Kittens in Pairs - Why 2 is better than 1!

TWICE THE FUN!

Most cats, despite their age, are highly social and are happier living with other cat companions. This makes them better pets, resulting in happier owners. Kittens are no exception.

• Healthy Social Development: A kitten learns a lot in the first several months of life from its mother and littermates. Separating a kitten from its mother is often a necessity for adoption purposes, but removing access to littermates can delay the kitten's development emotionally, socially, and sometimes physically. Kittens that remain with one of their littermates or a similarly-aged companion tend to be healthier and happier.

• Humans vs. Kittens: Even if a person is fortunate enough to be home quite a bit, the amount of attention a lone kitten will demand is likely to occupy more time than the person has available or wants to devote. A pair of kittens does not decrease the interaction with people, but it does provide a playmate 24 hours a day. Most cats, regardless of their age, are highly sociable and are truly happier living with other cat companions. This in turn makes them better pets.

• Curiosity & Stimulation: Out of boredom, a single kitten will often entertain itself in unhealthy way; chewing plants, climbing drapes & furniture, unrolling toilet paper, exploring electrical cords and sockets. Kittens that live with other kittens may sometimes do these things as well, but if they have another kitten to wrestle, chase, play, nap and explore, they are less likely to develop destructive and dangerous behaviors.

• Biting and Wrestling: You can't prevent a kitten from doing what comes naturally; they are toddlers/teenagers. While it is not acceptable to wrestle or bite their human, kittens with a playmate direct that behaviour towards their feline friend and away from their owner. Kittens also correct each other and teach each other when they have become too rough.

• Nocturnal Energy: A single kitten is likely to keep you awake at night with jumping, pouncing, and other 'hunting' behaviors. With a companion to play with at night, the impact of this behavior is minimized. Kittens will have each other to chase and play games with until they too fall asleep.

• Single Kittens / Older Cats: Kittens have boundless energy. They want to play and run constantly which can overwelm or annoy an older cat. Likewise, a kitten is apt to be frustrated that its companion doesn't have its same level of energy. At the very least, this can lead to two very unhappy cats. At worst, behavior problems such as litter box avoidance or destructive scratching can occur as one or both cats act out their frustrations on their surroundings. It's not likely that the two will have a close, bonded relationship, even after the kitten matures, since their experiences with one another from the beginning of the relationship are likely to be negative. an older kitty is better matched with a cat closer to it own age in temperment.