Kitten Season

Cats are seasonal breeders and typically give birth to two litter of kittens, the first litter in Spring and the second in late Summer. Kittens need to be weaned and ready to leave their mothers, this usually at around 9-10 weeks old so every year it is from the end of May that we start having many kittens ready to go to new homes. There are then usually plenty of kittens in need of homes throughout the Summer months and up until late Autumn.

The Winter months from December to March provide a welcome break from the pressure of kitten season and a much needed chance for some of our deserving adult cats to find new homes.

Why does Celia Hammond Animal Trust rehome kittens in pairs?

We have decades of experience rehoming cats and we have observed that it is very important for kittens behavioural development to grow up with members of their own species.   Most people understand the importance of socialisation when it comes to pet dogs and their own children, this is why people take puppies to the park or dog classes to socialise with other puppies, and human children are taken to playgroups to mix with other children. Kittens learn how to be cats through playing and interacting with each other.

When kittens are raised singly there is a risk of problems developing, a risk which is higher with kittens who are raised singly as indoor only cats and will not have the opportunity once old enough to mix with cats outdoors.  Kittens like to rough play with each other and in the absence of a feline friend this rough play behaviour will be directed at their owners.  We are frequently approached and asked to rehome cats and kittens who have been raised singly as indoor cats, are now too boisterous and are perceived to be 'attacking' children and adults in their home.

Kittens just love being together; anyone who has watched two kittens play together can see how much they enjoy chasing and playing with each other and then collapsing in a heap together to sleep. A single kitten will miss its mother and siblings and the new owner will need to fulfil these needs day and night. A single kitten will be very demanding and a lot more work then a pair of kittens who provide vital company for each other.

The comfort a pair of kittens gain from each other helps minimise the stress of being rehomed. Many rescued kittens are initially shy and to face a new home on their own could be very frightening. If you already have an adult cat then it is generally easier to introduce a pair of kittens rather than a single kitten – a resident cat will initially be hostile to a new arrival whether kitten or adult, a pair of kittens will stick together, and existing cats can either play with them or leave them as they wish.  Alternatively a single cat friendly adult cat should be considered.