Many of you may recall I was looking into taking on an elderly rescue cat once I'd got my own place, but recent events may mean an alteration of those plans!

One of my best mates has a cat who has unexpectedly had kittens (the little bugger managed to get outside before being neutered!!!). This tiny cat managed to produce 6 live kits and one unfortunately dead one by Caesarean section two weeks ago. Good homes have already been lined up for two, possibly three of the kits once they're ready, but my mate already has cats and cannot afford to retain any of the kittens.

I've been incredibly lonely in my new home since moving as I have no Internet access or TV licence. My depression has worsened again and my therapist has recommended acquiring a housecat.

The kits my mate has are housecats and always will be, but I'm seriously considering taking two of the litter rather than one.

My reasoning is that after relocating from the litter and a house full of cats, being a solitary housecat may be too traumatic for it. The last thing I want to do is cause it any distress, provoking destructive or behavioural problems. Also, if there are two of them, they can annoy the Hell out of one another alot of the time instead of me! :hihi:

I'm in receipt of Housing Benefit so would qualify for assistance through the PDSA's PetAid Hospital with neutering (I still think it's important for a housecat) and microchipping (in case the little buggers escape!) as well as all the prequisite injections and stuff.

My initial thought was to take one kitten due to the financial considerations, but does anyone have any actual experience as to how much more expensive two kittens are than one?

My reasoning for taking on a kit instead of a Senior Kittizen is purely as these little sweeties need a home just as much as an older cat, and hopefully the heartbreak of losing one will be alot further down the line.......

I'm open to any and all opinions and suggestions.....

I would seriously consider your financial situation first as its not cheap you will need to buy food, cat litter and plenty of toys as house cats can get very bored and it would be double the cost of 1 cat

We adopted two rescue kittens a month ago (brother and sister) and they are an absolute delight and great company for each other (so far!) which is good as we have to be out of the house for long hours. I'd say with clever budgeting there are ways to keep some costs down (our kittens were toilet trained on newspaper, we were given scratching posts, their favourite toys are foil balls, corks, feathers on a string and Imbiss has a strange fascination with the core out of a head of garlic...) but you can't avoid the vet bills (vacc's, neutering and so on) and insurance if you want it.
We've found the food works out cheaper if you use a complete dry food like Royal Canin - it might be more expensive at first, but apart from being better for their health (and the volume of excreta!) there is less wastage than wet food, and then we give them sardines, tuna or a bit of cooked chicken (daily at the mo, but will reduce it as they get older).
Even at their young age they are very affectionate lap cats and come to us for plenty of strokes as well as play, which I partly put down to the fact they have each other for rough & tumble, as well as the minimal stress settling down in a new home as they had each other.

Thanks for your experiences, guys!

Obviously the bottom line is the financial aspect, but being fortunate enough to be eligible for vet treatment through the PDSA, that will be a huge weight off my mind.

I still have my previous cat's bed which will suffice, but I'll need to invest in a cat carrier, and I'd prefer to get a covered litter tray to give the cat security and privacy (and reduce the possibility of bums over-hanging the edge and showers of litter across the floor!).

TWO Of the same age and pref from the same litter is the best combination - IMHO.
They'll not only keep each other company but will a cat buddy to bond with. When you are not around it will have have someone to cuddle upto and to play with, if it gets bored. Think about it, if you are at work the cat will be locked in all day by itself - would you like to be kept alone waiting for your owner to return ?

sorry just my opinion.
s

Yep I agree, 2 from the same litter. They have each other for company and to play with too when you're not around.

Oooo I'm jealous, 2 little kittens, how lovely. Don't forget to post pics when you get them.

Two are so much better than one. They calm each other down, wind each other up. My two are sisters and they are still like kittens at nearly 14!

TWO Of the same age and pref from the same litter is the best combination - IMHO.
They'll not only keep each other company but will a cat buddy to bond with. When you are not around it will have have someone to cuddle upto and to play with, if it gets bored. Think about it, if you are at work the cat will be locked in all day by itself - would you like to be kept alone waiting for your owner to return ?

sorry just my opinion.
s

For the past 2 years I've been unable to work due to a balance disorder and depression, and will be unable to return to employment for atleast another year.

