Why Two Kittens Are Better Than One

It's best when kittens go in pairs.  
Yes, think two instead of one if possible.

So you have made a decision to buy a Bengal kitten! Choosing the right kitten is a big step, but it's worth it and the results are very rewarding.

If you’re thinking about bringing a kitten into your life, there are many reasons why you should actually consider doubling that and bringing home a pair. Starting off with two may actually be much easier and more beneficial for the kittens and for you.  Our experience is that kittens adapt and settle in much better as pairs or into a home that already has another young kitten. If you have decided to buy a Bengal, it's worth considering getting two if you don't already have a young cat in your household.

This can be less work for you, because the kittens will expend much of their youthful energy on each other. The companionship will make for more well-adjusted pets and you will almost immediately understand why getting two was the right decision as you watch their interactions.

Two kittens are easier to care for. Here are a few reasons:

1. Fewer behavior problems with two kittens. Cats that have a playmate tend to be more socially well-adjusted and avoid behavior problems like shyness, biting, hissing, being frightened and hiding in the company of people they don’t know.
2. One kitten can become lonely. If you work long hours or travel for a weekend, two cats keep each other company and are more calm during your absence.  Cats are social creatures, but they need early experiences to learn about other cats. Cats that have grown up with feline company are more accepting of it when they are older. A cat that has always been an only cat is not so likely to be happy to get more feline company. If you think you would like another cat in the future, it makes sense to get two as kittens. The fact is it’s better to adopt cats in small related groups of two or three.
3. Peace of mind for you. You can rest easy at work or while away, knowing your cats have each other’s company.
4. Kittens learn from each other. As young animals, kittens have a lot to learn, and they will be able to learn from watching the other kitten and copying their behaviour.  If one kitten is quick to learn appropriate litter box use, the other will be likely to copy. They also help each other with grooming; wash-up after meals soon becomes a ritual with 2 kittens.
5. They help each other burn off energy. A pair of kittens will entertain each other in the wee hours of the night, allowing you a full night’s rest. No one can play with a kitten like another kitten can!
6. Two cats stay healthy together. As they get older, cats are less likely to gain weight due to lack of movement when they have a companion to play with. They will remain more playful and youthful in later years with a companion.
7. The workload to care for two cats remains about the same.
8. Kittens love to play. They have a wide variety of play behaviours: play with objects such as cat toys or shoe-laces, chasing, running, hiding, leaping, and even chasing their own (or  another cat’s) tail. Play behaviours peak at about four months old, and then tail off, but adult cats like to play too. There are several ideas about why play is important, such as practising hunting behaviours, developing motor skills, keeping fit, and learning about the environment and social bonds. As with other animals, play seems to be important in feline development. Having another kitten around will increase the opportunities for play, and they will continue to play together as adults.
9. They will each have a friend for life.
10. You will definitely see two much happier kittens than you would otherwise.
11. It’s twice as much cute fluffy fun … if one kitten is adorable, then surely two is even more adorable? 
12. Kittens are still in the learning stages, they learn from their mother, their environment and from each other. Kitten-to-kitten interaction and playtime are actually valuable educational opportunities to help them develop important social skills that will be needed later in life. They learn how to communicate and interpret each other’s signals, how hard to bite during playtime and how to share territory. In the case of a litter of kittens, the siblings have been together since birth and are already well into this process. They’re already bonded by the time you come along as a potential cat parent. What a great way to start! They can learn feline communication and behaviours, such as how to greet another cat, how to show affection, or to ask another cat to play. This isn’t something we can teach them, kittens have to learn this from other cats. Interestingly, dogs can also learn how to greet a cat the way it likes, with a nose-to-nose greeting. 
13. They can just be cats. Having a second kitten around gives them the opportunity to do the things that being a cat involves, watching each other, snuggling up, grooming each other and so on. 
14. Indoor cats can easily get bored; the company of another cat gives them something to do and counts as environmental enrichment. Of course there are some drawbacks. The costs will be double, for food, cat litter, vaccinations and vet visits, and almost double for insurance (insurers will often give a small discount for a second animal).
    
    

What if I have an older cat?
Of course it depends on the established cat’s personality, but in our experience, we find that many adult cats’ patience can run thin when a kitten wants to play. Though it might sound contrary, an older, established cat will probably accept two kittens better than one. One kitten will seek out the older cat as a playmate, or worse, tease and pester the senior cat which can cause stress to an older cat. The kitten in return, will be “rewarded” for his playful efforts with hisses and swats. Two kittens will expend their energy in play with each other, leaving their older “uncle” to relax in peace.

Kittens and Life Enrichment:
For a kitten, the ability to have a companion for playtime can be one of the best forms of enrichment. Let’s face it, you have to work and spend time away from home and a little kitten can get lonely and even scared. Many people are under the false impression that cats are solitary and don’t want companionship but they do have a social structure and most truly benefit and thrive when they have a feline buddy.

The companionship two kittens can provide each other may help prevent future behavior problems from boredom or separation anxiety. Often, the bond between two cats who have grown up together becomes very strong and special. Watching two long-time cat companions curled up together as they nap in the afternoon sun is a precious sight.

Cost and Care of Kittens: 
After the initial kitten vaccinations, the veterinary costs taper off in most cases. You’ll most likely just be dealing with routine yearly appointments. Many veterinary clinics offer multi-pet discounts as well so be sure and check that out to save even more money. 

When it comes to toys and cat furniture, your biggest expense will be a cat tree (I highly recommend that you get one or more) and you’d have that expense regardless of whether you purchased one kitten or two. And if you’re at all familiar with cats, you know that some of the best cat furniture are empty cardboard boxes. You can make a cat condo by using duct tape to connect several cardboard boxes. Cut holes in the boxes and create a fun kitty playground. Simple and very inexpensive.

When it comes to care, such as grooming, trimming nails, and so on, if you start training them to accept the process while they’re young, then the process will be very quick once they become adults. Train your kittens to enjoy being touched and handled and it’ll make life much easier down the road should you ever have to administer medication when they’re older. It’ll also enable you to do nail trims at home. The key is to start the training early, be consistent and be gentle. Make it a quick, fun experience that ends with a treat or other reward.

Spay / Neuter:
If the kittens were not sold to you spayed or neutered You have to remember to get them spayed/neutered before they become sexually active, even though they are likely to remain indoor cats, because cats become sexually mature between 5 and 8 months of age. Because of this, cats are usually spayed or neutered between 4-6 months, although it can be done as young as 12 weeks of age.  We DO NOT recommend Early Spaying or Neutering.  Failure to spay or neuter in time causes a host of issues but the worst is marking and spraying which after it has started is very difficult to stop.

To Summarize:
Getting two kittens together means that they can play together, learn from each other, and keep each other company.  In general terms, it seems like the answer to the question, “Should I get one kitten, or Two?” Is Two kittens are always better than one.

Need More Information?
If you’re new to the world of Bengal kittens, here’s our New Kitten Buyer checklist and FAQ

"If it's not a Bengal, It's just a cat"
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