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.
Your kittens might enjoy having an affectionate grooming and napping partner. As well as having someone to play with and learn from, siblings can also offer affection to each other. By rehoming in pairs, your new kitten will have someone to clean or to clean them as well as someone to cuddle during nap time.
Pairs are Happier
Despite their independent natures, cats are social creatures that need companionship to thrive. Left alone, a cat can develop behavioral problems, and in some cases, even show signs of depression. Cats in bonded pairs, on the other hand, are more likely to be better adjusted.
Studies have shown families who adopt two kittens from the same litter are far more likely to keep those cats in their home long-term than families adopting a single kitten. Most adult cats, in contrast, are not very tolerant of other adult cats outside their family group.
Kittens who are able to remain with one of their littermates or a similarly-aged companion tend to be healthier and happier, and in the long run, better socialized pets than those who are isolated from others of their kind at an early age.
If you are the parent of a single cat, you'll be glad to know that solitary cat status does not doom your kitty to a life of misery and boredom. There are plenty of things you can do to keep them purring by making his life stimulating and enjoyable.
Raising two cats together can turn out to be a challenge the complexity of which can fluctuate on a case-by-case basis. The decision to raise two cat means double the responsibility and the patience on most of the occasions, however, if you love cats, then it's twice the cuteness and fun.
Two littermates from a shelter are the ideal choice here. If you have a young cat at home and want a second, consider adopting one kitten of the opposite sex, as same-sex cats are much more prone to fight each other for dominance.
Male cats tend to be more social and affectionate with both humans and other cats. They commonly form strong bonds with other cats in the home, even when they are not from the same litter. Females, on the other hand, are often more standoffish. If you are looking for a cuddle bug, adopting a male may be your best bet.
Kittens can share litter boxes, cat trees, food and water bowls, beds and toys! Some rescues will offer discounts on two kittens who are bonded or from the same litter to ensure that they go to the same home.
And when they are doing something as private as elimination, sharing the same litter box can be stressful for some cats. Ideally, a multi-cat household should have the same number of litter boxes as the number of cats, plus one extra box; in other words, for two cats, there should be three litter boxes.
Because of the attachments they form, the answer is yes; cats can feel lonely! While each kitty has a unique personality and needs, the following signs could indicate a lonely cat: Destructive behavior. Loss or increase in appetite.
The younger they are when introduced, the greater the chances of their getting on amicably most of the time. After about two years of age, acceptance of another cat can be a bit random, but they will very rarely totally reject another cat in the long-term.
Follow this simple rule: one box per cat, plus one extra. So if you have two cats, you should have three boxes. Making sure everyone has their space can help ease elimination issues. Some owners prefer a hooded box, but some cats don't like them.
The Cons of Multiple Cats
According to the ASPCA, “just the basics” of cat ownership can cost you approximately $1035 per year. * It can be time-consuming to take care of multiple cats. Clipping nails, brushing their coats and litter box maintenance may begin to take their toll. On the upside, don't get discouraged.
There isn't hard proof that gender can make a difference in whether your two cats will get along or not. With that said, there is some anecdotal evidence that suggests you may have fewer issues if one cat is male and the other cat is female (rather than two females or two unneutered males).
Having another cat around can lessen the boredom and loneliness that a solitary cat might experience when you're not there. Sure, cats usually sleep most of the day away, but that doesn't mean they enjoy being alone when they're awake.
Male (neutered) cats are generally believed to be more accepting of other cats, both male and female. Even though this has not been my experience, female cats may not get along as well with each other.
It is a good idea to have the kitten close to you for the first few nights. Find a cosy place next to your bed and you can even choose a spot up off the floor if possible.
Lower Stress and Anxiety
Cats are generally low maintenance pets, which mean less stress for their owners, making them ideal pets for those who can't deal with a pet's rigorous care.
A: You can leave a kitten home alone for short periods of time. Kittens younger than four months of age should not be left alone for more than a couple of hours. Over four months, they can handle up to five hours. When they turn six months, they should be able to handle your 8-hour workday.