Should You Adopt One Cat or Two?

Posted by Jennifer Copley Sep 7, 2009

Is it better to adopt a single cat or kitten, or get a pair to keep one another company? It depends on your lifestyle and the characteristics of potential adoptees.

Contrary to popular belief, most cats are actually very sociable. Adopting two or more cats or kittens is better if:

• There are many hours of the day or night when no one will be home - a single cat on his own may be very lonely in this situation.
• There are two or more kittens available from a litter - adopting littermates together is ideal as they're more inclined to get along well than unrelated strangers.
• Two shelter cats have established a strong friendship bond - it's always good to keep such friendships intact whenever possible.

Adopting a single cat or kitten is fine if:

• Someone is home most of the time to provide attention and companionship.
• An adult cat does not get along with other cats and needs to be an only cat.

Those considering adopting a cat or kitten may wish to read:

• The Health Benefits of Owning a Cat
• Black Cats Least Likely to Be Adopted
• Reasons to Adopt an Adult Cat
• Ideal Age to Adopt a Kitten
• Supplies and Equipment for a New Kitty
• Cat-Proofing a House
• What Should I Feed My Cat?
• Cat Behaviour Myths and Facts
• Cat Health and Safety Myths and Facts