(no subject)

[seventhe]

First of all, I want to send jennyclarinet a gigantic hug over the loss of her darling cat of almost 20 years. I am so sorry and I can't even write this post without thinking of you and Mushy.

This is a post for cat owners, especially those who own multiple cats.

I've always wanted more cats. To tell the truth, I want a dog too (we are both dog lovers) but until I (a) get a job that doesn't work 10-hour days and (b) a lifestyle that doesn't require me to be gone for 14-hour stretches at a time while (c) at least a 25-minute drive from my house which (d) doesn't have a lawn or yard worth speaking of and also (e) I travel a lot – it's nowhere near fair to any dog in the known universe for me to even think about adopting. The odds: they are against me. However, cats don't need as much attention, and I still have room in my life and love in my heart for as many animals as I can cram in there.

I finally convinced Jeff to at least consider getting another kitten. The problem: Jeff's mildly allergic, and sporadically, too. He's lived with Rydia for over two years now without any problems, but when we go visit our parents, he gets sniffly and stuffed up after a night or two. He isn't as bad as my brother's fiancée, who puffs up and explodes when in the vicinity of a cat, but he's still allergic, and from someone whose sinuses are allergic to pretty much all of nature, I can understand how irritating it is. So the first stipulation he asked for was that we'd have to find a cat or kitten like Rydia, one that wouldn't make him stuffy and sneezy. (No, he isn't willing to take allergy meds for the next 15-20 years of his life, and honestly, I can't blame him.) Yes, I am willing to clean, but cleaning can only do so much.

We discussed how in the world we'd be able to tell (I suggested the "Sniff Test," where he basically shoved his face into a kitten and breathed, which is really the best bet – and I think he thought I just wanted to see him rubbing kittens on his face), and in the end decided that we would only take a kitten if we had the opportunity to do a "trial run" with it – i.e. we could send it back and give it another chance at a good home if he ended up being intolerantly allergic to it. As most shelters I've heard of will do that, especially if you already have a pet and are facing the chance they won't get along.

Jeff and I have the opportunity to give some homeless kittens a home. Jeff's sister's boyfriend's sister and husband (seven steps to Kevin Bacon?) took in a stray who had kittens. There are four of them; two are spoken for, and two young boy kittens remain. We went to see them yesterday, thinking we'd just get one – but of course, now, I am thinking of getting both. Sorry, but I fall in love, hard.

I've read a lot of literature on adopting kittens, and the common advice is that getting two kittens together can actually be easier, especially if you already have an older cat in the household; they play with each other, rather than wearing out the older cat (and the humans!), which makes the transition easier on everyone. I have no problem getting them both; I'd love to have them.

The problem is, of course, that kittens grow up to be cats. So the first of my questions to multi-cat owners are about that: how messy are three cats? How much work are three cats? Comparing three to two vs two to one? Seriously, how much mess and hair am I facing? Am I going to be vacuuming all the time, because really, I am willing to do some cleaning but I don't have tons of time in my schedule for, like, a twice-a-day dusting. This is also of course related to Jeff's allergies: am I ruining it before I even begin by bringing in two new cats to make him doubly sneezy and me doubly overworked with cleaning? Would one be a better bet?

Second set of questions: I do know a fair bit about integrating cats, and New Cat vs Old Cat (I volunteered at a shelter when I lived in DE where we had to go through some training), but obviously if anyone has advice about adopting kittens (single or a pair) with an older established cat, I'm all ears, especially if it involves really cute stories. Are they really less work in pairs? Would it really be easier on Rydia? Should I go back to considering only one?

My third set of questions is rhetorical, because it involves what happens if this doesn't work out. I'm not convinced that it's even fair for me to take these kitties on a trial run, if there's a chance we'll have to give them back. But other than a trial run, I don't know how to find a cat Jeff isn't allergic to – I want to adopt, not buy (I know you can buy hypoallergenic breeds, but that defeats the purpose of adopting). If I take them and it doesn't work out, I'm willing to try to find good homes for them, but it still worries me – I'd hate to have to send them to a shelter; it would break my heart.