I completely agree that if I was employed there'd be no question, and I'd take on two, but as I'm unable to currently work due to my disability and my sole income is Incapacity Benefit, I was weighing up finances versus number of kitties.

To be honest, if the finances weren't a consideration, I'd be taking two of the litter without a thought :hihi:

Yep I agree, 2 from the same litter. They have each other for company and to play with too when you're not around.

Oooo I'm jealous, 2 little kittens, how lovely. Don't forget to post pics when you get them.

After chatting to my mate I really do want to take two of the kitties, mainly so they're never alone when I'm out.

Seeing as one of my passions is photography, there'll be a blossoming album on my WebShots page if I get them!

Two are so much better than one. They calm each other down, wind each other up. My two are sisters and they are still like kittens at nearly 14!

Awwwww! 14 year old kitties! Those are DEFINATELY Senior Kittizens!

Hmmmmm I think I'm going to go for it........I'll tell my mate I'll have the black tabby and one other (I'll let my mate pick)......maybe the other tabby.....a mate should be travelling up to visit with me at the end of October, so she may be bringing the kitties up with her!

Ah good luck with your kitties - my maine coon house cat seems to get bored when the outdoor cats go out. Her face kind of "lights up" when they come in and she has someone to play with, so 2 are definitely better than 1 :D

Ah good luck with your kitties - my maine coon house cat seems to get bored when the outdoor cats go out. Her face kind of "lights up" when they come in and she has someone to play with, so 2 are definitely better than 1 :D

Lisa

Hearing your Maine Coon's experiences has made my mind up......two kitties it is, then! :hihi:

*UPDATE*

Unfortunately, my mate's unable to come visit me at the end of October, so I've instructed my mate with the kitties to rehome them. She's unable to hang onto the kitties after the end of October as by that time they'll be weaned. It would also be unfair to the kitties to wait longer as they're to be housecats and the rest of my mate's cats go outdoors.

Ah well, obviously it wasn't meant to be, and other cats are destined to live with me later on......

sad to hear that - its funny how things work out - a few years ago we we're going to adopt a ginger cat, but we took sometime to think about it - weigh up pros and cons etc and by the time we made the decision it had gone to live on a farm.
Anyhow a few days later I saw and advert for an oriental cat (didn't know what an oriental was) - went round to see it and fell in love a little black oriental cat.
He's 8 now and completely adoreable. We couldn't imagine living without him.

A couple of weeks after getting oscar we quickly learnt he needed a friend so we bought another siamese.....

We now have three oriental/siamese cats and our house is mad !

I also believe that cats will help with your rehab - theres nothing finer than a cat heap on your knee of an eve...

I'm sure you'll find a cat or couple of cat buddies.... maybe the tesco cats ??
take care and good luck

s

TWO Of the same age and pref from the same litter is the best combination - IMHO.
They'll not only keep each other company but will a cat buddy to bond with. When you are not around it will have have someone to cuddle upto and to play with, if it gets bored. Think about it, if you are at work the cat will be locked in all day by itself - would you like to be kept alone waiting for your owner to return ?

sorry just my opinion.
s

my feeling too- great company for one another and if from the same litter, more of a chance they will bond and remain buddies (Ok with any cat you can get the occasional spat). Even though Solo lives with our friend when he comes to visit or stay he quickly remembers his mum, dad and brother Arnie -and they will be 1 yr old in october (how time flies). Twice the fun, twice the mayhem and twice the expense, but well worth it.

*UPDATE*

Unfortunately, my mate's unable to come visit me at the end of October, so I've instructed my mate with the kitties to rehome them. She's unable to hang onto the kitties after the end of October as by that time they'll be weaned. It would also be unfair to the kitties to wait longer as they're to be housecats and the rest of my mate's cats go outdoors.

Ah well, obviously it wasn't meant to be, and other cats are destined to live with me later on......

aww that's a shame- we didnt let Ashia's go til they were 13 weeks old and it made them much more sociable having them that little bit longer.

