Tears over photo of kitten upset her sister and she was adopted without her

Animal shelters sometimes seek adopters who are willing to step forward and take home not one, but two animals that are considered a bonded pair. Because these animals thrive together, shelters want to ensure they go to the same home, but unfortunately it doesn’t always happen that way.

Cats that are labeled as a bonded pair have a special relationship and provide each other with comfort and companionship. VCA Hospitals reported that bonded cats are likely to thrive better in their adopted homes if they stay together. These animals are often siblings, but unrelated cats can also develop a close bond that is meant to be together forever.

Unfortunately, bonded couples can become separated if adopters don’t have enough space or if two pets are too much for them. A Reddit user known as u/MeestersKeeters sent out a plea last week encouraging adopters to keep a pair of cats together after a cat from a dynamic duo was left alone at the shelter.

The post, shared on the subreddit channel r/cats on May 1, showed the harsh reality of what happens when a couple is separated. A kitten sat down and looked at the ground with a broken heart. Her sister was adopted without her. Part of the caption reads: “You could say they are actually EASIER to care for because they entertain each other.”

The poor little kitten couldn’t believe her other half was gone. Terrified, she was probably alone for the first time in her life, surrounded by the loud and stressful shelter environment.

Each year, 6.3 million pets enter U.S. shelters, an average of 17,260 per day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The number of dogs and cats taken in by animal shelters reached 46,807 in January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared to January 2022, according to the 24Pet “Shelter Watch Report.”

Approximately 920,000 surrendered animals are euthanized each year. Shelters strive to minimize the number of euthanasia cases by promoting adoption campaigns, spay and neuter programs, and behavioral rehabilitation.

Newsweek contacted MeestersKeesters via Reddit for additional information.

The Reddit post quickly gained attention, reaching more than 13,000 votes and 662 comments on Tuesday. Heartbroken, many users shared their experiences with connected couples.

“This just makes me so sad,” reads one comment.

“Yes, I went to get a kitten last week and came home with mom too. She kept trying to get into the carrier, then sat with me calmly and patiently for five minutes and I thought: fine!” said one user.

Another added: “Aaaand this is why I have three cats instead of the two I meant… Give the sad little one some cuddles please.”

A third person called getting a bonded pair the “cat tax.”

Another person who worked in shelters said, “…But unfortunately you can’t force someone to adopt two cats. The first shelter I worked at would only adopt couples together. If the adopters only wanted one cat, bonded pairs were not available to them.”

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