What Are Bonded Cats?
Bonded cats or a “bonded pair” are cats that have a deep emotional attachment to each other. Litter mates, related cats, or cats who become very close may be bonded cats. If you are adopting a cat who is bonded, you should definitely adopt both cats. Separating bonded cats can be very traumatic for both cats.
There are a lot of cute kitties peering out of their kennels at cat adoption facilities. During your walk down the aisle, they may give you a playful purr or extend their paw to greet you. In some cases, two cats will share the same cage, which may be marked “Bonded pair” on the kennel door. It is suggested (in some cases mandatory) that a bonded pair of cats be adopted together.
The innate urge of felines to create a pack is reflected in bonded pairings. Despite their reputation for being solo animals, cats are actually very social creatures. This deep emotional connection doesn’t only happen with the cat’s immediate family. Two cats from the same litter, adult cats, young cats, and even other animals can become bonded to cats. Siblings or best friends can form strong bonds in as little as a year when they feel safe together.
How do cats come to be so close? Shelter workers and fosters who pay close attention to the cat’s behavior and body language say they can tell the difference between a cat’s personality, likes and dislikes, and how well it gets along with other cats. As soon as they see a strong attachment between two kitties, the people in charge of their care strive hard to keep them together in the same forever home. In fact, bonded pairings are generally stressed out when they are separated.
How to tell if cats are bonded
If you are wondering whether your cats are bonded with a special relationship, there are a few things to look for. Bonded cats show undeniable signs of physical affection.
Here are a few ways you know your cats or kittens are pair-bonded:
- Grooming each other
- Sleeping and cuddling together (sleeping with their faces touching)
- Playing together often
- Cats rub heads and headbutting
- Eating food from the same bowl at the same time
- Displaying maternal behaviors with each other
How Do Cats Become Bonded?
Bonding between cats is a feline behavior similar to humans forming close ties with friends and family. When cats are a young age, they frequently form strong ties with their furry friends. When littermates or even kittens from different litters are raised together, they also often develop strong bonds when they are young. Cats build these strong relationships by sharing their own space, sleeping in the same bed, using the same litter boxes, and often sharing smells through marking scent glands from bunting or making biscuits.
What Happens If You Separate Bonded Cats?
Cats are extremely traumatized when they are separated from their connected mate. They will grieve the loss of their buddy, and they may become melancholy or even develop behavioral problems as a result of the loss.
Bonded cats will argue like any other siblings from time to time, but they are inseparable and fiercely protective of one another.
Because of this, it is extremely crucial for shelters to foster and adopt bonded cats together (source), regardless of how long they have to wait for a new home.
If you must separate bonded cats, make sure to do so gradually and in a way that minimizes their stress. When separating bonded cats, make sure to provide them with plenty of opportunities to socialize with new cats or humans to help them acclimate to the change.
Can Bonded Cats Become Unbonded?
Yes, it is possible for bonded cats to become unbonded. This can happen if one of the bonded cats passes away or is separated from the other cat for an extended period of time.
If you have two bonded cats and the pair is separated, it can cause the other cat to become depressed and mourn the loss of its friend. Cats will go through a grieving process for their feline friend.
Additionally, bonded cats may become unbonded if they do not have enough social interaction with each other. Cats have individual personalities, and sometimes, two lives grow apart, especially if they enter new surroundings with other animals and a different pecking order.
Finally, bonded cats may become unbonded if placed in a stressful environment that conflicts with their relationship or behaviors. If you see your cats begin to feel anxious often, it could be a sure sign one cat or both are unhappy with their space.
adopting bonded cats
If you’re getting a new cat that has a friend, it is always best to adopt a bonded pair of cats or kittens together. This helps to ensure that their companionship can continue, especially during a stressful transition from a shelter or pet store.
If they are separated, the cats may become stressed and grieve the loss of their bonded partner, making the transition even more difficult. There will be enough new challenges with bringing your kitty home, so adding the loss of their best friend will contribute to their anxiety and impact the cats health. Contact your vet if you notice a significant change in their personality or behaviors.
Are Cats Bonded To Their Owners?
Cats can form very strong bonds with their owners. Cats depend on their owners for food, shelter, care, and love.
Cats bonded to their cat owner typically trust and respect them and enjoy spending time with them. If you are looking to bond with your cat, make sure to spend plenty of time with your feline friends and provide them with the care they need.
It’s also important to be patient as bonding can take some time to earn their deep-seated trust.
Conclusion
If you’re lucky enough to have a bonded pair of cats, you know just how rewarding the experience and twice the love can be. These loving animals share a strong emotional connection and trust each other completely.
This healthy bond can provide them with comfort and support during difficult times. Bonded pairs often enjoy spending time together and may even be protective of each other. They enjoy each other’s company and sleep and play together often, sometimes exhibiting funny feline behaviors like neck biting.
If you’re blessed enough to be adopting a new cat to your house, it’s important to adopt multiple cats if they are emotionally connected. Separating them can be very traumatic and may even lead to long-term emotional damage to the cats and new cat owner.
