When I volunteered in a cat shelter, I noticed bonded pairs of cats stayed much longer at the shelter than single cats. It made me sad to see these loving babies being overlooked simply because they needed to go home with their best friend.
So, this year for Remember Me Thursday, I’d like to talk about the benefits of adopting a bonded pair of cats.
What Is a Bonded Pair?
A bonded pair of cats is two cats who share a special relationship—you can often find them grooming each other, napping together, and sharing food and water bowls. When a bonded pair is separated, one or both cats may become stressed, anxious, or depressed, and it is not unusual for one or both cats to cry or show other signs of distress until they are reunited. Kittens from the same litter can become bonded. Other times, a mother and one of her offspring may bond. Cats in the same foster home or shelter who have no familial relationship may also become bonded.
In the shelter I volunteered at, there was a bonded pair of cats named Crash and Coltrane. I often found them napping together in a bed or grooming each other when I visited. Other times, I’d be petting and talking to Crash when Coltrane would come over to join his best friend for a snuggle session. After more than a year in the shelter, these precious boys were adopted by a dear friend of mine and spent the rest of their lives together. They depended on each other for comfort and companionship and remained best friends for life.
The Benefits of Adopting a Bonded Pair of Cats
They Entertain Each Other: Sometimes when cats get bored, they find things to get into or even engage in destructive behaviors, such as shredding the curtains, chewing on things, or scratching the furniture. A bonded pair helps keep each other entertained, preventing boredom, which may reduce or prevent destructive behaviors.
They Provide Each Other Companionship: Cats in a bonded pair provide each other with companionship. They are less likely to get lonely when you need to leave the house. They often find comfort in one another in stressful situations as well.
They Adjust to Their New Home Easier: A cat who goes home with their best friend may find it easier to adjust to their new environment. As I mentioned above, bonded pairs find comfort in one another in stressful situations. A bonded pair of cats can provide emotional support and stability for one another while they adjust to their forever home, making it less scary and stressful.
Facilitates Social Development: Cats learn by watching and mimicking other cats. Kittens, in particular, may learn how to play with each other and interact with humans by watching their best friend do these activities.
Adoption Discount: Many shelters and rescues offer a discount when you adopt two cats at the same time. Remember though, that you are committing to caring for two cats. That means you’ll be spending more on food, litter, and vet bills over the cats’ lifetime. If you’re lucky, your cats could live to be 15-20+ years old.
Double the Love: Adopting two cats means you get to experience double the love!
Save Two Lives: You save two lives when you decide to adopt two cats. This makes more room for a shelter or rescue to house other kitties who need forever homes. You can also feel good about adopting a bonded pair as they typically have a more difficult time finding their forever homes than single cats.
If you have the time, energy, and financial resources to do so, adopting a bonded pair is a wonderful way to help cats in need.
*Lead photo by Prasad Bhalerao on Unsplash.
About the Author
Sierra M. Koester is an award-winning freelance writer and professional blogger specializing in pets. She is a Professional Member of the Cat Writers’ Association. She compiled the anthology “Purrseverance: Inspirational Stories of Cat Resilience and Hope.” Her blog, Fur Everywhere, is an informative and entertaining blog for cats and their people. Sierra is also the Content Manager at The Cat Blogosphere. She is owned by her two cats, Giovanni and Gabriel. In her free time, Sierra enjoys spending time with her cats and reading.
We kept an entire litter of kittens from a feral mom found in 2019. Two of the boys are especially bonded and it’s marvelous! (Note, We then had Mom TNRed, we feed her and she lives in the yard, she will not come in.)
Two is double fun too😸In our Country they only get to a furrever home in pairs, like me and my angel bro…actual we were three, but our other brother was already taken. Granny would have taken him too, if he was still available back then😻Great post, Sierra❤️Double Pawkisses🐾😽💞
We have two bonded brothers and they are so close. If Ernie gets stuck in the basement because he’s still scared of the dogs Bert meows til Ernie is back. Ernie has grand Mal seizures although we’re hoping the medicine prevents any further ones and Bert is right there trying to comfort him. He wants to be there when Ernie takes his medicine too.
We have some bonded pairs at the shelter, it’s always good to see them go home together.
I remember my Cats daily