Watching two cats coexist together is the most beautiful thing ever.
Not only are they the best of friends, but this bond also affects the quality of life they live.
But how to tell if cats are bonded is every pet parent’s desire.
Two cats are bonded if they do everything together. They eat together, play together, sleep together, and groom each other. Separating bonded cats can be detrimental to both cats’ physical and behavioral wellbeing.
Adopting bonded kittens is the best decision you could make as a pet parent.
While most pet lovers prefer adopting one pet, you have the joys of receiving love from two furry friends who completely adore you.
If that is you, then here is how to tell if cats are bonded.
🐱 Fun Fact
The best bonds are from cats who grew in the same litter or are joined as agemates
It is true, the best bonds are from kittens of the same litter.
They have grown together and complemented each other through their habits, interests, and energy levels.
The same bonds are formed by two kittens from different litters introduced to each other at the same age.
How do you tell if you live with bonded kittens?
A bonded pair of cats are inseparable.
They become what animal experts describe as ‘two cats with one heart’.
Bonded kittens love to play together.
While at it, each kitten understands how far they can go with roughing each other up.
Play fighting is common, but it seldom escalates into an ugly squabble like in most unbonded cats.
Bonded cats enjoy sleeping next to each other.
You will always find them snuggled together in a picture-perfect snooze.
It is not uncommon to find one cat sleeping on top of the other or both snoozing away in funny positions.
If they could, bonded kittens would walk together holding paws.
They stride around the house side by side head bonking or rubbing their bodies together.
If they stop to gaze at something, their tails are usually intertwined.
They are rubbing pheromones on each other which strengthens the bond further.
Whenever one kitten pops up, you are certain the other feline is close by.
They eat together, drink together and often from one bowl.
The cream on the top is when they share litter boxes…cats seldom share litter boxes.
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What are the benefits of adopting bonded kittens?
If you adopt bonded kittens, you are welcoming two inseparable friends to your home.
The best part, when adopting from a shelter, you feel great that two free slots are open for more deserving cats to occupy them.
It is easy to raise bonded cats because you know they live together in harmony.
You won’t have to spend countless hours breaking up fights or feeding them from separate bowls or rooms.
Bonded cats thrive in each other’s companionship.
They learn from each other with one cat often copying the good behavior of the other.
You could also take advantage of this friendship by training the smartest cat then watch the other learn from his best friend.
With bonded kittens, you will never worry about behavioral problems.
The cats are never bored with each other’s company and they always find something to do together.
Even when they are out of sight, you are certain they are in their best behavior.
Most pet parents are scared of adopting bonded kittens because of the perceived cost of raising them.
Sure, one more cat means additional expenses with food, toys, and medication.
But look on the bright side, there is less clean-up when they both eat from the same bowl, sleep on the same bed, and play with the same toys.
Sharing litter boxes also means spending less time scooping after them.
Is it safe for bonded kittens to separate?
The only downside of living with bonded kittens is if you separate them.
One cannot function without the other and separation will lead to physical and behavioral problems.
Bonded felines that get separated are likely to fall into depression and anxiety.
The cat that is shy and insecure of the two is affected the most.
Not many cats get to recover from the trauma of being separated.
Separating bonded kitties can lead to clingy behavior.
Since their best friend is taken away, they have no one else to console them but you.
The separated cat will always follow you around for emotional security.
They will whine, cry, or even scratch you to get your attention- and this has driven many pet parents nuts.
Bonded cats that are separated are vulnerable to obsessive-compulsive disorders.
You will notice weird behavior cropping up like chasing the tail or sleeping in litter boxes.
Some cats develop aggression toward everyone and everything.
Separating a bonded pair also leads to isolation behavior.
One or both cats start keeping to themselves and avoid contact even with their favorite human.
The cat will try and find comfort in solace and this can lead to bad behavior like peeing on your clothes.
Myriads of behavior problems can result by separating bonded pairs
-Alana Stevenson, alanastevenson.com
The bottom line is, separating bonded pairs is more disastrous than it is beneficial.
If you want to adopt one pet, it is advisable to go for singleton felines.
Conclusion
Although bonded kittens grow into properly socialized felines, separating them negates all the good behavior learned over time.
If adopting from a shelter or a breeder, decide if you want a singleton or a bonded pair beforehand.
Adopting bonded kittens may seem daunting but in reality, it is the happiest decision you can make as a pet parent.
See Also
Frequently Asked Questions
Bonded cats are likely to fight if one cat exhibits territorial behavior. Play fighting can turn into a battle if one cat is always playing rough. But because of the strong bond, both cats learn to accommodate each other’s differences.
A bonded cat will remember its partner if the partner’s scent lingers around for a while. Both cats will find solace in the things formerly owned by their partners (because they still contain their partner’s pheromones). Bonded cats do grieve for each other, but the sadness fades away with time
Cats with age and personality differences are less likely to bond. There will always be rivalry and a struggle for dominance. One way to help them bond is to gradually introduce them to each other’s scents.
Yes, with bonded kittens, you are assured of good behavior. The cats keep each other company whether you are around or not. And since the two cats share everything, managing them becomes easier in terms of meals, toys, and personal effects (bed, blankets, et al).
