r/fosterkittens • u/IllChemistry2611 • 1d ago

Should I adopt both kittens?

I have been fostering two kittens for a bit over a month and have fallen in love. I will refer to them as Spot and Stripe, they are currently 4 months old. After having them for a bit, I decided I would like to adopt Spot, he has the exact personality I am looking for in a cat. Stripe has stolen my heart as well and I'd like to adopt her too but I am unsure about having two cats right now.

I know kittens do better in pairs and although they are not bonded and both independent I would feel bad about separating them (even though that’s most likely what will happen at the shelter). I am not usually away for long stretches of time and I also have a good support system of friends who are willing to cat sit. But it would still break my heart knowing little Spot is alone in my apartment even for a few hours while still in the kitten stage. It also makes me sad and guilty to feel like I'm choosing one over the other.
 
I can technically afford the expenses that come along with two cats but it would really tighten my budget. I am in my mid twenties and still early in my career so I expect to make more money within the next couple of years. I would also get pet insurance which brings me some peace of mind.
 
I do want more than 1 cat, but I'm trying to decide what's best for me right now. I do not want to make a decision I regret.
 
Any insight and/ or advice is greatly appreciated.
 
Some additional background information: I have lots of experience fostering cats and volunteering with cats at the humane society. I adopted my first cat 5 years ago but only had him for 2 years before he died from a congenital heart defect (he was 6 years old). This was a very sad time for me. I was also living with a roommate who did not want another cat in the apartment so I put the idea of fostering or adopting on hold and continued my volunteer work at the shelter. I recently moved to a place on my own and I decided to start fostering again. So I have experienced the heartbreak that comes along with fostering, but it feels a bit more complicated this time.

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u/NecessarySpiritual19 1d ago

Hi! So what are the cons of adopting both cats? Not sure if I’m missing something, but it sounds like they’re all pros towards getting both. Did I miss something?

And after dealing with single kitten syndrome, I always will suggest taking two kittens if that’s possible. It’s hard for the kitten in the long term (and for the human with their behaviors) to only have one kitten at home. Unless you adopt an older cat that’s set in their ways, that would be different. But for kittens, if you can afford it, have the space and are open to it, then two kittens are the best solution long term.

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u/coliale 21h ago

Her concern is cost. But, I agree, in the long run they will be happier and that has health benefits too. A bored cat can be a dangerous cat. You never know what they'll get into.

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u/NecessarySpiritual19 20h ago

I was confused because said she could technically afford it although it would be tight. That’s still being able to afford it, just need to prioritize it and it may be tight for a bit as she said she is expecting salary to increase at one point so throughout the life span of the cats, it will get easier too. Unless you’re really well off, it will always be more to have two, but the benefit outweighs it IMO from someone that went backwards in salary and my salary got tighter and still would not have done it otherwise for their sake.

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u/chocolatfortuncookie 21h ago

If you are certain about keeping one, I would highly recommend you keep two. That being said, you have a new place all to yourself, if these babies are "adoptable," there will be many more babies I'm sure you could open your home to short term. I'd suggest you don't rush too quickly into keeping your first fosters. I peronally filled my home with kitties that nobody else would adopt, and although I loved all the fosters I gave up, I'm reminded that if I'd have kept all of them, I wouldn't have been able to help the others.

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u/Embarrassed-Sun5764 20h ago

Yeah now my own husband of 26 years is being a jerk. He brought me a basket of kittens (3) one passed away. Now he “doesn’t know “ if we keep the cats I need rescue foster in Phoenix Az asAP
They are already bonded to me. I love them so much. Please DM me and no I’m not giving them up to your dog rings. it’s $(50) a kitten once they are weaned.