Why do we insist on adopters taking two kittens rather than one? There are important reasons for this:

One, kittens do four things: they play, eat, sleep, and poop. Of these four, two of them are done 100 percent of the time with a sibling, namely playing and sleeping. (Many times the other two are done with a sibling as well.) Kittens require that security and interaction to grow into well-socialized cats.

Two, kittens learn limits from other kittens. In playing with one another, they learn not to bite hard, to retract their claws, and how aggressive is too aggressive. Kittens raised without other kittens may become biters and use their claws to do real damage. We see this frequently with lone kittens or even older cats who grew up alone.

Three, kittens reinforce litter-box habits for their siblings. Most kittens love the litter box and will play in it; but as they get older, that may change. However, when you have two, they will often follow each other to the box. And where one goes, the other follows.

Four, mealtime is better when shared. And if you have a picky eater, having two will cure that. Where one goes, the other goes—it applies to food as well.

Five, nothing is more energetic and playful than a young kitten, and no human has the time and energy it takes to entertain a kitten. If you want to sleep well, have two kittens to wear each other out. A bored and lonely kitten may become destructive and get into anything and everything.

Six, if you want your kitten to grow into a confident and social cat, you must provide the setting to make that happen. Kittens who have appropriate interaction with their litter mates are far more likely to develop into confident and social adult cats—even a shy kitten will learn to be more confident from a sibling.

Seven, as a human, you simply can’t provide the appropriate level of play for a young kitten. You can’t be ready and willing to play, at any time, 24 hours a day. You can’t chase and roll and romp with your kitten for an extended period of time, and you won’t be endlessly fascinated by the same things the kitten is. You are more like a mom to a kitten, not a sibling.

Eight, you can’t socialize a kitten appropriately. You don’t have claws, and you don’t bite. Thus, you cannot properly demonstrate for a kitten right from wrong.

Nine, while older cats can do some teaching, most aren’t interested in the level of activity a kitten needs. That is why we do permit adoption of a single kitten if there is already a cat five years of age or younger in the home. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than no companion at all. Dogs cannot socialize kittens; therefore, even if your dog loves kittens, it will not be able to properly socialize one.

Ten, kittens come in litters for a reason: they need one another! We never raise kittens alone. As soon as they are out of quarantine, we put them with other kittens. It is so rewarding to see how much kittens love fellow kittens, whether they are birth siblings or honorary ones. Take our word for it! You will never regret adopting two kittens. You may never watch TV again, as the entertainment that comes from two kittens will be the best show happening in your home!