You are asking the wrong person here. I would take them both and call it a day.

I did that when I went to get our cat Jake. I had fallen in love with him and when it was time to take him home the owner told me that I was going to break this other little kittens heart if I took Jake away. They had become really close and she didn't know what she was going to do with this other one. I took one look at her and there was no way I could seperate the two. I named her Lilly and to this day (8 years later) they are still inseperable.

Firemanswife - I thought about that, but 3 kittens at home is more than I have space or budget for. The owner has several cats at home, and is keeping another of the kittens, so I don't feel like one of these two girls will be lonely without the other.

Which personality is more like your cat's?

I recommend the braver, more outgoing kitten, because I believe she is the kitten who will be more compatible with your active male. My concern with the shy kitten would be that your male would almost certainly intimidate her and might even bully her. Shy cats often end up being victims of bullying by bolder, more active and self-assured cats. I know you don't want to see the shy kitten suffer that sort of fate in your household.

Better to get the bolder girl who has the confidence to handle a more active feline housemate.

Laurie

I totally understand. We have the two and as much as I love them I couldn't take in any more. I am just such a softy when it comes to kittens but I totally understand. Good luck and let us know what one you decide on and of course a name.

This is such an agonizing choice and I believe others on this board have more experience to be heeded. But it seems to me that a lively kitten may drive your dog crazy. My 14 + dog is scared to death of our almost 9 mo old kitten. The dog was like this prior to being attached by coyote. Also, we have a 3 yr old Bengal cat. These two sort of pass each other and do not even nod "hello". Not the kitten... He wants to play, tho never with claws out, and he is sweet but the other two think he is an alien from outer space. Just wanted to share this with you.

We wanted a lap cat and have struck out in choosing both of our cats. :)

I would definitely take both. Two kittens are no more trouble than one but twice the fun! You say you don't have the budget for two, but the cost is so minimal for one more that it shouldn't be a factor. There are always low-cost spay/neuter services around, and cats don't take up too much room.

And the money you would save on entertainment, with two kittens you would never want to go out!

Thanks for your responses.

Goodfun58 - I have a cat at home, not a dog. But your point is excellent that a lively kitten may drive him crazy. Or...will he find it fun and stimulating?

Michelle_Phxaz - I hear what you're saying, but I still don't think I can have 3 cats at home. I think I'll get one now, which would make 2 at home.

Annz- my cat at home is very outgoing, and believes himself to be the "king of the castle". So I am unsure whether having another outgoing cat would make a good match, or be more of a conflict. Also, my cat at home is a little older, so I am tending toward the quieter cat which could be less stressful for him. Or would the outgoing cat be a better personality match???

What about what I mentioned earlier, that someone told me that a more outgoing, less timid kitten is a sign of more robustness in health? Do you think there is a correlation? What has been your experience in health of kittens correlating to their personalities of being either outgoing vs. quiet/timid?

I love lively cats. And she will do wonders for the general health of your older boy, keeping him youthful by playing with him. It will take some time to get him adjusted to the newcomer, but they will probably be best of friends.

If you like the quieter kitten, take her to the vet (do this regardless of your choice) to check out her general health. Then you will know if there are concerns before you make a committment.

Good luck with your choice!

Make your decision when you see them again. I fostered two four week old babies two years ago for three months. I would have kept both if I lived alone but had to decide between them. The one I picked is a sweetheart, a real lap cat and big and beautiful. But in my heart I miss the other one so much. They played together for three months and loved each other. One day I wanted one, the next day the other. I picked the prettier one but still wish I had kept both..Not to be morbid but your 14 year old won't live forever..and then you'll have only two cats. It's sad but true about a cat's life span and I hope your 14 year old lives a long life but it would be fun to watch the girls grow together.

From what I know about cats is...the older the cat the less likely they are to accept change. Maybe you should introduce your older cat to the new young cat first to see if your cat is likely to accept the new addition or totally reject it. If your older cat is as active as you say and refuses to accept a new addition, that poor kitten, shy or not, will be tortured and beaten up.

I didn't even read beyond your letter, i.e. no responses, but I say "get 'em both"! Two I find now are really no harder at all than one AND they have company anytime it's needed/wanted (easier on YOUR mind!)!

Shannon, what did you decide?

I agree with the others about taking both kittens. Our Ziggy was over 10 when we added 2 kittens. There was no problem because they chased and played with each other and let him alone. If you just take the 1 kitten, believe me it will bother your old one wanting to play...this is where problems could come in.

Jan

I agree with jan2. Take both if possible. They will have each other and leave your senior cat in peace.

Interestingly enough, I once read that the quieter of your two choices will make the better cat. Note that you said it was cautious but not skittish. The more aggressive kitten may actually grow to have a very dominant personality that might cause problems (although I have to admit to the "take both" team. I brought home 2 kittens when my oldest cat was 10, and the next cat was 3. Oldest cat wanted nothing to do with any of them--she had a real "I am the queen and I am not amused" attitude. 3 year old hissed for a couple of days and then played mommy. He did the same thing when I added a 3rd cat when he was 6. I guess some cats are just more territorial or social then others.

Thanks all for your responses. Well, I made my decision, and it is to choose the quieter, more shy kitten. One thing I realized I did not mention in my OP, was that my cat did have a companion he loved dearly, but she passed. She was playful, but let him be the boss. Actually, she did what she pleased, but she was clever at letting him think he was the king of the castle.

As I mentioned, I was going to visit the two sister kittens again to decide. So, I did so, and I sat on the living room floor with them. The more outgoing one was VERY busy. My goodness, she was investigating everything, and exploring everywhere, and didn't have a hint of fear or timidity or hesitation. The only thing was, she was so busy, she didn't have any interest in me. Meanwhile, the more timid kitten was very scared the first few minutes and just didn't move. Then I took out a Cat Dancer, and got her attention. She played with it, and came out of her shell and showed how cute she could be. The more outgoing kitten was too occupied exploring everything to play with me or interact with me.

Also, to echo what Bizabet said, my senior cat at home is very much like the outgoing kitten. My cat has never shown any fear his whole life, even at the vet. And he can even be a little aggressive toward delivery people or workmen he feels are invading his "kingdom". Although now that he is senior he has mellowed, but I think it might be a conflict with the kitten who is just as outgoing and unafraid as he is. I think he would like a kitten companion he could be big brother to, and be in charge of.

I'll likely be posting back to let you know how they get along. I know that it could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for them to settle down, but I am certain I am choosing the right one.

I once had to make a pick on a litter, like yourself, it was my dads ex girlfriend, and I picked Bindi out of a litter of 6, he was much like your rejected choice of explorer walks alone type,they are right, cats that have this issue will be domanent. One thing that can make a cats/kittens temperment worse is de-clawing, do NOT do it, its a waste of $ can make your feline friend a biter and have litter box trouble, soft paws are better IMO, if and when you use a scratching post make it rough like tree bark, in fact you can save a lota money and just go out and take a dead tree branch or small dead tree and use that.

Old cats and kittens get along great, however a dominent one is a terrible choice for a older pet.

I had the same problem as you do. Lets just say I am now the proud momma of two boy kittens!!!!!