Why two kittens are better than one

Often, adopters question why we suggest adopting kittens in pairs if there are no other cats in the home. Here are just a few of the reasons it’s best for the adopter, and the kittens…

Courtesy of Kitten Lady

One of the most important ways we can support the behavioral and emotional development of a kitten is to make sure they’ve got a friend. Despite the common belief that cats are solitary animals, they’re actually incredibly social beings who thrive when they have feline friends from an early age. That’s why I always recommend adopting two kittens, or adopting a solo kitten only if you already have another young cat in the home for the kitten to befriend.

It may come as a surprise to hear this, but two kittens are actually half the work of one! Giving your kitten a buddy will improve the lives of the cats while also making your life easier. Here are seven ways that kitten friendships are beneficial:

Kittens learn by observation and will more quickly pick up skills like using the litter box or grooming if they have another kitten or cat to teach them.

Having a friend means they can take out their play aggression on one another (instead of on you.) They’ll also teach each other good boundaries about biting and scratching.

When your kitten has a buddy, they’ll always be entertained, active, and enriched. And a happy cat makes a happy home!

One mischievous kitten can be destructive if left alone, but two kittens tend to keep each other occupied and out of trouble.

If you have an adult cat at home, two new kittens may be easier to introduce into your family than one. While one kitten may nag an older cat, two kittens will keep each other company while the older cat watches from a distance.

Having a pal will help your kitten settle into a new home. Just like humans, kittens have an easier time feeling comfortable trying something new if they’ve got a friend to do it with them.

It’s easier to adopt a bonded pair than it is to introduce a new cat later. Adopting a dynamic duo ensures that you’ll have a harmonious home for years to come!

It’s like I always say: One kitten is half a kitten. Two kittens are a whole!

If you’re set on adopting only one kitten, I recommend doing so only if you do have another playful cat in the home already. A kitten can certainly adapt to life with a young cat, and will benefit from the feline mentorship. However, I strongly advise against adopting a solo kitten into a home with no one for them to befriend!

Want to introduce two kittens from different litters? That’s great! Kittens don’t have to be blood relatives to become best friends. Just be sure to have a quarantine period and introduce them carefully! Watch this video to learn about how to safely introduce a kitten to a critter from another litter: