Discover Why You Should Adopt Two Kittens Instead of One

Although “the more the merrier” isn’t a universal rule, it’s definitely one that applies to cat adoption. In particular, it’s widely recommended to adopt two kittens instead of having your new feline fly solo. Adopting a cat is an exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) experience. All the hustle and bustle can cause one to fail to realize that the situation is just as scary for your new kitten as it is for you. In this article, we’ll be talking about the many reasons why having two kittens join your family is always better than one. These benefits aren’t just for the cats, either- it might even make your life easier!

How Kittens Learn From Each Other

Many young animals (humans not exempt) benefit from what is referred to as “social learning.” This process is exactly what it sounds like- learning new concepts, ideas, and mannerisms by watching someone else do it first. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “Monkey see, monkey do,” then you know exactly what we’re referring to. Kittens, in particular, learn several useful skills by watching their siblings/other kittens perform tasks.

Some of the many things that kittens can learn from one another are:

• Grooming skills
• Litter training
• Healthy eating habits
• Communication methods
• Boundaries

Mental health isn’t where the advantages end, either- having a play partner can also seriously help a cat’s physical well-being as they age. Having a friend can encourage the cats to play well into their older years, and it’s been studied that one-cat households have far greater risks for cat obesity due to the substantial decrease in activity.

The Emotional Benefits of Multiple Kittens

Not only can kittens learn tangible, applicable skills from one another, but being in a close-knit setting can also foster a sense of comfort and safety for your new addition. Transitioning to a new environment is scary for everyone, even humans, so cats are no exception to this anxiety. Tackling an unfamiliar setting with another kitten can add a sense of relief and security that your kitten would otherwise not have.

This comfort extends over time, too. In the weeks following your kitten’s entrance into the home, you’ll notice that being with a buddy encourages them to explore sooner and with more confidence. Having someone to share these new experiences with makes the kittens feel less frightened and more adventurous, an attitude that is greatly beneficial during the developmental period of their lives.

The Benefits That Having Two Kittens Can Give Owners

Now that we’ve discussed how adopting two kittens can make things easier on them, let’s talk a little bit about the several ways that it can make things easier on you. Obviously, your first thought might be along these lines: “Double the kittens, double the commitment.” In a lot of ways, some of which we’ll discuss later, this sentiment is true. But, don’t discount some of the equally viable ways in which more kittens mean an easier life.

1. No More Worrying About Isolation

Many people choose to get cats because they are a lower-maintenance pet than dogs. This is semi-true, as dogs certainly have higher needs for physical exertion and activity, but the truth is that cats crave companionship and loathe isolation just as much as any other pet.

With two kittens, you can feel alright leaving for those long shifts and late nights out on the town. No longer will you have to worry about whether or not your cat feels un-enriched or bored, because they have a built-in buddy to play with whenever they please. For busy owners with hectic lives who still crave a furry friend, this can be a great burden to lift off your shoulders.

2. Less Aggression Toward Humans

If you’re the owner of a single cat, then you might know all too well that there are times when play can get out of hand. If you have an important meeting or are trying to get chores done, your cat can feel personally slighted when you reject playtime. As such, they might take matters into their own hands and ‘playfully’ give you a bit of sass in the form of a chomp or scratch. With two kittens, they can teach one another when ferocity is unnecessary, and how to avoid letting play time get out of hand.

3. Easier Introduction To The Resident Housecat

Sometimes, adult cats can have trouble acclimating to the introduction of a kitten. Even in circumstances where your adult cat isn’t outwardly aggressive, things can get complicated once the kitten’s high energy levels are thrown into the mix. When you have two kittens, though, they can keep each other company away from your older cat. This can take off the massive burden of a slow introduction because your cat will be able to observe the kittens playing from a safe and comfortable distance without feeling agitated or bothered by the new presence. (Who knows- they might even be entertained by the free show!)

4. You’re Saving Two Lives Instead Of One

It would be remiss of us not to mention that 1.4 million cats are killed each year in shelters, and that’s just domestically in the United States. While no one person can save every cat in shelters, the opportunity to save even one extra cat is enough to make a difference in their lives. After all, more cats in the home just means more love to be shared!

Strategies For Caring For Two Kittens

There is a lot to navigate when it comes to adopting two kittens! Here is a quick, helpful list of some strategies that can make your adaptation to this change much easier.

Feeding:

• Establish a strict feeding schedule to maintain routine.
• Use portion control to make sure each kitten gets their proper nutrition.
• Set up separate feeding areas to reduce competition/stress.
• Consistently provide the same high-quality food to both kittens.

Litter:

• Have at least one litter box per kitten (plus one extra if possible) to avoid territorial issues.
• Place litter boxes away from each other and their food.
• Clean litter boxes daily, and perform a deep cleaning weekly.
• Use the same type of litter for both kittens for consistent, easy adaption.

Health/Grooming:

• Establish a grooming routine early so that you can maintain coat health and reduce any shedding.
• Groom both kittens at once to save time and promote bonding.
• Bring your kittens to the vet at the same time so that things can get done efficiently, and they can be less scared.
• Make sure you keep a record of each kitten’s vaccinations and treatments that are easily accessible to you!

Considerations You Should Take

While all of the benefits we’ve mentioned regarding adopting two kittens instead of one are valid and prevalent, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t thoroughly think through this commitment before jumping the gun and cruising down to the shelter. Not every person lives a lifestyle that’s suitable for pets, and candidly, not everyone can afford the extra food, litter, and time that comes with doubling your animal count.

That said, there are some ways that you can combat these concerns with rational solutions. For instance:

• Investing in durable, high-quality toys and beds can save you huge sums of money in the long term. Plus, there’s no reason why the kittens cannot share these kinds of items.
• There are many ways in which you can invest in bulk-sized cat food and cat litter, and so long as there are not any preexisting conditions that prevent it, the two kittens can certainly share a diet.
• All it takes is a quick search to discover the hundreds of methods people use to create homemade DIY cat toys and tools. By creating these things at home, you can use money to invest in other necessities.
• Though your pet insurance will have a higher premium with two kittens, it’s important to note that cats who live in pairs are statistically healthier. This means that you’ll potentially have less reason to visit the vet.
• Many shelters offer discounted fees for those who are adopting multiple kittens at once. In many cases, they also have resources that can provide you with a solid amount of food, litter, and toys to start them off with.

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