*UPDATE*

Unfortunately, my mate's unable to come visit me at the end of October, so I've instructed my mate with the kitties to rehome them. She's unable to hang onto the kitties after the end of October as by that time they'll be weaned. It would also be unfair to the kitties to wait longer as they're to be housecats and the rest of my mate's cats go outdoors.

Ah well, obviously it wasn't meant to be, and other cats are destined to live with me later on......

aww that's a shame- we didnt let Ashia's go til they were 13 weeks old and it made them much more sociable having them that little bit longer. There are plenty of kittens around still- so many pregnant queens on the streets or going into rescue, so if you still want to go ahead, keep a lookout at the local pounds/rescues xK

Well.....here's where my belief in Fate comes into play......

I've been involved with doing what I can to help Jackie at C.A.T.S., and last night I wound up just sitting in their cabin with two new additions to the Sanctuary.

They were terrified and hiding when I first went in, but within half an hour I had them purring like little steam engines, and bugging the Hell out of me for strokes and fuss! By the time I left last night, Jackie said they were playing together and had been eating.

I've now volunteered to help Jackie socialise those cats admitted and are suffering from trauma. She's going to help their bodies, and I'm going to help their minds as I have more time to dedicate to the cause. This means that when the cats are passed on to foster carers or rehomed, they should be better socialised!

Well.....here's where my belief in Fate comes into play......

I've been involved with doing what I can to help Jackie at C.A.T.S., and last night I wound up just sitting in their cabin with two new additions to the Sanctuary.

They were terrified and hiding when I first went in, but within half an hour I had them purring like little steam engines, and bugging the Hell out of me for strokes and fuss! By the time I left last night, Jackie said they were playing together and had been eating.

I've now volunteered to help Jackie socialise those cats admitted and are suffering from trauma. She's going to help their bodies, and I'm going to help their minds as I have more time to dedicate to the cause. This means that when the cats are passed on to foster carers or rehomed, they should be better socialised!
That sounds really brilliant you did a fantastic job there, there must be loads of cats go through the shelter like that, and all they need is some love to get their confidence back, sounds just up your street :)

FANTASTIC - Well Done you !
If you ever want a challenge - you can try sort out my 3 loons out :hihi: sadly they are far from shy

Thanks, peeps! :hihi:

FANTASTIC - Well Done you !
If you ever want a challenge - you can try sort out my 3 loons out :hihi: sadly they are far from shy

Not sure how well I'd succeed in dealing with wappy cats! :hihi:

well please do give us updates - would love to hear how things go ?

Well done on helping these little ones djelibeybi! It's amazing how fast some cats come round when given some time and gentle encouragement.

Are you taking these youngsters home with you? It would seem sensible if you were thinking about kittens and these two arrive in your life.

well please do give us updates - would love to hear how things go ?

Both kitties were booked in to be neutered today at midday. I'm going up to C.A.T.S. tonight to see how they're doing, and also to deliver some donated items from Pets@Home.


Pets@Home - lovely to have met you! Can't believe we were chatting there for nearly three quarters of an hour!

Well done on helping these little ones djelibeybi! It's amazing how fast some cats come round when given some time and gentle encouragement.

Are you taking these youngsters home with you? It would seem sensible if you were thinking about kittens and these two arrive in your life.

Thanks :blush:

This is the first time I've ever tried to help cats which were scared or distressed. I've always had an affinity with cats, and they always seem to gravitate towards me, even so, I was stunned at how quickly they responded to me. Overall, I've spent less than 2 hours with them since they arrived at the Sanctuary. Jackie says she's never seen cats respond to someone so quickly, but as it was my first time, I've nothing to compare the experience to.

I'd LOVE to take them home with me - permanently! :hihi: Especially since the other two kits I was promised shan't be joining my family now.

If these two aren't the kittens for you, I've still got some of the litter I'm fostering at the moment ;)

If these two aren't the kittens for you, I've still got some of the litter I'm fostering at the moment ;)

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't smitten.......I so want to taken them home with me! :hihi:

I saw these two little cats last night and they were lovely x I hope things work out for all of you!

