This is a question we get asked a lot. Despite the common belief that cats prefer to be solitary, they are actual quite social and thrive when they have feline friends from an early age. Because of this, two kittens are actually half the work of one! Here are some of the reasons why.

 

1. Kittens learn a lot in the early months of their life. At first they learn basic skills such as grooming and using the litter box from their mom and siblings. When adopted with a littermate or similar age kitten, this process can continue to help them learn more and improve their skills.

2. Kittens like to play…a lot! Having another kitten to wrestle and play with gives them a positive outlet to that playful energy. It also helps them to learn boundaries in regards to biting and scratching. They learn from each other that such can hurt and therefore are less likely to do so in their normal daily lives.

3. Kittens are curious little ones who need stimulation and entertainment. Without a companion, this can often lead to mischievous behavior. With a friend, they are more likely to keep each other entertained in a positive way and therefore out of trouble. This is especially helpful during the hours you are away from home or trying to sleep.

4. When there is an older cat at home already, a single young kitten is often overwhelming to your existing cat. Kittens like children often have a lot more energy than their adult counterparts. Having a second kitten gives them a playmate so that they are not overwhelming and irritating your current cat.

5. Having a littermate is even more beneficial due to the connection they have already made. Littermates are already familiar with each other and good friends. This is especially helpful when they first go to their new home. While everything else in their world is changing, they still have their friend and sibling there to anchor them and help them to adjust. 

 

For these reasons, we have adopted the policy of adopting our youngest kittens out in pairs, especially if a littermate is available or they are already bonded to another. The happier the kittens are, the better they do in their new home which also helps their people to be happier with them as pets. Our ultimate goal is to find all the animals in our care a home that best suits their needs and this practice is just one of the ways we aim to do so. 

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Interested in learning more? Check out kitten expert Hannah Shaw's (aka Kitten Lady) site highlighting the benefits online at http://www.kittenlady.org/twokittens.