Sorry Sketches missed out on this thread,reckon you know what my reply is likely to be....the more the merrier. Weird advice from a vet & agree with Antonia they are a pack animal,once you get more than one you will get a pack leader & it isn't always the one you think its going to be either,all of ours have their own feeding station be it in their room or out in the pen & the newest member always learn very quickly where to go & wait for their dish to be put down,I luv feeding time especially night time as it gives me a chance to give them all a special kiss & cuddle. As to neutering do it when you feel the time is right,my last two boys were over a year & it made no difference between them & the other two already neutered males as to leaving them alone when you go back to work hopefully you will have no worries about that by the time your week is up,except for when my numbers went over the three mark I never separated mine at all just let them get on with life from day one,after that I slept them separate for the first couple of nights although they were together during the day & last girl I do admit to having her in a cage in the cats bedroom at night because with the two bruvs taking over her welfare I don't think she would have had any peace....Like Steve we have the odd family difference but mostly its bliss for us to enjoy so many MC furries so look forward to seeing your new babe & pictures of Casco enjoying a new friend.....x