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't smitten.......I so want to taken them home with me! :hihi:
You do know dont you that a person does not choose a cat, a cat chooses its person, it would look like fate lent a hand and you have been unexpectedly chosen, the question is what your going to do about it :D

You do know dont you that a person does not choose a cat, a cat chooses its person, it would look like fate lent a hand and you have been unexpectedly chosen, the question is what your going to do about it :D

To be honest, when I said "goodbye" to them on Sunday evening, and one reached out and was trying to touch my fingertip with their paw through the perspex window whilst rolling on their back.......I defy the roughtiest toughtiest person not to go; "Awwwwwww".

Yeah, cats do choose their owners......I've seen it happen, but it's not happened to me before...........looks like they want to come join my family, doesn't it? Thing is, other people who've been to visit them have gotten on well with them too. How do I know they've chosen me and aren't just over-excited at making new friends after having been so isolated?

Yeah, cats do choose their owners......I've seen it happen, but it's not happened to me before...........looks like they want to come join my family, doesn't it? Thing is, other people who've been to visit them have gotten on well with them too. How do I know they've chosen me and aren't just over-excited at making new friends after having been so isolated?

Well you were the first person that they trusted, so now you have helped them to make new friends more easily, I think thats really special ...where you go with that is up to you now, they would probably settle somewhere else, but I still think that they have chosen you and if you have chosen them too you should do what your heart says before they are snapped up :hihi:

Well you were the first person that they trusted, so now you have helped them to make new friends more easily, I think thats really special ...where you go with that is up to you now, they would probably settle somewhere else, but I still think that they have chosen you and if you have chosen them too you should do what your heart says before they are snapped up :hihi:

I'm WAY too easily convinced! :hihi:

If they came to me, they'd be kept together (when seperated by their previous owner, apparently they pined and refused to eat), they'd remain as housecats, and being disabled and unable to work, I'd be home 90% of the time.

Just talked myself into it! :hihi:

I'll tell Jackie I'll give them a home xxx

I'm WAY too easily convinced! :hihi:

If they came to me, they'd be kept together (when seperated by their previous owner, apparently they pined and refused to eat), they'd remain as housecats, and being disabled and unable to work, I'd be home 90% of the time.

Just talked myself into it! :hihi:

I'll tell Jackie I''l give them a home xxx

:clap: I think thats best don't you? :banana: :hihi:
Oh and don't foprget the obligatory pics!

:clap: I think thats best don't you? :banana: :hihi:
Oh and don't foprget the obligatory pics!

Just spoken to Jackie to find out how the kitties are doing. She's picking them up from the vet's at 5pm, so I'm going up after that.

I've told her I want to give the kitties a home, but someone else is going to see them on Thursday.......looks like I may have left it too late....

Just spoken to Jackie to find out how the kitties are doing. She's picking them up from the vet's at 5pm, so I'm going up after that.

I've told her I want to give the kitties a home, but someone else is going to see them on Thursday.......looks like I may have left it too late....

Oh no :sad: well leave it to fate, but have a word tonight and tell her how you have fell in love with them, and tell her I still want to pinch Abbie then she will know who I am :)

Oh no :sad: well leave it to fate, but have a word tonight and tell her how you have fell in love with them, and tell her I still want to pinch Abbie then she will know who I am :)

I will.

Fate will ensure that everything works out in their best interests......

I will.

Fate will ensure that everything works out in their best interests......

I think that your right, I will be thinking about you and keep my fingers crossed :thumbsup:

I think that your right, I will be thinking about you and keep my fingers crossed :thumbsup:

Thanks, hun xxx

I fell in love with them from the moment I set eyes on them, but hid my true feelings from everyone, even Jackie, cos I thought it was just a reaction after not being able to have the kittens from Hampshire I was going to get.

Whatever happens, as long as both kittens end up living with a loving family, then I'll be content, even if it means they're not living with me.

Moonbird

Apologies, forgot to mention Abbie to Jackie last night as I was helping her out with another small kitten handed in yesterday morning.

