It’s important to decide before you get to the shelter (if you’re adopting a kitten) whether you are going to be adopting one or two kittens and not just to do it in the heat of the moment. You should keep the following in mind when you decide on one or two kittens:
Affordability
The same as you would do if you were just going to adopt one kitten, make a budget of the expenses that two kittens (and adult cats) will entail. This includes food and litter, but also vaccinations and deworming as necessary. And keep in mind that you will either need to have pet insurance for their veterinary costs, or be able to afford the vet bills of two cats.
Environment
You also need to take your environment — and the space you have available — into account. Will there be enough space for two adult cats to live comfortably? Of course, you can always get them a cat enclosure to keep them safe outside!
If you are living in a rental property, you also need to have permission to have a cat. Places like the RSPCA also needs to see your rental agreement where it states in writing that you are allowed pets. They may also want to do an inspection of your property just to be 100% sure you’ll be the Perfect Parent.

Deciding on which two kittens
Deciding which of the kittens (because, unfortunately, you can’t take all of the kittens) to take home can be the most difficult part. The best idea is to choose either two litter mates, or two kittens who already have formed a bond (at the shelter, for instance) even if they are not litter mates. That will ensure that they are already used to each other and you know that they already get along.
The pros of getting two kittens
Now that the practicalities of keeping the kittens are out of the way, here are reasons why getting two kittens, rather than one, is a good idea.

• Not only is it double the fluff, it’s also double the fun — for you and the kittens. Plus, you won’t have to worry that you’re not playing enough with your kitten, as a pair of kittens will play with each other as much as they want.

• If you are away from home for many hours every day, your kitten could be getting restless and bored, especially if there are no other pets — or pets of a similar age — in the home. Having a playmate will ensure that this doesn’t happen.

• If you already have a senior cat, it’s better to get two kittens in order for them to keep themselves occupied without driving the senior one up the walls. Your kitten will also not be left entirely alone when it’s your senior’s time to go; there will already be someone for support while they mourn their companion.

• Kittens also learn a lot from one another — from the way to greet another cat, to asking to play, and much more. They really are “copy cats” when it comes to behaviour. So instilling good behaviour will be easier when they copy each other.

• Having two kittens may even help picky eaters to eat what their sibling is eating, even if they didn’t want to at first. The curiosity will just be too great!

Getting two kittens mean that they can learn from each other, keep each other company and simply play together.
A final reason why many people decide on rather adopting two kittens, is that it means all of the above and they get to save a life at the shelter, as not all kitties are lucky enough to be able to get a new home once they end up in the local shelter.

Photo by René Peters on Unsplash.