'I love these gals but I'm kinda overwhelmed': Well-intentioned person adopts 2 cats who turn out to be chaos machines, now wonders what he can do to stay sane and be a good pawrent to them

Author image for Mariel Ruvinsky
Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
Apr 11, 2025 10:00 AM EDT

We, here at ICanHas, are very much pro adopting bonded cat pairs. If you can, then adopting two cats instead of one doesn't only mean that you get double the love and cuddles, it also means that your cat has a friend - all the time, even when you are not at home. And that matters. But it's also not easy, especially for inexperienced cat owners. Because sure, having two cats means double the love and snuggles, but it also means double the chaos and shenanigans. And you have to be ready for that. 

The first-time cat dad in story… clearly wasn't ready. And that's okay. The intentions in adopting these two were good, and they still are, and that is what matters. Things are going to work themselves out because there is love and nothing but good intentions. We believe in you. We believe that you're going to figure out a system that works for you and for the cats, and once you do that, you're going to realize that adopting them was one of the best things that you have done in your life. That we don't need to believe. That is something that we know. 

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    "I love these gals but I'm kinda overwhelmed"

    Cheezburger Image 10490843904
    via Something_or-Other
  • 02
    New cat dad here. Grown up with cats all my life but this is my first time being the sole caretaker. These two are the sweetest pair ever but now that they've gotten settled in I feel like I'm in a constant battle with them.
    via Something_or-Other
  • 03
    They won't stop jumping up on the counters, trying to eat my food or singing the song of their people all night long. If anyone else has/ have had similar issues please help.
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  • 04
    I wanna be a good parent to these two but I can't do that if they're driving me crazy all the time
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    Cheezburger Image 10490842880
    via Unsplash / Tracy Anderson

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • Hey, you should have known. Double the cats means double the trouble. And although the transition may be a difficult one, and we totally sympathize, if we could give our two cents, we would say that it is 100% worth it. Double the chaos, sure, but it also means having double the love and double the cuddles. 

  • 06
    Rhiannon1307 Forget about the counters. I gave up that battle long ago. When I cook, I wipe the area down. As for nightly singing, are they both neutered? If not, they could be in heat. If yes, it's possible they'll adjust to your sleep pattern in a while. Mine mostly do. I mean they do get up at night and sometimes wake me up with their shenanigans, but mostly they go to sleep when I go to sleep. Lastly, those two are utterly gorgeous.
    via Rhiannon1307
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    Something_or-Other OP They were spayed about a month ago. And they know they're gorgeous all they have to do is give me the baby doll eyes and I melt
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    Cheezburger Image 10490843392
    via Unsplash / Sigmund

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

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    No_Bee_9188 I'd say take advantage of how much they love spending time with you!
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    Something_or-Other OP For real, as soon as I sit down they're on my lap. They really are the sweetest kitties ever
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    first_best_fox My cats are on the counters when I'm not food prepping. There's really no stopping them (they'll do it when you're away or asleep anyway). I wipe down counters before I start cooking, and once I'm inhabiting the kitchen, they know the counters are a no go zone. That's just from training. If I'm present in the space, they respect the rule. I'm curious about the nighttime meowing. Can you describe more what is actually happening?
    via first_best_fox
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    Something_or-Other OP They just get up around 3 and wont stop until they've been fed. And they get right in my face
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    Cheezburger Image 10490843136
    via Unsplash / Aleesha Wood - toxilicity

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • You have gotten some good advice from the kind people of the internet, and we truly believe that it is just a matter of time before you all get used to one another, and everything will be just fine. We would love an update one day, hooman, and many more pictures of this beautiful bonded pair. 

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    Valuable_Horror_7878 cat dad of 3 in a studio apartment. I hear you. I honestly think it took 3-4 months for ME to be fully settled in. Becoming a primary caretaker for the first time is freaky for sure and you're not alone. Just gotta ride it out doing the best you can and you'll get used to it.
    via Valuable_Horror_7878
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    you'll find ways to adjust. You'll just clorox-wipe the counters after theyve been up there (if that is what's bothering you about it), you'll not leave food unattended. When my girl shows interest in my food I gently pick her up and set her down on the floor.
    via Valuable_Horror_7878
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    She doesn't do it as much anymore. I would google these issues individually and see what other solutions people have had. (I've heard of people covering their counters in foil for a couple weeks and eventually the cats abandon the behavior)
    via Valuable_Horror_7878
  • 17
    what I truly sympathize with is the nighttime vocals. When you're not getting sleep it's enough to drive a person mad. I highly suggest earplugs. I wear them every night and it's just part of my life now. They are worth it. If youre in the US, CVS sells a 50-pair jar thats pretty cost effective.
    via Valuable_Horror_7878
  • 18
    good luck my friend! Don't give up. It's hard sometimes but in the end the trouble is all worth it
    via Valuable_Horror_7878
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    Cheezburger Image 10490843648
    via Unsplash / David Whipple

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 20
    Prodigal_Lemon This is going to sound weird, but when I first got my cats, I put up a long row of empty Coke cans on the edge of the counter and left them there for a month. It was awkward for me, but it made the counter visually taller to them, so
    via Prodigal_Lemon
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    they were less likely to try to jump up. If they tried to jump up, the cans fell and made a racket, and they didn't like that. They are 10 years old now and still like high places -- but they know the counter is off limits.
    via Prodigal_Lemon
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    Iron_Chic For the nighttime meowing, try playing with them for 15 minutes right before your bedtime. They are probably calling you down to play with them, so tire them out a bit before you lay down to sleep.
    via Iron_Chic
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    GeekySciMom Something that can help with the nighttime struggles is to play with them before you go to bed. Get them tired and they will (hopefully) not be as challenging at night. How old are they? Younger cats have more energy and as they age, they will calm down.
    via GeekySciMom

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