Perks of Adopting Cats in Pairs
By Kailyn Carr
When it comes to things we like or love, we tend to live by the philosophy that if one is good, two is even better. Why stop at one piece of chocolate when you could have two? Same goes for cats. What could possibly be better than two best friends instead of one? Though adopting in pairs may not be for everyone, the pros—including twice the love—often outweigh the cons.
Benefits of Adopting in Pairs
Starting with kittens (we’ll get to adults in a moment), here are seven ways fur-babies benefit from a twosome according to the Kitten Lady, Hannah Shaw.
- Learn by Observation – Kittens learn by observation and will more quickly pick up skills like using the litter box or grooming if they have another kitten or cat to teach them.
- Focus Play Aggression – Having a friend means they can take out their play aggression on one another (instead of on you.) They’ll also teach each other good boundaries about biting and scratching.
- Entertain & Enrich – When your kitten has a buddy, they’ll always be entertained, active, and enriched. And a happy cat makes a happy home!
- Keep Out of Trouble – One mischievous kitten can be destructive if left alone, but two kittens tend to keep each other occupied and out of trouble.
- Easier Intro to Adult Cat – If you have an adult cat at home, two new kittens may be easier to introduce into your family than one. While one kitten may nag an older cat, two kittens will keep each other company while the older cat watches from a distance.
- Comfort in Friendship – Having a pal will help your kitten settle into a new home. 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!
Adopting in pairs also has a positive impact on animal rescue groups like the Humane Society of Loudoun County. By adopting two animals, you free up two slots in a foster home or shelter which allows the rescue to save two more lives.
Bonded Pairs
A bonded pair contains two cats that have a special relationship. While kittens often are bonded early in life with siblings, close relationships between cats can occur at any age. This is due to their natural instinct as social animals to form a pack. These bonds often develop between mother and offspring and even individuals with no familial relationship (true best friends!)
Once a bonded pair is observed, caretakers preserve the relationship by housing the cats together and encouraging an adoption into the same home. Maintaining the bond between two cats is essential. When apart, one or both cats can become stressed, anxious, or even depressed without the other around.
Spotlight on a Purr-fect Pair: Ripley and Winston
One of our pawsome fosters, Kelly, fondly recalls her experiences fostering (and eventually adopting) mama Ripley and her son Winston. Here is what she had to say:
“Winston was always very attached to his mom and we’re so glad we didn’t separate them. They are so funny together–they roughhouse all the time and run around the house chasing each other. It keeps Ripley active as she ages. Plus, if Winston was an only cat, he would constantly be making mischief for us. Having another cat gives him an outlet for his energy. Of course, it’s also comforting to know they have each other when we’re not home. I truly think they’re happier because they always have a buddy.”
If you are interested in adopting one or more cats, visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County’s current clowder of adoptable cats here. Once you find your next family member(s), be sure to complete an application to start the adoption process.