One cat versus two??

Question
Hello.  We are in the process of adopting a male kitten from a shelter (10 weeks old).  We own two dogs, and have owned dogs all of our lives, but are fairly new and inexperienced at cats.  We are contemplating adopting a second male kitten from another litter for a playmate (he is 8 weeks old).  Both cats will be neutered. I have some concerns that I wonder if you could address.

1.)  Is there a problem owning two male cats?  Will they fight or be more aggressive?  Are they more likely to be territorial and spray than a male/female combo?

2.)  Is it true that the cats will be much less likely to bond and be affectionate with us if they have each other?

3.)  Lastly, what is the deal with male cats spraying?  Is it a guarantee that they will not do this if I neuter him?  Why would they do this?  What, if anything, can I do to prevent this from happening?

I appreciate any thoughts you can provide.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Jillian

Answer
Hi Jillian!

It is great that you want a friend for your new kitten. I am all for 2 (or more) cats! A cat NEEDS a friend to provide the things that a human can not. They have someone to cuddle with, play kitty-games with, chase around, rough-house with, and have for company when humans aren't home.

Some male cats never have a problem together. Others will have territorial issues later in life (but nothing serious, just one is usually more dominant). It all depends on the cat's individual personalities. Even brothers can have the same issues. Males have a tendancy to play fight rougher than females, though I have a female that will whip any male's butt!

I have 3 males that don't have a fighting bone in their body and are very peaceful. I have 2 males that are jealous of each other and have 'words' often (but nothing serious). And one of those is jealous of one of the peaceful males and will constantly chase him. But they all live and eat together. They are like people with their different attitudes.

No, it's not true that they won't bond or be as affectionate with you if they have each other. It is a diffent kind of 'love' that they have for humans...the love of attention and the love of food!

Some cats won't be affectionate with humans at all unless they want to. Again, it all depends on the cat, and also on how much attention and affection they  got before 7 weeks old.

As for spraying. some male cats (neutered) will and some won't. Outside males have a tendancy to spray more than an inside male would. But there is not a 'tom-cat' odor to it at all. Mine are inside-outside and they know they are in 'deep trouble' if they spray inside! It is an instinctive male territory thing. Even though males are fixed they still sometimes have that 'male mentality'.
Supposedly, if you get them fixed early, before they start to spray, that they won't do it. Most of the time it's true, but not always.

It will take about 2 weeks for the new kittens to get used to each other. Don't worry about hissing and slapping, that is normal. They are just getting used to each other. Try to feed them together and play with them together (a laser light is great and so is pulling a shoestring around). Making them inter-act together helps.

Don't worry, they will be fine and happy and part of the family in no time.

Carol