Kittens! The adorable balls of energy that jump and play and meow and purr! We love kittens! When it comes to kitten adoption (we consider a cat to be a kitten when it is under a year old) , it is our very strict policy that kittens MUST be adopted in pairs.  Most of our adult cats are not solos either because our foster homes have cats–ergo we want to keep the peace vs have the fur flying 🙂

Why won’t we budge on this?

As an animal welfare organization, our first and foremost concern is the well-being of our animals. The myth that cats are totally independent and don’t need much attention is just that–a myth. Cats need companionship, love, affection and entertainment as much if not more than dogs do.

Having an age appropriate playmate with a similar energy level is paramount to kittens’ social and mental development.

Kitten-to-kitten play is something that cats need in order to develop into well adjusted adult cats and, unfortunately, cannot be replicated by even the most dedicated adopter. Kittens rough house together and entertain each other. They learn from each other and form family bonds.  By playing together, they learn bite inhibition and to retract their claws (otherwise they play with people the same way they play with their siblings–OUCH!)

When a kitten is alone, s/he may develop “Single-Kitten Syndrome.” “Single-Kitten Syndrome” is much like “Black Dog Syndrome” – the observation by shelters and rescues that black dogs have a much harder time getting adopted.

Even though number studies to do not support this, talk to rescuers–we will bet our right arm on the truth of this fact.  “Single-Kitten Syndrome” is the same. No data backs this up, but time after time rescues and shelters see solo kittens returned after a few months because they start developing bad or destructive habits – such as scratching  furniture and biting human family members.

“UGH, that syndrome thing sounds terrible,”- you think to yourself- “But two kittens seem like a lot more trouble and cost…”

It is a little counter-intuitive, but adopting two kittens at the same time can actually make your life easier, as a cat guardian.

They will entertain and exercise each other while you’re at work.

It is easier to train two kittens – it is kitten-see kitten-do with these guys.  One will copy the rewarded behaviors of the other.

Having two kittens reduces food pickiness as it increases competition. Any pet owner with a picky eater will tell you how frustrating this can be.  (Please read catinfo.org for more info on cat nutrition.)

Outside the initial immunizations and exams which are already done pre adoption, there is not much added cost. Both cats will eat the same food and use the same litter (recommendation is one litter box per cat although most will share) and they really do not take up much room.

At the end of the day, it is double the cuteness and snuggliness!

We do have solo cats available or we can work with you to find a feline companion who is your purrfect match.  Please check our ADOPTABLE CATS and fill out a CAT ADOPTION APPLICATION.