Need some advice on adopting cats?

Question

I am thinking about going to the local humane society tomorrow and adopting a cat or two, my friends that are cat owners are recommending that I get two, so I am not up all night, but the question I have is: should I get a male and a female or two females, I have previous experience as a female dachshund owner and cat sitting female cats, so I don't think it will be too hard for me to adapt to one female cat, but with dogs they recommend that you go with different genders as you introduce new pets into a home.

Wasn't to sure how this works with cats and especially adopted ones.

Any advice would be great! Thanks

Answer 1

Usually opposite sexes work the best....I have had better luck with two males than two females....

None of my female cats were friends...the did tolerate one another...definately no friendship.

I have had brother cats...they were buddies.

It also just depends on the cats personality as well...every cat is different. The best bet is a male and female though...

So happy to hear you are getting shelter cats....

Answer 2

If you have an established cat in a household, going the opposite gender helps the original one adjust better. But if BOTH cats are new to the environment, either gender will work.

Two is a very good idea, they can keep each other entertained and won't be lonely when you're not there. Be sure to check out their special needs cats -- older cats, some may have physical handicaps like one eye not seeing, etc. They're not all diabetic or with a thyroid problem or such. They need homes too and are just as good as the others.

Answer 3

Since you are looking to adopt two cats at the same time, you might have an easier time getting them to be comfortable in your home if you adopt two cats that are already well-acquainted with each other. It might mean more searching, but you likely won't have to deal with the usual hostility cats display to each other during the introduction period.

Rescues and shelters do sometimes take in cats that are surrendered or rescued together and then try to adopt them out together, but it is harder for them to find homes since a lot of people usually adopt only one cat at a time. Sometimes a rescue or shelter that has two cats they want to keep together will also give a break on adoption fees to the person willing to take them both, so that's another good reason to look for a "matched pair".

Thank you for adopting instead of buying, saving lives is a really great thing!

Answer 4

Good for you and best of luck with whatever pair you decide on. My first 2 cats were brothers (I too was told to get 2 cats to keep each other company and am so glad I did) from the same litter. They got along famously and were a real loving pair both to each other and to me. After they passed on, I got 3 females each a year apart. Each took about 3 days to accept the newest kitten, but after that, they slept together and with me (one on top of my legs, one curled up near my neck & the other at my side). The oldest of the 3 died rather young (9 yrs old) and the other 2 stick together like glue. I did get a male kitten not long after my oldest died, and he drives the 2 girls crazy. They're 11 and 12 now (he's now 4) and he's always wanted to play when they'd prefer to sleep or just be left alone. If my females were closer in age to the male it probably wouldn't have ever been an issue so you're probably safe with either pairing. (I don't mean its ever been an "issue"; he pesters them, they "yell" at him and the "issue" is over. lol) Enjoy your new additions!

Answer 5

I think it depends on the relation of the cats. If they are siblings a male and a female are just fine. Two females can work just as well though. Ask the people at the shelter which cats are compatible. By the way good for you on adopting from a shelter.

Answer 6

I just adopted 2 kittens. One female black long haired kitty, that was found abandoned behind a landscaping business. Really cute. Only 4 weeks old when I got her. I had to bottle feed her for a few weeks until she could eat solids.

I heard that kittens are happier in pairs too. So I combed the local shelters and found a really cute mostly white medium haired 5 week old female kitten.

They have bonded. It only took a week to become great friends and play buddies.

It is so funny to watch them chase each other around and play together. One kitten is ok but it really is nice to have a pair. They can keep each other company when you are gone fro the house. And male or female doesn't matter. Just get them spayed-neutered around 5or 6 months of age and you will have wonderful pets for a long time.

it really is a blast having kittens. They are comical. And they are so soft. They purr and cuddle up to you. They are fun to watch play. They have brought a lot of love and joy to my household. Also, it makes it even more fullfilling if you get them from a shelter or rescue organization. You will have save them from being euthanized. Full grown cat adoptions are wonderful too. They make wonderful pets.

I highly recommend it.!

Answer 7

That's great that you want to adopt homeless animals. I've had both female and male cats and I prefer males. They just seem to be more lovable, enjoy being with you. The Female cats I've had all seemed to be more standoffish. I currently have a ten year old male from the shelter and my son (who lives on his own) adopted a 5yr neutered declawed male cat last year. I've never seen a more lovable big boy! It really doesn't matter what the sex is if they are neutered/spayed. Good luck and enjoy your new pet(s).

Answer 8

You've gotten some sound advice so far...I would only advise you not to get two females (I'm not sure if it's the same with males...I think it probably is) as the two females may fight. We have two neutered females and they like to scrap every now and again. Having said that, we have two other female cats (well, we used to; one died sadly 2 weeks ago) and they got along pretty well together. It seems to depend on the animal themselves and their temperament.

I'm glad to hear you're getting shelter cats. Kudos. Good luck with your new family.

Answer 9

I have both a male and a female cat, (they are both neutered and spayed, which is VERY important!), and they get along just fine. Many times when you go to a shelter, they have litter mates in a cage together. My neighbor adopted both his cats at the same time - they were both litter mates, and he didn't want to separate them. I believe it's just whatever you prefer. Bless you for adopting from your local Humane Society, I wish more people would do that.

Answer 10

Actually my experience is two neutered males close in age often work best. When they are neutered and there are no fertile females to fight over, they become pals and play together. Second would be two females. Male female/pairings can work but often the female is annoyed by the male, which tend to be more playful, especially when young.

Cat behavior is very different from dogs. Dogs are about pack order, cats have a pecking order but it is looser. I agree with dogs that male/female pairs work best (as long as both are spayed and neutered).