Adopting a kitty - is it required to get a kitten in pairs?

No, it's not required to adopt kittens in pairs, but it is often recommended. There are many benefits to having two kittens, such as:

• Better social development: Kittens learn social skills from interacting with other kittens, which can help them be more well-adjusted cats in the long run.
• Reduced boredom and destructive behaviour: Kittens have a lot of energy, and having a playmate can help them burn it off in a healthy way. This can help reduce boredom and destructive behaviour.
• Companionship: Cats are social creatures, and even if you are home a lot, a kitten can benefit from having another feline friend.

However, there are also some things to consider before adopting two kittens:

• Can you afford the cost of caring for two cats? This includes food, litter, vet care, and other supplies.
• For life: remember adopting cats is for the life of the cats. And they anchor you; make it less easy to go away. With two cats you have a double responsibility.
• Do you have the space for two cats? Cats need room to roam and explore.
• Are you prepared for the extra work of caring for two cats? This includes cleaning litter boxes, playing with them, and grooming them.
• Important: When siblings are kittens they get along fine. Great company and this friendship may last into adulthood but it may not. They grow to become independent-minded and one may see the other as a hostile invader of their home range. Living indoors the home range is small for each cat and there can be stresses. But it may work out. No certainties.

If you are not sure whether adopting two kittens is the right decision for you, talk to your local shelter or rescue organization. They can help you assess your situation and recommend the best course of action.

Here are some resources that you may find helpful:

• Are cats better in pairs?
• Should I adopt one or two kittens?

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P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins.