HART Kitten Policy

One Kitten vs Two – The Single Kitten Syndrome Issue

HART wants you to find the feline match of your dreams. Cats can be 20+ year commitments, and finding the perfect fit for your home and life style, as well as the kitty that melts your heart, is what it takes to make it a match made in heaven.

HART's preference is to place young kittens (under 6 months of age) in homes as pairs, or in homes with another young cat for the kitten to play with. HART will consider placing young kittens as an only pet on a case by case basis.

If you're not sure why having two is better, and easier, than one, here are a few reasons:

• They are able to learn from each other. In order to become well‐socialized cats, kittens need to learn appropriate behavior from one another. This includes social skills, play skills and other behavioral information. It helps them learn limits which will result in a kitty that plays more appropriately with their human friends, as well as other pets. A human is not a substitute for a feline companion.

• When you are away from the house, two kittens have each other to play with, snuggle with and to pal around with. Kittens are pretty mischievous, and a bored kitten can be quite destructive. When all that youthful zest is directed into the natural, normal outlet of play with a kitty friend, Ferocious Lion becomes Frolicking Lamb, exhausted but happy after a day of running, wrestling, & leaping with his/her own kind.

• Kittens are often nocturnal and will want to play at night. Having a kitty pal on the same schedule can help you still get your sleep.

• Lonely kittens can also develop behavioral problems such as litter box issues and aggressive play biting, in addition to being more destructive around the home. (Imagine the trouble a four year old child could get into, left alone all day, every day with no siblings, parents, teachers or friends.)

• You have your friends, your job, and your recreation. A single kitten only has you! Rescuing a kitten in need is a selfless act, but that selflessness doesn't stop there. Please consider the time alone this kitty will be faced with.

• In conclusion, the entertainment of having two kittens cannot be underestimated! Spend some time watching how two kittens play together and decide if you want to take that away from them.

If you don't think you can accommodate two young kittens, we ask that you please consider an older kitten over 6 months of age or young adult, that we feel will thrive as an only pet. An older kitten / young adult is still very active and playful, and you can still shape their personalities quite a bit. Plus they will already have all their manners and will likely be less mischievous.

If you have your heart set on a kitten, have no other pets, and cannot consider a pair, please understand that we reserve the right to direct you only to kittens we feel will do well. We love the kitties in our care, and it is our responsibility to place them in the best suited forever homes.