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.
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.
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.
Is it cruel to keep a cat as a single pet? Cats need plenty of social interaction, physical exercise, mental stimulation, opportunities for play, and companionship. These needs can often be met by the human family! Remember to meet the needs of your cat or cats every day.
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.
Providing lots of warm, cozy spaces, such as small beds, fleece blankets and stuffed toys that have a heartbeat sound, helps kittens feel safe enough to rest and sleep. Placing these items close to where you sleep may help kittens feel even more secure.
Can I leave my kitten alone while I sleep? If you don't want your kitten in your room, they can be left alone whilst you sleep – give them a soft, warm and secure place to rest and they should be happy. If you do choose to do this, close the door so they can't hurt themselves whilst you sleep.
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. Kittens will love the height to make them feel safer.
Kittens are very time consuming, and while it's rewarding to watch them grow and develop it also takes a lot of hard work. Sometimes, you might find that adopting a more mature, independent adult cat actually suits you better.
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.
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.
One Year: No Longer a Kitten
By the time your kitten reaches their first birthday, a kitten is no longer considered a kitten but is now a full-grown cat.
They are all very close. Animals form bonds and keeping one of the kittens might be a nice thing for the mother, as long as you get the kitten and mother neutered as soon as viable. As for keeping a male or female kitten, I don't think it really matters.
(Kittens younger than four months should not be left alone for more than four hours. Older than that, they can handle another hour or so. When they reach six months, they can tolerate an eight-hour day without company.)
There is nothing cruel in putting a kitten to bed in a cosy, warm and secure environment (such as the kitten cage) until you wake in the morning, but the location and type of bed are important to ensure a stress-free night.
In conclusion, when your cat meows at night, you must ignore it completely and perfectly in order not to encourage the behaviour. Keeping the cat busy at night may prevent it from getting hungry or finding creative ways of getting your attention.
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.
What is “Fading Kitten Syndrome”? Fading kitten syndrome, sometimes referred as “failure to thrive”, describes a kitten that “crashes”, suddenly becoming ill or unresponsive, even if it was previously healthy.
Kitten-Proof Your Home
Kittens between two and four months of age should only be left alone four to six hours at a time, not a full workday. When they're a little older, around six months, you can be gone all day. But they'll certainly be happier if you can check in on them at lunchtime or ask a friend to stop by.
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.
Many kittens will share litter boxes while they are young. This is due to their sibling bond and because they are not yet sexually mature. Once they become more mature, their hormones will start to affect their behaviour and scent, and they'll desire their own space.
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.