Why is it only kitten pairs in rescues?

[BeBesideTheSea]

We lost darling cat recently and the house feels so empty. We really need to be cat slaves again.

We would like to adopt a pair of cats this time (though in the new year to avoid the madness of Christmas), ideally young adults. but definitely not kittens.

looking at all the rescues within 30 miles there are single cats "who need to be an only cat" or pairs of kittens. Why no pairs of 2-6 year olds? We don’t care about colour or sex, as long as at least one of them is a cuddle monster

Can't help because we adopted brother and sister kittens. They were so close. They don't like each other any more.

This needing to be the only cat is a load of rubbish.

If you’re near London, Celia Hammond always seems to have cats in pairs for adoption.

We, Celia Hammonds, have loads of pairs of adult cats, loads of single adult cats (which hate other cats), some single cats that would be happy either single or paired with an existing cat/s, and pairs of kittens.

We only home small kittens in pairs as they get distressed when removed from mum and litter mates and they are much happier with a litter mate to play with and sleep with. We have some slightly older kittens that could be paired with existing cats and occasionally some that we think would be fine alone.

So basically there is everything. I'm sure the vast majority of rescues will decide in what combination their cats/kittens should be homed depending on the individual personality and circumstances of those cats.

There are always pairs of older cats in our local rescue (I volunteer as a cat cuddler). We’re in Lancashire, if that helps.

Must just be the luck of the draw. I've adopted two cats (5 & 6 y/o) and previously two pairs of cats all about 1 y/o!! When looking for the most recent pair there were several others who were listed as 'bonded' pairs. Ours were too, but they seem to hate each other

They were sold to us as "don't bother with these two, one is really friendly but the other one will just hiss at you". It turns out 'the other one' is actually just very timid but very affectionate. Keep looking and I'm sure you'll find them soon!

Not all available cats ever make it onto the websites either, for two main reasons - friendly, young adult cats are usually very sought after so the rescues may already have a "waiting list" of prospective adopters in mind for them, and secondly websites are maintained by already busy volunteers who won't have time to update all the time. So the best thing to do is to contact your local rescues directly and ask to be kept in mind for suitable cats if any come in.

We just adopted a very odd pair through Cats Protection : a 2 year old boy who CP had to neuter and a 1 year old girl who they had to spay. They were from the same household, acquired from Gumtree and then abandoned when people had to move. How on earth the timid little girl avoided her enormous friend's attentions we have no idea. They are chalk and cheese but rub along together pretty well.

Cats Protection had another 3 year old brother sister pair, but we fell for these.

You may have to wait a little longer for the right cats, but they are out there, OP

And definitely register with local rescues, so you are ready to go when the right cats pitch up.

Thank you all for your stories, and advice. Will rescues mind if we register now but say we can’t adopt until January?

Absolutely not!

Go for sibling kittens ! Ours LOVE each other !! (Get them neutered though !)

I made the mistake of speaking to a rescue - they have a pair of 3 year old siblings ... we may be adopting a pair of kitty cats straight after Christmas

Yeah! Kittens are cute but I'd never want one. Adult cats only.

I approached my local rescue regarding a particular 2 year old cat. It was originally thought that his friend of the same age had a home but it fell through. I took them both home yesterday. Their names are Tolstoy and Tolkien.

I’ve seen lots of adult cats that come as a pair, usually siblings or a mother and child, at my local animal rescue.

Glad to see you’ve found some cats. I think most of them don’t want people to take them just before Christmas anyway.

@ilovesooty How exciting. Do you have any pics?

We had our home check today, and if all OK we will be collecting them some time after the 4th January. Thanks all for the support.

My rescue didn't have an issue with it fortunately as I live on my own and I am taking time off from work until 7th January so I can be with them while they're settling in. I woke up in the middle of last night to find them snuggled up together on my bed. They're so lovely.

Tolstoy is the black one and Tolkien the tabby and white.

Good luck @BeBesideTheSea

Sooooooo cute @ilovesooty

I know the Litter Tray rules ... here are a couple of pics of our new cat masters. Thanks to you all for your help

They're beautiful have you got names yet?

Cats protection often have pairs that want to stay together. Keep looking!

Are they cuddlers?

That is a very smug looking cat! They are gorgeous. Congratulations!