Kittens are pure evil
It’s been my personal experience that a cat’s best friend and playmate is a dog.
Even if there is a bit of friction at first, eventually they will become friends and partners in crime.
Both of my last two cats, one of which I have now, have been a bit feisty, will occasionally bite and such, bu they have both gotten along great with the two German Shepherds I have had.
Advice about cats needed here.
I’ve had mixed aged cats (2) always. I think it’s only an issue if the older cat is a dominant male (which isn’t the case here).
That said, the opportunity to adopt a sibling should trump everything else, imo.
I have a little (six pound) male cat. We got a kitten that grew into a 22 pound mountain of muscle. He would knock the other cat flying without even trying. We had to find him a new home.
I think it is the personalities more than whether they are related or differ in age. Was the older cat an “only” cat? If so, it might be hesitant about sharing or get jealous. Is there a littermate in particular that your kitten seemed to get on well with? Do you have the opportunity to introduce the two cats? (Although you cannot always tell, they might start hating and wind up loving.) Unlike dogs who crave companionship, once they are past kittenhood, most cats just do their own thing!
Who the hell knows? I’ve had cats all my life, you might as well adopt Schrödinger’s cat, for all I know. Just understand, they own you, adjust.
I had litter mates when my kittens adopted me, many years ago. But they were both males, so there may be a difference. They got along great. When I had to put down the first, however, the second didn’t last a lot longer.
A couple months ago we adopted a a now 9 month old kitten with issues...afraid to be picked up...but once we catch him he is happy...anyhow...we have a 4 yr old male cat and 14 yr old Dog. He loves them even though Boo cat still hisses and slugs him occasionally because hes too friendly. Was great with dog until he kept rubbing against her too much and she tried for a bite...keeps his distance now. Bottomline....who knows although I think I’d lean toward older female because of daytime rooming...2 kittens can get wild.
Get a litter mate, or they’ll never get along.
Our older cat is 7 now — a very pretty torty and quite sedate. She’s aloof and normally a loner, but likes to sit on my wife’s chest to be petted during TV time.
Our younger guy is almost two now and has always been energetic. He’s the more friendly of the two.
The big problem is he chases and attacks the older girl. She runs to hide and rarely defends herself or swats him. I feel so sorry for her trying to get away from him. In the backyard, he’ll even chase her back and forth across the lawn.
Bottom line—I’d be wary of a matchup like this. I’m not sure how you would be able to predict compatibility in advance, though.
We’ve had success with both siblings and mamas adopting other cats’ kittens and raising them to become lifelong companions.
one thing we strongly agree with is how much happier most cats are to have cat companionship.... plus they play together and its loads of fun for their servants (oops, owners)
If you can select one you think will work well and test it, bring it home for a visit... (give it a few days, first introductions can be bumpy as there’s a natural territoriality)...
if they’ll let you test-run a cat, that would be very nice indeed.
best,
Will they let you take the older cat on trial? It will probably be perfectly fine. But if they will let you try it out first, go for that.
If someone is home a lot you do not need another cat. If Leroy will be alone a lot go for the older cat.
I’ve generally had pairs of cats which were 2 years apart in age. Made absolutely NO difference; they ended up the best of friends, always playing with each other, sleeping near one another, etc. It is beneficial for the kitten to have a pal, whether it’s a litter mate or a slightly older cat. Just make sure to take your time with introductions. Best to keep them in separate rooms and let them smell each other with the old “paws under the door” maneuver. When they seem calm about each other’s presence, apply a little vanilla extract on their noses and let them meet each other under your supervision. If they seem OK, you’ve got it made. If they don’t, give them more time in separate rooms.
Get the female who has already had kids. She will be tolerant of the younger boy. But, she will also put him in his place when needed. She will know the difference.
I have raised cats for more than forty years. Mostly homeless who wander in, all ages. House rule is everyone gets along and they do. He might like a mom figure around or he may have a favorite buddy sibling, most do. Currently i have siblings and unrelated in my brood of seven. I am never without love or company. Kittens play together to develop self protection skills, it is nothing to worry about. Perhaps the container was too small. I don’t worry unless I see the fur flying and even that is usually a momentary dust up. Don’t be overly concerned over hissing at first, it is normal for them not to hit it off immediately, although that happens. And my mother cats growls at anyone, even her now five year old kittens, who get near her face. Think of what works for you. Mom will teach him socialization and hunting skills, manners, litter box etiquette. I think you are overly concerned. Just get them fixed and they should be fine. Good luck!
Jack Daniels or vodka in its drinking water. It’ll either go nuts or sleep for two weeks.
We live on a farm with a BIG barn and everyone seems to think we need another mouser. Cats get dumped here every year and we keep them all “til death do us part”. We currently have a “herd” of 37 but have had many others over the years. Our oldest is 16 and youngest is around 8 months. Some get along very well and others tolerate the others’ presence.
Personalities are a major factor. It sounds like your kitten’s littermates are a rowdy crew. Could be a wrecking crew. LOL!
The female you mentioned isn’t much older than Leroy. Is she an active, outgoing girlie? Or is she quiet or timid? If the outgoing type, you might be better off getting her. That would be my first choice. Better chance of harmony in the household over all. If she’s the timid type, life for her could be an unhappy one. That would make the case for getting one of Leroy’s brothers.
I’m just thinking what I would do in your place, and that’s how I’d make my choices. It’s worked so far in the 60+ years I’ve been owned by kittehs. :-)