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4 reasons why 2 kittens are better than 1
Well, no one could blame you for it, we’ve all been there. From the pet owners feedback we hear in our veterinary clinic, there are more multi-cat households than single kitten homes. Our home is definitely among those with multiple feline friends! The great news is that it’s a really good idea. In fact, a study on stress of multi-cat homes showed no higher stress levels than in a single cat home. For you to make an informed decision, let’s look at why this is may be a good idea for you.
- Related cats get along better. Did you know that wild cat colonies usually consist of cats related to each other? If the cat community isn’t influenced by humans, new members are added only through birth. Newcomers are rarely welcomed. In your home, there’s no guarantee that your cats will be friendly with each other just because they are siblings, but it can offer a huge head start in their relationship.
- Cats who know each other from childhood get along better. Following the previous reason, cats who are introduced to each other at an early age tend to get along better. It’s also true that adult cats accept new kittens more easily than other adult cats. Even if you get two kittens from separate places, they will be what kittens are: two furballs of joy! If both kittens were born together, they will see each other’s presence as natural and safe.
- Getting two kittens will eliminate worries about introductions later. If you have even the tiniest idea that at some point or another, you might want a second cat in your life, getting two siblings in the first place can save you and them a lot of stress. Introducing two cats to each other does not always go as smoothly as you may hope. Despite cats being social animals, they are territorial as well. Kittens that are born together, already know each other and usually get along. Therefore, you won’t need to introduce them to one another later. Besides, if you visited them before taking them home, you’ll already know how they interact with each other. We recommend that you visit kittens before adopting them.
- Getting two kittens will reduce their re-homing stress. Have you ever heard the advice about taking a blanket from the previous home along with the kitten in order to reduce their stress? Forget the blanket; take their litter-mate instead. This will be far, FAR more beneficial in helping them settling in to their new forever home. Think about it: if you were in a scary situation like where you had to enter an abandoned house at night. What would make you feel safer: a friend or a blanket? Of course, having a buddy will make you much better. Of course if possible, take the blanket too. They’ll really appreciate it.
Pros and cons of adopting 2 kittens
There’s always many sides to every story. Let’s look at the pros and cons of getting 2 kittens.
Pros of getting 2 kittens:
- Companionship: One of the main advantages of getting two kittens is that they can keep each other company. Kittens are social creatures and enjoy playing and cuddling with each other. With two kittens, they’ll always have a playmate and will be less likely to become bored or lonely.
- Less Destructive Behavioral Issues: Kittens are notorious for their playful behavior. Sometimes that can result in damage to your furniture or other belongings. However, with two kittens, they can play and roughhouse with each other instead of taking their energy out on your belongings.
- Easier to Train: With two kittens, they can learn from each other. For example, if one kitten is already litter box trained, the other kitten will likely learn quickly by observing their buddy. Additionally, they will learn social cues from each other, making it easier for them to interact with other cats or pets in the future.
- Less Separation Anxiety: Kittens can experience separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time. With two kittens, they can keep each other company and feel less anxious when you are away from home. We’ve found that we can leave our cats at home for days. We do have someone check their food feeder, water fountain, and litter boxes once a day. We were pleasantly surprised when we returned home and they didn’t seem to miss us nearly as much as we missed them.
- Double the Cuteness: Let’s face it, one kitten is adorable, but two kittens are twice as cute. Watching them play and cuddle together can bring a lot of joy to your home.
Cons of getting 2 kittens:
- Double the Cost: Getting two kittens means double the cost of cat food, kitty litter, and vet bills. It’s important to budget for the additional expenses that come with having two pets.
- Possible Health Issues: Two kittens from the same litter can sometimes have health issues that are genetically linked. It’s important to have them examined by your veterinarian and ensure they are both healthy before bringing them home. Most animal shelters do provide immunizations and even spaying/neutering for their kitten litters. We highly recommend adopting your feline friends from your local shelter.
- Litter Box Challenges: With two kittens, you will need to provide multiple litter boxes to avoid litter box issues. We recommend having one litter box for every cat in your home plus one extra. Make sure to put plenty of space between them.
- Potential for Double Trouble: While two kittens can provide each other with companionship, they can also encourage each other to engage in mischievous and even destructive behavior. This can include scratching furniture or getting into things they shouldn’t.
- Individual Attention: While two kittens may keep each other entertained, it’s important to still give each kitten individual attention. This means spending time with them one-on-one and ensuring they each receive equal attention and affection.
- Space requirements: Cats need room to expend their energy. This means having cat trees, cat shelves, and scratching posts throughout your home. If you live in a small apartment, this may be a challenge. We suggest going vertical with cat trees which will help reduce the amount of space needed to keep your furry friends happy.
So, still wondering if you should get two kittens or one?
Even if they are not from the same litter, the benefits of having two pets are high. Having at least two cats in your home will make them more playful. Though they will still require quality time playing with you, they will be more communicative and less bored throughout the day.
Summary:
Getting two kittens can be a wonderful decision, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making your decision. While they can provide each other with companionship and be less destructive, it’s important to remember the additional expenses and challenges that come with having a pair of cats. Ultimately, the decision to get two kittens should be based on what is best for you and your lifestyle. Being able to provide a healthy life and happy home for both you and your kitty friends is key.
You’ve learned the 4 reasons why 2 kittens are better than 1, and the pros and cons of adopting two kittens. This will go a long way towards making an informed decision and a happy life for your pet cats. And keeping your Pet Happy is what we all want.
FAQ
Question: What are the benefits of getting two kittens instead of one?
Answer: Getting two kittens can offer companionship, less destructive behavior, easier training, less separation anxiety, and double the cuteness.
Question: Do cats that are related to each other get along better?
Answer: Yes. Wild cat colonies usually consist of cats related to each other. Getting two kittens from the same litter can offer a head start in their relationship.
Question: Do adult cats accept new kittens more easily than other adult cats?
Answer: Yes. Adult cats tend to accept new kittens more easily than other adult cats. Cats who are introduced to each other at an early age tend to get along better.
Question: Can getting two kittens from the same litter save you and them a lot of stress?
Answer: Yes. Getting two kittens from the same litter can save you and them a lot of stress. This is because introducing cats to each other doesn’t always go smoothly.
Question: What are the cons of getting two kittens?
Answer: Getting two kittens can mean double the cost of cat food, litter, litter boxes, and vet bills. They may also cause more trouble together. It’s important to budget for the additional expenses that come with having two pets.
Question: Is it possible for two kittens from the same litter to have health issues?
Answer: Yes. It’s possible for two kittens from the same litter to have health issues from their parents. Just as it’s possible for any two kittens to have health issues. It’s important to have both kittens checked by your veterinarian and to keep up with their regular check-ups and vaccinations.
