Our Policy

At The Whole Cat & Kaboodle, kittens 6 months or younger are adopted in pairs, or to homes with an existing suitable kitten or young cat. This policy exists because we've seen firsthand the difference a companion makes.

What Is Single Kitten Syndrome?

Kittens learn appropriate play behavior — including bite inhibition — from their littermates, not from humans. When a kitten grows up without a feline playmate, they often develop problematic behaviors:

Escalated play behavior (attacking ankles, biting hands)
Inability to gauge appropriate force during play
Excessive energy with no appropriate outlet
Loneliness and potential neurotic behaviors

Benefits of Bonded Pairs

Two kittens are actually easier than one. Here's why:

Entertainment: They entertain each other, reducing destructive boredom behaviors
Companionship: They provide mutual comfort, especially when you're away
Better manners: They learn social skills and bite inhibition from each other
Less loneliness: Reduced anxiety and neurotic behavior

Not Ready for Two Kittens?

Consider adopting a young adult cat (1–3 years old) instead. Young adults are still playful and energetic, but they have established manners and are more self-sufficient than kittens. They're also better at entertaining themselves and can bring 20+ years of wonderful companionship.

We recommend no more than a 6-month age difference when pairing a kitten with an existing cat to ensure compatible energy levels and play styles.