‘I’m wondering if I should have taken the brother home also.’: First-time kitten adopter’s gut feeling about leaving a sibling behind is proven right when she decides to adopt both siblings, leading to a full and happy fur family

Author image for Laurent Shinar
Laurent Shinar • Writer and Editor
Aug 28, 2025 5:00 PM EDT

We want to preface this story with some reality. Cat shelters often find that they are given cats who are bonded. This means two cats who have become reliant on each other, more so morally and emotionally than anything else. But that bond is an unbreakable one and if split, it can cause serious issues for both cattos.

And that is something that the adopter who wrote this story learned very quickly after adopting the sister of a bonded pair of kittens and turning to Reddit to ask if she should have also adopted the brother. And Reddit, being the grown up and responsible place that it is, immediately told her to go and get the brother. So what we are left with is a medium to large fur family who will live out the rest of their days in peace and harmony, so long as the food keeps flowing. The moral of the story being if you see them as a pair take them as is, they are not grocery store bananas that you can split (not that you should do that either…).
 

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    I have a two year old male cat and I decided to get a kitten. My son picked one that was in a cage with its sibling. We took the girl home .,. Now I'm
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    Cheezburger Image 10546673664
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    wondering if I should have taken the brother (picture 2) home also. Picture 3 is them when they fell asleep in their cage.
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    The paperwork says the kittens are about 2.5 pounds and just shy of 3 months old
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  • Well, you know, not that we have any say in the matter, but seriously you did not take the sister with you as well? How could you not think to do that, especially when they come in such an obvious pair. It’s like splitting bananas in the grocery store, it’s simply immoral.

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    230621A
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    From what I read on the internet, cats aren't considered bonded at such a young age. Like they are more like just litter mates at that point?
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    When I saw them together at the rescue, they played together and slept together.. but would they be doing that no matter who they were with?
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    KREW 20 UCKS 230621AH
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    But I can't help but feel really sad/ thinking about the one we left behind. Two of my cat loving best friends say "get them both!" My husband is not totally on board with becoming a 3
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    cat household and he says "we can't save them all" but he basically will be fine with whatever I decide.
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    I'm unsure about becoming a 3 cat household. I'll need another litter box etc.
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    I got the kitten from a very good rescue that is no so I know the brother is at least in good hands.
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    But I don't know what to do :( Please me some advice Reddit
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  • While we might not be Reddit, we are sure going to offer some advice. When adopting a cat there is only one rule of thumb. One cat is great, and two cats is even better. You need not know more than that and still succeed in successful cat adoption… We really hope this nice lady adopts the brother too.

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    STRACT
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    miscreant... Two kittens, twice the cost, half the work, four times more sleep.
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    tcookctu If you can afford it, I highly recommend getting the sibling. They're clearly already bonded and they'll have playmates.
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    Adult cats and kittens play in very different ways. Having two kittens means they can tire each other out.
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    Cats are very social animals. This gives them the opportunity to mingle and spend time with each other.
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    Monstera... Go get the other kitten! You won't regret it.
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    sassafr... UPDATE - I got the brother! He is home now and they are having a great time. I
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    don't know how to update the main post. I tried to get pictures of their reunion but it was hard to capture the moment lol. (And
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    some may notice the tiny litter box - I have a larger rectangle litter box I will set up for them.) I had to leave to get the kids at carpool but I'll try to get a picture of them napping later.
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fur brother cat adoption leaving kitten take reddit story behind cat story family sibling happy wondering home
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