I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing for these cats – I know I'm giving them a chance at a good home, which seems right; but I can't guarantee it, which is where I start to feel bad.


Aughhhhhhhh I think too hard. I should just get the kittens, right? RIGHT???

Comments

[crankyoldman]

I grew up with two large cats that shed enough for three; it's not too bad at all. You just need to find where they like to nest and make sure to clean that up once in a while. Having blankets/pillows helps; less vacuuming, just throw it in the wash!

Kittens do come best in packs, I've noticed. The two I had for a brief time kept each other entertained, and once they got used to me were quite adorable shoulder kitties while I did my homework.

Though, that's the one thing about kittens especially; they are a tad more clingy than older cats I've noticed. They are just babies, after all.

And I am allergic to cats and dogs and have always lived with them; best thing to do is have one off-limits to kitties space in the house for a retreat and you should be fine. I get sneezy for the first day or two back home, but I get used to it; this is prolly why Jeff is allergic to other kitties, his nose just isn't used to them yet.

But those are my two cents!

[seventhe]

This is good to know for a few reasons... First, the bedroom is entirely kitty-free and will remain that way. Second, it makes sense why jeff might not be allergic to Rydia, if he has gotten used to her.

Third, I want kitties.

[crankyoldman]

Oh good, yes, kitty-free bedroom is the best. I always had the worst attacks in the morning because my pillow was covered in cat hair and I'd be breathing that in all night--after moving out and moving back in home however they've kept my room cat-free and put in an air purifier... made all the difference.

[whitemage]

I've lived with both 2 and 3 cats, and multiple cats period is about the same amount of work: if you have 2+ you have 100. XD

No, no, it's really not terribly. Multiple litterboxes helps, if you have room and can get the cats to USE them. *glares at Pixie the 2nd cat, who MUST share EVERYTHING with older cat*

As far as pet hair, we've had the best luck keeping it swept up with this new Shark brand pet hair thingie, which is like a special Dust Buster. Since it's a handheld, it's easier to bring out for frequent cleaning (if you keep it charged. Urk.) But, obviously, this is not a necessity, and we would not have it at all, except gadget purchases get the paladin to clean more often. *knows how her man works, and uses this*

If you're able to trial run as you're thinking, my advice is to go ahead and do it. With beings like that, you just won't know until you try. = )

And, I wish you the best. <3

[divka.livejournal.com]

I have never had three cats. But I do know that I react more strongly to allergens in other people's cats rather than my own.

My understanding, though, is that this varies by person--some people desensitize to their own cat's allergens and some never do, or get worse. I know there's some scientific literature out there somewhere, but I'm too lazy to find a citation.

*shrugs*

[safety-caesars.livejournal.com]

I WAS EXPECTING PICTURES TO BE ACCOMPANYING THIS POST.

I AM DISAPPOINTED.

Anyway, I think it's good to do the trial run with the kittens anyhow. If you don't take them now, they'll just have to go to someone else or a shelter anyway, right? So you're giving them the chance of living with you, and if it doesn't work out, then you can put up an ad somewhere advertising the kittens to a good home!

I've never had more than 1 cat at a time (...yet) so I don't know about the multi-cat cleaning situation, but I would definitely think that they'd be more easily entertained by themselves if there are two of them. Plus then they might be less inclined to bother Rydia ^^

P.S. KITTENS!!!!!!! 8D

[ovo-lexa.livejournal.com]

Aughhhhhhhh I think too hard. I should just get the kittens, right? RIGHT???

Yes.

As a 3-Cat Owner: Litterbox is scooped once a day; cleaned once a week. Shedding can be circumvented really well by brushing (even on shorthairs) on a regular basis. Heavy dander is usually a sign that something is amiss in the health department. Not related to allergies: My cats grudgingly tolerate each other (except the youngest, who is stupidly oblivious), so if you can get two that get along from the get-go, I would advise doing that.

