Expert: Brandy - 1/20/2007

Question
In a few weeks I will be moving into a new home and planning to adopt 2 kittens. I'm not sure if I want to get 2 of the same sex or one male and one female. My question is is it safe to have 1 cat of each sex without them trying to mate with each other, do i have to adopt 2 from the same family in order for them to get along, and can 2 cats share a litterbox?

Answer
If you're planning to adopt two kittens of any gender from a shelter, they might include the neuter fee or a discount fee in the adoption fee. Please don't take this the wrong way, but if you are going to take in any cat (and not as a breeder), the neuter is actually going to be one of the cheapest things you can pay for during the kittens' lifetime.

Two kittens of each gender, not neutered, will mate.

Male(s) will spray, possible become aggressive.

Female(s) will go in heat, with a whole boatload of actions (calling, marking, making a mess, etc).

In my experience, it doesn't matter if the kittens are related or not, they tend to get along pretty easy with any other kitten, plus my 4 share litterboxes.

Good luck in your kitten search.