Once spayed the spraying will stop and also protects males from testicular and other cancers.I would not separate them for they are buddies that is obvious for the younger is copying the older one and it will develop its own more quiet personality. Just like in humans there are different personalities-the younger one is probably just by his nature quieter and will be like is even elsewhere. Cats do not get jealous like humans and if the other kitty goes off and gets into what you term attention seeking trouble-hes a kitty and just like little kids by its curious nature will get into things(normal) We tend to give animals human qualities but animals are not sneaky but more straightforward that we are.Perhaps you like the more forward more and the wuiter one senses it. Give it some wuality time-take it on your lap and i(if it makes you feel better) tell Hazard we mustnt be selfish we all need attention and love-cats esp respond to being petted and loved and maybe Hazard needs to not be allowed to push Havok aside/ Havok may also have had a more stressful life before he ended up in the petshop if not from the same litter and so needs a bit more reassurance from you.I have 2 pet rabbits and I love both but the younger one is a just a bit more endearing for younger and also has lop ears and smaller -looks like a adorable fluffy puppy while the white albino is years older-the older is a dominant rabbit for also dominates my cat-but I never pet one rabbit and not pet the other, and although I do not time myself I always spend time with both rabbits(the albino allows no other animal near me when I'm petting her and since its her nature spend alone time with her . But always spend time with both so neither is left out.Both love it when I pet and brush them. Although I think Precious is just a bit more adorable than Bunny-Bunny does get her needed attention- everyone is happy.Just give each their share of attn and keep together for they are buudies and cats are Social -love the company of other cats exp when they get older-they will establish their own living arrangement with each other.

Answer 3

I adopted two kittens from a newspaper ad fourteen years ago. They were the first cats (or animals) I ever had. They were not siblings and had been fostered together for a month or six weeks. One was a few weeks older than the other. They had such a wonderful kittenhood together and Kinsey was always the leader. They both developed their own personalities and became independent of each other when they were older.

Life dictates who we are and what we become. Some people are shyer and more insecure than others. You have given them everything kittens need to develop well - the compansionship of a playmate and your love and protection. Many human children do not have it so good.

So you shouldn't need to feel any guilt and don't think of separating them. They will have a good life.

Answer 4

often times its hard to determine how your animals will co exist especially cats. the kitten that seems slower may just be more prudent or prissy for lack of a better term. and the other may not be smarter, only more curious to his surroundings. currently i own 3 cats, 2 females and one male. one of the females is very anti social and only roames the house when its just me home. the other 2 are very open and sociable. they all seem to get along just fine despite their different personalities

Answer 5

cute names first of all..:).... and I would just wait a few weeks or so to make sure you dont make the wrong decision of giving your kitten away. As long as the kittens get along, then i dont see a problem why you shouldnt keep them both. If you spend time with one kitty then make sure to spend time with the other. Do not treat them differently and you will be fine.

Answer 6

You reading far too much into it. Let the kittens decide who will be boss or not, that is the normal way. You just feed,love,and change the litter for them. As they grow, their individual personalities will develop and they will begin to express themselves. Just lots of love and kisses... everything will work out.No two people are alike, neither are kittens! God, I hope you don't have any children yet... you make them neurotic!

Answer 7

just make sure to split the time spent with each one equally, brush one for 10 mins due the same to the other and rotate who gets the attention first.
As for the more dominate one acting out, to show him he will not be rewarded for such behavior maybe put him in another room such as the bathroom for a while as punishment.

Answer 8

Oh, they sound ADORABLE! Be assured, they will sort it out for themselves eventually. They will make specific places/times when each one has his own place with you. At night, they'll probably both sleep with you. Don't separate them if you can help it, they're used to each other, and will miss each other. Your little shy one could probably use a little more attention, maybe play with him some while the other one is asleep? But they'll figure out their times and places eventually, really.

Answer 9

That can be hard. But you're so conscientious about it that I doubt either kitten is being neglected. Just make sure the shy one gets his fair share of food and pets, and make sure you play with him. He will be what he'll be.

Good luck.

Answer 10

try to give each one 5 min. alone with just you then every 15 min. play with both of them so you can even it out