... ... also, pictures of cute furballs at all? <_<

[drakonlily.livejournal.com]

Or you could take this big black cat my mom's boyfriend needs to unload!! j/k!!!

I've only ever had one kitty at a time, but I do own two dogs. I find that older animals get along really well. Elena and Saul adjusted to each other wonderfully and when Saul saw how Elena treated Vader he just followed her lead.

My friends have multiple kittehs however (4) and their house doesn't smell like cat ass. They use two litter boxes, and clean them on cycles so every other day they clean a catbox, but not both. They have three short hair and a long hair. They introduced them all as cats, however, not babies. I think they had the first as a wee one and then got another slightly younger than it when it grew up and the last two they fell in love with despite being like... teenage kitties.

There WILL be fights between animals when they are introduced. Period. You really won't know how well it's doing until at least a month or two have passed. Just like people, animals have different adjusting times.

We've had Saul since about February and I think it took him about 4 months to completely relax. Of course, he was abused and kittens won't have issues.

Good luck, whatever you choose to do!

[churched.livejournal.com]

We've very recently become a two cat household (my aunt and uncle had a cat... yeah) so I can say that while there is double the shedding and double the amount of kitty litter kicked on the floor, it takes about the same amount of time to clean up as it did before, when we had only one cat.

[ifotismeni]

people often get used to their own cats. my dad is also allergic to all of nature but he has always managed to cope with a cat or two in our house.

when you're talking 3 cats though, while the litter might not be that much worse, the hair will be an issue. when we had two cats that was about as much as we could bear but my parents like a spotless home so even one cat for them is hard, haha.

[irish-ais.livejournal.com]

Well, you're aware that I have two large, extremely furry cats; my brother is allergic to them, but doesn't seem to have a lot of problems (probably because he's used to their particular dander, which seems to be Jeff's case with Rydia.) The litter boxes get cleaned daily (and I insist upon boxes for multiple cats, because they get super territorial super quickly in regards to where they poo). Vacuuming occurs a couple of times a week, but we pick up a lot of hair, so be prepared, especially with someone with allergies, to be vacuuming several times a week (every day probably isn't necessary, and you might traumatize the cats, but seriously, what good is the light on a vacuum cleaner if not for scaring cats? :3)

You'll also have to consider feeding; Rydia might respond to multiple servings of cat food as a bonus treat for her and scarf them all up, leaving the kittens nothing. On the other hand, she might share. Put food in different dishes just to be on the safe side for a while (mine eat off the same plate, but they pretty much grew up with each other, so they know to share. Sort of. Simba's kind of a pig.)

There are a lot of cat-scent removal sprays that you can buy to mist your furniture with, so at least Jeff won't be dying every time he sits on the couch or something. There's also Cat Attract litter, which I HIGHLY recommend, as for some reason, Simba required litter box retraining after there was bathroom construction in the basement, and he's fourteen. That litter works, and there's also a Kitten Attract, I believe.

Rydia's probably going to get defensive and jealous of the kittens at first, so gradually introduce them to one another (bring one kitten over at a time; you'll also definitely have to keep them separated for a while, so the kittens can acclimate). If more than one cat is in the room, someone should be in there at all times to watch them while they're getting to know each other-- the separation thing is probably going to be necessary when you guys are at work. Putting the new cats in the bathroom or something while you're away will do for a while.

It's totally worth the work for multiple cats, because then you know that once they get along with each other, they're never left by themselves. Just my, like, fifty cents, haha. I've done both the single cat thing and the multi-cat thing, so if you have questions, fire away.

JUST GET THE KITTENS OMG AND POST PICTURES.

[owlmoose.livejournal.com]

As others have indicated, I have found that the difference between cleaning up after two cats as compared to one is minimal. (Two is the most I've ever had.) I've never introduced a new cat into a household with an existing cat, but it sounds like you're up on the same research that I am.

