Two cats is better?

We are considering getting a cat. Will a cat be happier with companionship of 2nd cat. Is there an issue getting two cats? Does it matter if they both male or female or a mix when both are nuetered and spayed? We lost our cat and to have enough cats for everyone in family to share I thought 2 cats would be good.

Thank you for any thoughts

I've always heard it's best to have them in 'pairs'. One of the shelters vet techs tells me that - not sure why. I've only got seven......of my own!

JoJo http://home.comcast.net/~zookeepr/fosters.html

If you're in a situation where you are thinking of getting 2 cats, why not see if there are 2 cats already waiting to be adopted (who are already used to one another). It's great when 2 cats don't have to be separated! Maybe a mom and baby or 2 siblings ready for a loving home! Good luck.

Check with your local shelter. Much of the time, shelters will have 'bonded pairs' available. These are cats that likely were raised together or have lived together for a long time, and separating them can lead to depression, lack of appetite, illness, etc for the individuals. Bonded pairs usually take quite awhile to get adopted, so I'm sure your local shelter would be thrilled that you're interested in two!

A benefit of adopting a bonded pair as opposed to two cats strange to each other is that you do not have to deal with introducing the cats to each other on top of bringing them into a new home. These cats will help keep each other calm while they're learning the ropes of their new home, and they'll keep each other busy while you're occupied (sleeping or working or

Some shelters actually have cat rooms where the felines are able to interact with each other. You can adopt pairs this way too.

Even a non-bonded pair but know each other can be successful. One of the SPCA fosterers I used to know had many many foster cats in her care and even those who weren't really a 'pair' did well together. Last summer, I also found a home for two stray kitties hanging around here and while they weren't buddies (two adult males), they are amazingly bonded now. It only took a short separation period and now they are inseparable.