Just like humans, kittens have an easier time feeling comfortable trying something new if they've got a friend to do it with them. Bonded Pair Adoption - It's easier to adopt a bonded pair than it is to introduce a new cat later. Adopting a dynamic duo ensures that you'll have a harmonious home for years to come!
Your kittens might enjoy having an affectionate grooming and napping partner. As well as having someone to play with and learn from, siblings can also offer affection to each other. By rehoming in pairs, your new kitten will have someone to clean or to clean them as well as someone to cuddle during nap time.
If you have decided to adopt a kitten, consider getting two. This can actually be less work for you, because the kittens will expend much of their youthful energy and aggression on each other. The companionship will make for more well-adjusted pets. Two kittens are easier to care for.
Raising two cats together can turn out to be a challenge the complexity of which can fluctuate on a case-by-case basis. The decision to raise two cat means double the responsibility and the patience on most of the occasions, however, if you love cats, then it's twice the cuteness and fun.
A pair of kittens will definitely still want to interact with people, but can keep each other occupied. Most cats, regardless of their age, are highly sociable and are truly happier living with other cat companions. This in turn makes them better pets.
Understanding the Kitty 'Terrible Two's'
Between the age of 6 months and 2 years, your kitten will be reaching physical and sexual maturity. They will grow out of being a pure bundle of energy but, like human teenagers, they will be learning and exploring more of the world around them.
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.
Cats are solitary, territorial creatures by nature so don't force siblings together. It may take weeks or months for a cat to adjust to their new lifestyle. Cats introduced too quickly may fight and never learn to get along. Gradual introductions are essential for long-term brotherly/sisterly love.
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.
The average time frame is a few weeks but it could take months for the cats to learn to tolerate each other.
Two cats - well-matched and happy
Your pets need to be well matched in personality. If you have an aggressive one and a docile one, the docile one will suffer from bullying. They should have similar energy levels, and neither should be over-territorial: they will be sharing a confined 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.
Hostilities over sharing a litter box is a common cause of inappropriate toileting in cats. Whether you're bringing home two cats at once, or introducing a new cat at home, they'll need a litter box each, plus one more. Spread the boxes out around the house, and make sure each one is in a quiet, private spot.
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.
(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.)
In general, a kitten between 8 weeks to 4 months can be left alone for about 4 hours. After 6 months, they can spend close to 8 hours on their own.
Where should my kitten sleep on the first night? In the first few nights, have your kitten close to you in a warm and cosy spot next to your bed.
At what age do kittens begin to imprint? “The initial imprinting stage for kittens tends to occur between two and seven weeks after birth,” Tamburo says.
For example, at eight weeks of age, kittens are ready to bond and will actively search for emotional connections. Before they reach three months old, it's a crucial period for them to develop fundamental social skills.
If you adopted two kittens, as we recommend, they will sleep together. And, finally, remember the wonders of the cardboard box! A roomy box with the top carefully removed and a soft cloth or towel in the bottom may be just the thing. Adopt in pairs!
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.
Myth: Male cats are more affectionate towards humans and bond really well with their owners. Female cats are aloof and, because of their mothering instincts, prefer other cats to humans. Reality: This usually comes down to your cat's individual personality.
Orange cats were regarded as the friendliest by respondents, while white cats were labeled aloof, and tortoiseshell cats were thought to have too much "attitude."