I'm looking for some advice on adopting one or more cats or kittens.
I live in a 35 square metre flat without a garden. After doing a lot of research, many people seem to agree that as long as you look after your pet well and meet their needs, there's no problem with a cat living in a flat.
However, some people think it's better to adopt two cats so they can grow up together, and I think that's a better idea too because if I have to be out for the day, they'll have each other for company. They can play together, and if I ever have to move house, they’ll probably feel more secure and less stressed being a pair. My worry is that 35 square metres might be too small for two cats, and that they won't have enough of 'their own territory'.
What do you think? Is it big enough for two cats? Or is it better to just adopt one?
If I can adopt two, I was thinking of getting two from the same litter so they already know each other. Is that a good idea? If so, would you recommend two males, two females, or one of each?
Thanks a lot for your help and any advice.
Holly
Translated from French
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Hi,
Actually, it’s not so much the floor space of the flat that matters, but the layout. Having several high spots where the cat can perch and, if possible, a view outside (like a tree near a window) is key.
Also, yes, it’s been proven that two siblings from the same litter get on better, BUT only if you pick two kittens who already like each other! Even within the same litter, you can get some who just don’t click.
As for their sex, some studies suggest that a male and a female are more likely to get along well. The reason is that a male (whether neutered or not) has a certain instinctive inhibition about attacking a female or a kitten. Generally, the really big scraps happen between cats of the same sex. But of course, you can find males who are the best of mates, and the same for females.
Whatever you do, make sure to get kittens that have never been outside and have spent three months with their mum; this is vital for them to be well-adjusted in the future.
I have three indoor cats in a flat, all neutered before they were six months old, with five cat trees and plenty of long play sessions with me. Everything goes perfectly.
This is just my personal opinion, as I know others might disagree. I’ve found that males tend to get on better with each other and females with each other, but that’s just based on my own experience.
Thanks for your reply,
Of course, they’d have a cat tree and access to the furniture.
As for getting littermates, I figured that if they’ve lived together since birth, it would be easier and there’d be a better chance of them getting on.
Do you think two males or two females would get on better, or does the sex of the kittens not really matter?
Personally, I think two cats in a 35-square-metre flat is perfectly fine. You have to remember it’s not the floor space that matters as much as the vertical levels you can offer them. Cats love being up high, so you shouldn't ban them from the furniture or the table; a big cat tree in front of a window is the best thing for them.
As for adopting siblings, I’m probably not much help as I’ve seen both sides of it. I adopted a brother and sister from the same litter who got on brilliantly—they were always glued to each other. Then I got another pair, but not from the same litter (a year apart), and it’s constant bickering. The male pesters the female, and if he’s not doing it, she’s the one looking for a scrap. A friend of mine got a male and female from the same litter and ended up really regretting it because they didn’t get on at all. So, I’d say it’s a bit of a lottery.
One thing though: make sure you get them neutered very early, otherwise you’ll end up with ten cats in that small space! 😉
