12/20/2024
10 Reasons Why Two Kittens are better than One
The decision to adopt a kitten is an exciting event, but not to be entered into lightly. Kittens require an enormous amount of care, which, of course, is compensated by the extreme pleasure of watching them grow and develop. Sometimes, it is better to adopt two kittens, whether this is your first cat or an addition to a feline family.
Some reasons many rescues and shelters recommend adopting two kittens:
😺Reason #1:
When you adopt a bonded pair you're saving two lives instead of one! Adopting two frees up space for two more cats or kittens in need. You're giving twice as many precious Angels a second chance at a happy life!
😺Reason #2:
Kittens especially need social interaction and companionship, and paired kittens will entertain each other. When they have each other to play with they're less likely to take their boredom out on your furniture. Two kittens will never be lonely, especially if they are siblings. The kitten isn't less likely to bond to you if he has a playmate, just less likely to be destructive.
😺Reason #3:
Although it might sound contrary, an older, established cat will probably accept two kittens better than one. One kitten will seek out the older cat as a playmate, or worse, tease and pester the senior cat which can cause stress to an older cat. The kitten in return, will be "rewarded" for his playful efforts with hisses and swats. Two kittens will expend their energy in play with each other, leaving their older "uncle" to relax in peace.
😺Reason #4:
Kittens learn by copying. If one kitten is quick to learn appropriate litter box use, the other will be likely to copy. They also help each other with grooming; wash-up after meals soon becomes a ritual with two kittens.
😺Reason #5:
Even the most devoted human caregiver can quickly become exhausted by trying to keep up with the energy of a single kitten. Two kittens will wear each other out, leaving their human parent free to just enjoy watching them.
😺Reason #6:
Many people who experience behavioral problems with kittens find that some of them go away when they adopt another playmate. What may be perceived as mischief is often just the result of boredom. Much like their human counterparts, kittens sometimes misbehave because "negative attention is better than no attention."
😺Reason #7:
If one kitten is finicky about food, the belligerence is often overcome by curiosity at what its sibling is eating. (Feed one cat Same Old, the other cat New Stuff, and they both end up tasting the new stuff.)
😺Reason #8:
Kittens will often play so hard that they simply flop where they are, and more likely than not, they will flop next to (or on top of) each other. There is no sight so endearing as two kittens curled up together for a nap. Their peaceful innocence can soften the heart of even the grumpiest curmudgeon, and the sight of that blissful moment will wash clean the slate of their previous misdoings.
😺Reason #9:
And of course, they're just so much darn fun to watch!
😺Reason #10:
Two kittens who grow up together will almost always be lifelong friends. Although they will sometimes have their little squabbles (what friends don't?) you will more often see them engaging in mutual grooming, playing together, and sleeping with their best pal. If you are considering adopting a kitten, think about your best friend and consider whether you would deprive your kitten of the enrichment a friend brings to life.
