Taking home just one kitten may seem like a good idea—but a lonely kitten can be a real “cat-tastrophe” for felines and humans alike. Single Kitten Syndrome is the reason that, like many other organizations, we ask for kittens under 6 months to go home in pairs.
By bringing home two kittens, you can relax knowing that they have a 24/7 play-partner! This is important as kittens are extremely playful - and bored kittens - aren't happy kittens. Bored kittens are also more likely to cause trouble around the house...
Single kitten syndrome is the idea that young kittens, when raised with other young kittens and cats and then adopted into a home by themselves, can become aggressive, anxious, stressed, and even develop behavioral issues like inappropriate chewing/scratching and inappropriately using the litterbox.
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.
Adopting a single kitten or young cat is simply not a good idea. Trying to keep a single kitten occupied, stimulated, safe and happy while also going about the business of everyday life is much more of a challenge than it may seem upon first consideration.
Symptoms of Fading Kitten Syndrome
Early signs that a kitten is fading may include lethargy, lack of interest in nursing, sleeping separately from the litter, and whining. Caregivers may notice that the kitten's skin is less elastic, which is a symptom of dehydration.
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. Your resident cat will still be young enough to recall having fun with her littermates, and the new kitten will be more than happy to oblige.
A lack of feedback from littermates can have lasting effects into adulthood. Because this feedback on appropriate and inappropriate behaviors is so critical, the best way to prevent Single Kitten “Syndrome” behaviors is to adopt two kittens, whether litter mates or kittens of similar age.
Tara: So, can one kitten alone be happy? It's possible, but you'll have to work really hard to make sure the kitten uses up all his energy and learns proper claws-and-teeth behavior. Two kittens can keep each other company and socialize one another through normal kitten play behavior.
Kittens who have been separated from their mothers too soon are often more likely to exhibit inappropriate behaviors, struggle with interacting with other cats and humans, and are at a higher risk for health complications.
Over the course of the years, I have had two queens giving birth to only one kitten. Although relatively rare, this is by no means abnormal. Cats can have anywhere between 1-12 kittens with an average of 4 in a litter.
Most cats with Tarzan Syndrome are aggressive toward other cats. They will defend themselves from the cat you are trying to introduce because they never learned to interact with their own species. They instinctively tell the new cat to back off or else!
Generally, it's pretty uncommon for cats to have just one kitten, but it's nothing to be concerned about if it happens to your cat. We say this because, usually, a cat owner expects more than one litter to come out instead of one.
Secure the kitten in one room before you leave, and include a bed, litterbox, scratching post, toys, food and water. Consider adding a nightlight or leaving a light on if you'll be gone all evening. You may want to try playing light music or talk radio, too—the sounds can be soothing to a kitten that's alone.
Kittens want and need interaction with others of their own kind for healthy social development. A kitten learns a lot in the first several months of life from its mother and litter-mates.
Cuddling is actually an important part of any kitten care routine. Baby cats are very small and vulnerable, and are happiest when they feel loved and safe. It's also important to socialize and bond with little Fluffy while she's young. Pay lots of attention to your furry pal, and let her snuggle up on your lap.
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.
Short answer: yes. When their needs for companionship are not met, cats can become depressed. They can also get separation anxiety. Unfortunately, feline separation anxiety often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe.
Left on their own, it's easy for single cats to become bored or lonely. This could result in health issues or behavioral problems. Some may even develop separation anxiety and act out their stress with undesirable behaviors like destroying furniture, spraying, excessive vocalizing, or aggressiveness.
Kittens younger than six months are developing rapidly both mentally and physically and crave a strong bond with their humans. Being separated from them for long periods leads to loneliness and anxiety, resulting in various health and behavioural problems.
This life-threatening condition affects up to 30 percent of kittens, according to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, and spotting the symptoms takes a watchful eye. Providing care at the earliest stages of fading kitten syndrome gives kittens the best chance of survival.
A laid-back, older (neutered) male cat may enjoy "mothering" a kitten - male or female. They usually make better mothering substitutes than spayed females. Females, in general, are less accepting of newcomers.
The truth is that the sex of the cat really doesn't matter when it comes to choosing the purrfect pet for you. Although there are some behavioral differences between male and female cats as they grow from kittens to adults, a cat's genetics and environment play a bigger role in how well the two of you will bond.