'My husband is not totally on board with becoming a 3 cat household': Pawrent adopts a shelter kitten and now struggles over whether to bring home its sibling or stop at two cats

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Sarah Brown • Writer and Editor
Aug 23, 2025 5:00 PM EDT

This pawrent has found themselves in a true catch 22: after bringing home a fluffy little kitten for their two-year-old male cat, they can't stop wondering if they should've scooped up her brother too. The siblings had been cage-mates (cue the heart-melting snooze pics), playing and snoozing together like seasoned pros. Now, with one kitten curled up in her new home and the other left behind, the pawrent is battling a serious case of feline guilt.

The paperwork says the kittens are just shy of three months old and about 2.5 pounds of pure chaos. Technically not "bonded" yet, more like litterally besties. Still, the thought of that brother alone is tugging at this pawrent's heartstrings like a cat working over the curtains. Friends are shouting, "get them both!" while the husband, playing the role of Grumpy Cat, insists, "we can't save them all."

The real dilemma? Becoming a three-cat household means extra boxes, extra fur, extra food… yet also maybe extra purrs. The internet's verdict? Adopt now, meowsplain later.

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  • 01
    I have a two year old male cat and I decided to get a kitten. My son picked one that was in a cage with its sibling. We took the girl home (picture 1). Now I'm wondering if I should have taken the brother (picture 2) home also. Picture 3 is them when they fell asleep in their cage.
    via sassafrasclementine
  • 02
    KREW OF UCKS 230621AH
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  • 03
    The paperwork says the kittens are about 2.5 pounds and just shy of 3 months old From what I read on the internet, cats aren't considered bonded at such a young age. Like they are more like just litter mates at that point?
    via sassafrasclementine
  • 04
    When I saw them together at the rescue, they played together and slept together.. but would they be doing that no matter who they were with?
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  • 05
    Cheezburger Image 10545516544
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  • 06
    But I can't help but feel really sad/depressed thinking about the one we left behind. Two of my cat loving best friends say "get them both!" My husband is not totally on board with becoming a 3 cat household and he says "we can't save them all" but he basically will be fine with whatever I decide.
    via sassafrasclementine
  • 07
    I'm unsure about becoming a 3 cat household. I'll need another litter box etc. I got the kitten from a very good rescue that is no kill so I know the brother is at least in good hands. But I don't know what to do :( Please me some advice Reddit
    via sassafrasclementine
  • 08
    DOG 23062TA
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  • 09
    areyukittenm3 He's so cute... get him! They will be adorable together.
    via areyukittenm3
  • 10
    TurboDog999 Go get the sibling. You know those babies should be kept together.
    via TurboDog999

  • Definitely get their sibling! Kittens grow up fast, but having a brother-sister duo means built-in playmates, double the cuddles, and nonstop entertainment. Keeping them together makes for the purrfect happy family.

  • 11
    Parking Tangelo_... You're the only person who can decide whether you have space and resources for a third cat. Don't guilt yourself if you decide against. But remember all you know about the brother is that he's at a responsible rescue now, not where he might end up.
    via Parking_Tangelo_6567
  • 12
    FWIW, I adopted a young adult cat and a kitten in 2014. I still regret not having brought along the kitten's litter mate. My cats have bonded, but I think it would have been awesome to see how the siblings'
    via Parking_Tangelo_6567
  • 13
    personalities matched and differed and how they looked as they grew older. At the time it felt like three would be too many, but in retrospect I wish I had done it.
    via Parking_Tangelo_6567
  • 14
    miscreantmom Two kittens, twice the cost, half the work, four times more sleep.
    via miscreantmom

  • It might cost a bit more in food, toys, and litter, but it also means double the cuteness, double the cuddles, and double the laughs. Totally worth it for twice the joy!

  • 15
    SpiritedSpecialist15 If you can afford it go get the sibling!!
    via SpiritedSpecialist15
  • 16
    xtunamilk I would always wonder if I should have gone back you have the resources, If then I think it would be great for the kittens to have a same-age playmate
    via xtunamilk
  • 17
    MonsteraObsessed Go get the other kitten! You won't regret it.
    via MonsteraObsessed
  • 18
    shakila1408 Definitely get the sibling! I think you'll always think of it if you don't. Like the other poster said adults and kittens play differently and the siblings will always have that bond Perhaps the siblings will share a litter tray? Edited for typo
    via shakila1408
  • 19
    sdawgcentral omgggg go back rn and get that sweet baby
    via sdawgcentral
  • 20
    tcookctu If you can afford it, I highly recommend getting the sibling. They're clearly already bonded and they'll have playmates. Adult cats and kittens play in very different ways. Having. two kittens means they can tire each other out.
    via tcookctu
  • 21
    Cats are very social animals. This gives them the opportunity to mingle and spend time with each other.
    via tcookctu

  • You don’t want to look back and regret not bringing the sibling home. If your heart already feels pulled, trust it. Go get the kitty and complete the duo!

  • 22
    Reasonable-Resist... Yes! They never bond with others in the same way. Go back
    via Reasonable-Resist637

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adopted feline animal shelter Cats bond siblings
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