Two is better than one
One of the most important ways we can support the behavioral and emotional development of
a kitten is to make sure they’ve got a friend.
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.
It may come as a surprise to hear this, but two kittens are actually half the work of one
Giving your kitten a buddy will improve the lives of the cats while also making your life easier
Today I am going to explain why you should get two kittens instead of one.
I am the Cat Butler.
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Reason one is having a playmate.
Unlike puppies, getting two kittens at once can actually mean less work for you!
When you bring home two kittens, they will have a built-in playmate.
Both kittens can burn off extra energy by chasing, pouncing and hunting each other throughout
the house.
Giving them an outlet for their crazy kitten shenanigans means they’ll have less energy
to engage in destructive behaviors like scratching the couch or ruining the blinds!
Reason 2 is good manners.
Have you ever noticed a solo cat having a hard time accepting a new cat into your household?
Raising two kittens means that your cats will pick up on feline behavior cues.
Both kittens will learn how to behave socially and will be more well-adjusted!
This means teaching each other when not to bite and scratch.
Cats learn how to “speak” cat by interacting with other cats, so raising your kittens together
ensures they will learn how hard to play, how to share territory, how to communicate
their needs and many other crucial social skills.
In the future if you add more cats to your household, your kittens will understand how
to interact with them and the new addition will have an easier transition into the family.
Reason 3 home alone.
If you work long hours, a single kitten can become lonely being the only one in the house.
Despite the jokes that cats prefer their own company, kittens are actually very social
creatures!
For this reason, kittens crave the attention of a playmate.
Having two cats at home means you don’t have to feel guilty leaving for work or vacation
since you know they will keep each other company.
Reason 4 observational learning.
Kittens learn by copying the behaviors of others, so having two kittens means less time
training them for tasks such as using the litter box.
Kittens also learn the basics of how to gauge distance, walk along narrow objects, balance,
climb, and stalk during the first year of their life.
Having another kitten to copy and learn from can help your cat understand its limits during
playtime and keep your cat safer into its adult years.
In addition, if one of your kittens has a bigger personality while the other is quiet
and nervous, the more adventurous kitten may help teach your shy cat to be more confident
and playful!
In the case with Teemo and Arya.
Teemo is the more confident cat.
Arya is afraid of strangers, but would come out and play when Teemo ventures out first to greet our new guest
Reason 5, bonded pair.
Often cats develop a strong bond with each other as kittens.
As a result the relationship between a bonded pair usually runs very deep.
The relationship is so deep that it can greatly affect the well-being of both cats if the
pair is broken up.
This is why shelters and rescues work extra hard to keep the pair together, knowing that
separating them could be traumatic and cause problems with eating, behavior and their overall
mental health.
Likewise, litter mates adopted together are most likely to form this very strong connection.
Like any siblings they will fight at times, but they will become inseparable and very
protective of one another.
If one vocalizes any type of distress the other will quickly appear out of nowhere to
protect his or her friend.
In my own personal experience Teemo and Arya are very attached.
They sleep in the cat tree together, groom each other, and play with each other at night.
I can’t imagine them ever being separated.
Reason 6 is grooming.
Kittens normally begin to groom themselves between 4 and 5 weeks old.
Often kittens will groom each other as a sign of protection and affection.
It’s difficult for cats to reach their own faces and ears, so another cat will help keep
those areas clean.
And it's not like you can help groom your cat with your tongue.
Reason 7 is exercise.
Having two cats reduces the chance that your cats will become overweight.
Even as they get older, cats will often start up games with each other.
Chasing each other around the house, pouncing from underneath furniture or jumping up on cat trees
Living an active lifestyle as they age and not becoming overweight will increase their
lifespan and keep them healthier overall.
Reason 8 is keeping your older cat sane.
If you have an older cat, kittens can be a nuisance.
One kitten’s endless drive to play can harass an older cat who wants to spend his days snoozing
and not babysitting.
So it is a good idea to consider bringing home two kittens.
The kittens will play with each other and leave your older cat alone in peace.
Your older cat will thank you.
Reason 9 is Food Pickiness.
Some of us have cats that are extremely picky eaters.
It can be frustrating when your cat refuses to eat for a few days in a row.
However a picky kitty’s curiosity will overcome her distaste for a particular food if she
sees her brother eating it.
This would encourage her to eat it too.
In my own personal experience, Arya is a picky eater.
She only eats when her brother eats.
It can be very frustrating.
Reason 10 is getting a second kitten hardly costs more in maintenance.
The great thing about two kittens is that they share litter boxes, cat trees, toys,
and food and water bowls!
Some rescues and breeders will also offer discounts on two kittens who are bonded or
are from the same litter to ensure that they go to the same home.
Veterinary costs for vaccinations and deworming will be a little more for two kittens, but
if you enroll in pet insurance you can choose coverage that will reimburse for the costs
of annual wellness care to save you money on veterinary costs!
Reason 11 is you get twice the love.
You only have to kitten-proof your house once regardless of how many kitties you’re bringing home
Two kittens means two new lives in your house that will provide double the entertainment,
snuggles and love!
Sometimes I like to step back and watch my kittens play with each other.
It is just so beautiful to watch.
I hope today you were able to learn the benefits of getting two kittens instead of one.
Do you have two cats?
Please share in the comments down below what your experience is like.
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