Pretty much everyone I have ever known with cat allergies gets used to the cats they live with. I used to have a boyfriend who was highly allergic, and when we lived together he was adamantly opposed to having a cat in the house. Not long after we broke up, his housemate got a cat -- a long-haired cat who most of his cat-allergic friends complain about -- and my ex got used to him within a couple of months, no problem. There are probably exceptions, but they seem rare.

So yes, less thinking, more kitties. :) Pictures?

[jennyclarinet.livejournal.com]

Thanks for mentioning my precious Mushy. Time is definitely healing. Today was the first day I didn't cry, although I do keep thinking that I see or hear him throughout the house.

3 cats seems like a lot, but I know it's manageable. It's too bad you don't know my friend Becky-she worked at a shelter for a year and now has 3 cats. She absolutely adores them all. The trial run sounds like a good idea to me-you won't get overly attached to them, so if you have to give them back, it won't be so traumatic.

[lassarina]

GET MORE KITTENS.

I can't speak to the allergy problem, but I don't think Zelda has added particular cleanup efforts to my day; I second the suggestion of multiple litter boxes. I don't have enough room in my place for the (# of cats + 1) litterbox rule, but they seem to get along all right with two as long as I scoop it often (once every 1-2 days). As for shedding, well, Ganon still sheds everywhere, but brushing does help a lot.

In terms of litter, btw, my mom's kittens adore Kitten Attract as Jana mentioned, and for my cats, Fresh Step is actually the best. (I tried Tidy Cats. That didn't go over so well - it's not great at clumping even though it says it does, so the box is perpetually full of little bits of dirty litter.)

KITTENS EEEEEEEEE.

[salarta.livejournal.com]

HOW'S GETTING THOSE KITTENS GONNA HELP YOUR PUTTIN?

[aesriella.livejournal.com]

Okay, so, this should be prefaced slightly by the fact that as I live in a house in a area of England with a low population density and a reasonably-sized garden, my perspective on litter/cleanup may be a little different from what you need if you're having housecats who need to crap indoors.

I had three cats for a period of about two years, in a different ratio to your situation; we had Fred and Ginger from the time I was one year old up until last Christmas when they both passed away. They both came from a pet store and were, technically 'brother and sister', but the shop was like a shelter in many ways and Evie was 'rescued' about two years ago, when the older two were 15, I think. Hair production, I've found, really depends on the cat; both Ginger and Evie had very dense, velvety fur which meant they shed quite a lot in the summer, but Fred hardly dropped any. As for 3 vs 2, there wasn't a great deal of difference shedding-wise for us. We vacuum only once every two weeks or so and aren't particularly house-proud, and you *will* find cat hair on the settee/clothes Eve especially likes to sleep on, but there aren't clouds of it. Having said that, I used to give one of my school friends an allergic reaction just by standing next to her, because Ginger liked to nest in my jumper, but she was very strongly allergic, and that was while we still only had two. In the end, I don't think the hair problem is any better or worse between one or three cats, unless you happened to have a serious shedder, which you should be able to tell within about half an hour of playing with the kittens. Evie used a litter tray in the shelter and when she was a kitten, but she hated not being private; all three of our cats peed outside pretty much up until the point when Ginger couldn't walk any more.

As for integrating the cats, we didn’t really have any problems even though the age gap was huge. Fred just ignored Evie and she and Ginger used to playfight with each other in a way that actually gave my old lady cat a new lease of life; the kitten made her far more energetic. The only thing to say about introducing young cats to older ones is that you’re best not to take the kittens in when they’re really small; I think Eve was probably about 8 months old, maybe, when we got her? I forget, but the point is the shelter wanted us to take an older kitten rather than a tiny furry baby cat. Our cats in the end ate from separate bowls, but that was mainly because they all liked different things, and we didn’t have problems with bullying.

I guess the way to sum up is to say that having three cats meant that our house always felt alive and busy, but it wasn’t crowded or chaotic, even with all four of us at home. In the end it all comes down to the personalities of the cats involved, but we didn’t see much of a difference in cost/clean up between having two and having three.