I was stunned to the see the two kittens bouncing around like normal despite having been neutered earlier in the day! They were jumping from shelf to shelf, rolling around on the floor to have their tummies rubbed, and rubbing against the wire mesh on the door and windows! They're nutters! :hihi::help:

I told Jackie how much I want the kittens to come live with me, and as the lady coming on Thursday only wants one kitten, she feels she'll fall in love with that one. I must admit, the kitten acquired yesterday is adorable too, with beautiful markings and a sweet temperament.

Just gonna upload some photos to my WebShots page.

Jack was pretty difficult to photograph, as each time I moved away to take the shot, he launched himself sideways at my ankles, they began rolling around on my feet asking for his tummy to be rubbed!!!

Jack & Jill's photographs (http://community.webshots.com/album/567072515UrZLMV?vhost=community)

We've named them Jack and Jill, cos Jackie took them in and Gill's giving them a home!

awww they're lovely Gill! I'm sure you'll all be very happy together :D

Jack was pretty difficult to photograph, as each time I moved away to take the shot, he launched himself sideways at my ankles, they began rolling around on my feet asking for his tummy to be rubbed!!!

Jack & Jill's photographs (http://community.webshots.com/album/567072515UrZLMV?vhost=community)

We've named them Jack and Jill, cos Jackie took them in and Gill's giving them a home!

A happy ending :clap:, I knew Jackie would see sense :D your new kitties are gorgeous and such lustrous black coats....you have 2 cats to be proud of there I reckon, so when are they going home? :D

awww they're lovely Gill! I'm sure you'll all be very happy together :D

Many thanks, Lisa.

I know they'll help me fight my way out of my depression, and motivate me to get out of bed each day. Plus, I'll never be alone......something I've found very hard since I got my new flat.

A happy ending :clap:, I knew Jackie would see sense :D your new kitties are gorgeous and such lustrous black coats....you have 2 cats to be proud of there I reckon, so when are they going home? :D

A happy ending indeed!

In fact, Jackie's been trying to convince me to take them since they arrived with her, but even though my heart was in complete agreement with her, my head over-ruled it and kept throwing obstacles in my way, so I refused to admit how much I wanted them. In the end, Jackie convinced my head that I should acknowledge my heart.

I'm house sitting for relatives until early October, but Jackie says she'll make arrangements to ensure they're safe until then.

I can't wait!

.....just had a thought......I hope the fact that Jill and I have the same sounding names won't cause any problems! :hihi::hihi::hihi:

.....just had a thought......I hope the fact that Jill and I have the same sounding names won't cause any problems! :hihi::hihi::hihi:

:hihi: well I guess it will be ok, I had a guinea pig called after me once hmmm :suspect: :hihi:

Oh - I'm really happy for you - congrats !!!

2 little kittens will really make your home a nice environment.

Returning to my house when the cats are in the cattery is awful - it makes me realise its just bricks and mortor. But when I see the three little monkeys coming my way, wanting their tea - the house becomes a home ! Even if one has done a stinky poo !

Hope you have lots of fun and please do post some pictures !

Oh - I'm really happy for you - congrats !!!

2 little kittens will really make your home a nice environment.

Returning to my house when the cats are in the cattery is awful - it makes me realise its just bricks and mortor. But when I see the three little monkeys coming my way, wanting their tea - the house becomes a home ! Even if one has done a stinky poo !

Hope you have lots of fun and please do post some pictures !

Thanks. I can't wait to get them home with me. It won't feel empty any more having furries there to hassle the wotsits out of me!

A couple of photos already taken: Jack & Jill (http://good-times.webshots.com/slideshow/567072515UrZLMV)

They really are lovely, the one rubbing against the door with the white nose looks really cheeky, and the other one is exactly like my first ever cat Whiskey, I hope that yours is as lovely he was the softest most loving cat ever, he was just like a baby and you could do anything with him :)

They really are lovely, the one rubbing against the door with the white nose looks really cheeky, and the other one is exactly like my first ever cat Whiskey, I hope that yours is as lovely he was the softest most loving cat ever, he was just like a baby and you could do anything with him :)

The one rubbing up against the window shutter is Jill. She has white markings on her face, whereas Jack has a completely black face.