Are two better than one?

[Lorien]

pets, that is. Two dogs, two cats, two ferrets, two birds-with the exception of some species of fish, are most pets better in pairs? Newsguyatl is contemplating giving Nikko (his Russian Blue look-alike kitty) a little sister (Isis):






What are your thoughts on the single pet vs. multiple pets issue?

[flvegan]

1. Depends on the individual pet(s) and the home situation.

I think in most situations, 2 is better than 1, so long as both animals get along well. They'd have someone to play with all the time, a pal, so to speak.

[Lorien]

3. I've found that by following the Humane Society's suggestions

for introducing pets to one another (article on their website)everyone ends up getting along quite well. I know that sometimes older female cats won't accept newcomers as easily as older male cats, but they generally learn to tolerate them, even if they don't become best buddies.

My dad had a single cat for years, Pippin, who who would puke in his shoes if he went away for a week! (despite having the daily attentions of his pet sitter). Later my father got two male cats from the same litter-no such problems during vacations. I had a single cat years ago, Mishka, who would avoid me for several days after I returned from a trip, as if to say "you abandoned me-I'm not speaking to you". When I lost my kitty Peewee two years ago, my other cat, Miro, became very depressed. He walked around the house yowling all night, and was hardly eating. I got Oberon for him, and although there was the usual two week adjustment period, they are now the very best of friends-and Miro is quite content. So yes, I think that two are much better than one!

[ET Awful]

2. Yup, as long as they get along well, 2 is definitely better :)

They keep each other occupied and give each other a playmate :).

[sleepyhead]

5. And it's not that much more work.

A larger litter box, a bit more food, and another lint roller for the extra fur on the couch! The advantages far outweigh any inconvenience. I vote for 2!

[Madrone]

4. 2 is better - 3 is BEST.

imho

[BrklynLiberal]

6. I have always felt that two are better than one. They can keep each other

company when you are not at home..and watching their play is better than TV!!! Certainly true of dogs since they are pack animals.
PS. Those kitty photos are absolutley spectacular!!! They make me want to cry.

[Phentex]

20. It's pure entertainment....

the expressions on their faces, the way they interact, the sneaking up on eachother....we spend WAY too much time watching our pets! :P

[legally blonde]

7. I think 2 is better

Although it would depend on your pet. I had one cat (Manilla) for about two years before we found Morty. After about 2 weeks, they were virtually inseparable. They grooom each other and sleep next to each other--just like blood brothers. Manilla is much happier with a buddy around. :)

[newsguyatl]

8. ha, i asked nikko tonight if he wanted

a little sis -- he played it cool and didn't answer, but i could tell he was excited about the idea...

how cute is isis?! :loveya:

[Lorien]

9. Even cuter in person!

Very cute personality,too. She purrs the instant you touch her, and she's always the first one to jump in my lap when the kittens wake up. :-)

The rescue group said that they wouldn't mind sending her to Atlanta, if we could just find someone who was headed up that way. ;-)

[newsguyatl]

14. really?

wow, that would be awesome!

[radfringe]

10. I'm not the person to ask

we have 4 cats, and two dogs, plus a foster dog and we will be officially adopting another dog once the foster has been placed.

the soon to be officially adopted dog is a greyhound we fostered last october. We fell in love with her, and have regreted not adopting her at that time. But, fate may have stepped in - her family is divorcing and can't find a new place that allows dogs - so she's coming back and we're getting her....

[demnan]

11. There is possibly a downside to this

If your cats don't get along, or one is physically less agile than the other, it can be a problem as it has been with me. Lily and Pad Thai tolerate each other, but when Pad Thai is playful he is far too dominating and Lily, who is older and has arthritis can't keep up with him.

If I had been chosing, I would not have chosen Pad Thai as a cat to get along with Lily. I chose Pad Thai because he needed a home, and I was tired of my office mates shifting this sweet animal around from co-worker to co-worker. Also I had always wanted a Siamese cat from the time I was a little girl. I knew from the start it wouldn't be easy between the two. They get along most of the time now and can sleep on the same bed.

Lily went through a depressed period for a while -- she even stopped eating which scared me and I had to take her to the vet and give her medicine to stimulate her appetite to get her out of it. Loads of petting and isolating her in the bedroom from Pad Thai did the trick.

I have a friend who had a cat who went through the same thing, but she didn't take the measures I did, and the cat died.

That being said, I do think the cats enrich each others lives, even if they don't play together. And I noticed that when something bad happens (like when Pad Thai got away from me last winter and was gone all afternoon) that all he wanted was to lie on the bed near Lily for comfort.

[Eurobabe]

12. Unequivocable YES, two are best...

The adjustment period is short-lived, and esp. if the cat is alone alot, having a brother or sister is good for them.

Newsguy better take that cat, because if he doesn't, perhpas my friend who had a bad experience with the tuxedo cat will take her? Give details, how old is she, friendly, she looks beautiful and he so wants a russian blue type. Let me know soon, maybe we can get her adopted?

Edit, Keph would be perfect for my friend too, didn't realize you had two grays!

[scarlet_owl]

13. As far as ferrets go, it's a great idea.

I'm glad I have a ferret family. They all play together and sleep in a great big pile. I'm sure they are glad they have each other, too.

[iconoclastic cat]

15. Oh, yeah, at least 2.

We have a standing requirement of 5 cats in our household. No more, no less.

[Robeson]

16. I think so....

...of course there are isolated situations which it may make it difficult, but, in general, I think 2 are great. We have 2 indoor cats. Originally we had one, and were reluctant at first because we worred that she would think we were trying to replace her, or she wouldn't feel as loved. She was apprehensive initially, but after a period of adjustment, she now loves her sister. And I know they give each other companionship when my wife and I are not at home. Thats a huge plus.

And of course, on a selfish note, it is a lot of fun to watch both of them with their uniquie personalities.

[yellowdogintexas]

17. After raising this litter to the age of 2, I think 2 are better

than one. They entertain one another, and teach one another how to do cat things...not quite the same way an adult cat would, but by acting on instincts with each other.

Not to mention watching two or three kittens play together is more fun than a barrel of monkeys

[SiouxJ]

18. I think so

I came off having one dog for nearly 18 years and now I have two. I don't feel nearly as guilty when I have to leave them for a few hours as they have each other for company. When I can't be playing with them, they play with each other. They seem very happy with the arrangement.

The only drawback is the jealousy. I can't believe how jealous they get. I have to be so careful to give them everything equally - I mean EVERYTHING- attention, treats, play time, whatever. Even things they don't like (like a bath). If one gets that attention, the other one wants it too; even if it's not a fun type of attention.

[demnan]

19. Yes!

when one hears the other's name being spoken he has to run and see what attention the other cat is getting! Even if it is nail clipping or (gasp!) a quick butt sponge bath.

[Phentex]

21. We seem to have only one who's really jealous....

the male. He will bump you lightly if you are petting/loving on the other dog. And he always has to see what she's getting. The female doesn't seem to care too much.