Do I Really Need To Get Kittens In Pairs?

The answer to this question is only if you want a well socialized adult cat.  Kittens need each other to learn how to be well rounded cats.  This can only be taught by being with other kittens or other cats.  They need the mental, social and emotional stimulation that they can only give each other.  If you think about it we can't learn how to meow from them anymore than we can teach them the English language.  We need other humans like they need other cats.  It just makes common sense. 

http://www.goathouserefuge.org/two-kittens-are-easier-than-one/

http://www.mchumane.org/documents/kittencare.pdf

The above links have some very good insight into kittens.  They are work and they are very, very, very busy.  They also, like human children, haven't developed their adult personalities yet so just because they are sweet and snuggly now doesn't mean they will be as adults. 

Having two kittens is actually easier than having one believe it or not.  Two kittens will keep each other occupied and they will play with each other instead of bugging you all the time wanting to play!  They will be tons of entertainment and will keep you laughing. 

These pictures are very cute and show part of what playing is for kittens.  If you only have one then this chewing and wrestling will happen on you instead of an appropriate playmate.  Yes, you can show them a toy instead of you, but they are very social beings most of the time and will keep coming back to you for interaction. 

They will pounce, jump and stalk one another as if they are prey which is very, very normal.  If you have just one then they will do this with you!  They may do this even if they do have a playmate, but redirecting them is easier if there is something else to focus their attention like another moving target that is their size and looks like them. 

Another plus is when you are away from home, ex. at work, then they will have each other to snuggle with and play with so they are not bored.  A bored kitten is like a bored puppy...destructive.  They do not have the eduction yet to know right from wrong but if they have an appropriate playmate and appropriate toys then the likelihood of them getting into trouble is much lower.

Kittens are cute but if you want a pet whose personality is already developed then you might want to consider an adult for many reasons but 1) you know what you're getting personality wise, and 2) the chances of him/her doing well alone (if you only want one) are higher. 

If you aren't sure what you want, then you might want to consider fostering until you know for sure.  Not only does it save a life, it gives you a chance to spend time with an animal and give it a good home until the right family comes a long.  It is definitely rewarding.  Check with your local rescue organizations or shelters for more information.

Thank you so much for reading and I hope this has given you some insight.  Tell your family and friends about us and if you have a topic you'd like to see discussed please let us know.  Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Flipbook!  Again, thanks for reading.