Why Your Kitten Needs a Buddy (and How to Help Them Bond)

When you picture bringing home a new kitten, you probably imagine cuddles, purrs, and lots of playful antics. What you might not picture is your kitten feeling lonely, frustrated, or even developing behavior problems if they don’t have enough social interaction.

That’s why adopting kittens in pairs—or making sure your solo kitten has a buddy—is one of the kindest things you can do for their happiness and long-term health.

Why Two Kittens Are Better Than One

Built-in Playmate

Kittens are bundles of energy, and their favorite way to learn is through play. Wrestling, chasing, and batting at each other helps them practice important skills like boundaries, coordination, and bite inhibition. A playmate takes pressure off you to constantly entertain your kitten—and keeps them from practicing rough play on your hands and ankles.

Better Social Development

The “kitten kindergarten” phase lasts until about 12 weeks of age. During this time, kittens learn how to be cats—from other cats. Without another kitten, your baby might miss out on key lessons that shape their confidence, behavior, and even their ability to adapt to new situations later in life.

Companionship and Comfort

Cats may have a reputation for being independent, but kittens are deeply social. Being alone for long hours can cause stress and separation anxiety. A buddy provides comfort, reassurance, and a familiar presence when you’re not around.

Healthier Outlets for Energy

A pair of kittens will naturally tire each other out. Instead of knocking over your plants or racing across the counters at 3 a.m., they’ll chase each other until they’re ready for a nap—giving you a little more peace and quiet.

Happier, Healthier Lives

Studies and shelter experience consistently show that kittens adopted in pairs adjust more easily, are less destructive, and often have fewer long-term behavior issues. Two really is the magic number!

What If You Already Have a Solo Kitten?

If you’ve already adopted a single kitten, don’t worry—it’s not too late! Kittens are usually open to new friendships, especially when matched with a buddy of similar age and energy level. Even an older cat can sometimes be a great companion, though introductions may need to be more gradual.

How to Help Kittens Bond

Bringing two kittens together can be a smooth process with the right steps:

• Choose the right match: Similar age, size, and energy levels usually make the best pairs.

• Start with scent: Exchange bedding or use a soft cloth to rub one kitten, then the other.

• Slow introductions: Allow them to see and sniff each other through a baby gate or cracked door at first.

• Supervised play sessions: Short, positive meetings with toys help them associate each other with fun.

• Watch body language: Hissing or swatting is normal at first, but prolonged aggression may mean slowing down.

Most kittens warm up quickly—often within a day or two, they’re already playing and curling up together for naps.

Double the Love, Double the Joy

Adopting or raising two kittens at once may sound like extra work, but in reality, it often makes life easier. You’ll give them the best possible start, prevent loneliness, and get to enjoy the heart-melting sight of two kittens cuddled together after a long play session.

Because at the end of the day, kittens don’t just need food and shelter—they need friendship, too. And nothing beats watching that bond grow right before your eyes.