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How to Tell if Cats Are Bonded: 6 Common Signs

Ashley Bates

By Ashley Bates

two devon rex cats are sitting on the scratching post

Cats are mysterious creatures, and it can often be hard to understand their attitudes. In some ways, it might seem like your cats are unsure of one another or even jealous of each other. But how exactly do you know if they’ve crossed into the friend zone and are now best pals?

Cats might not talk in our language, but we sure can tell a lot about them just by watching. Here’s how you know there’s a bromance or womance between felines.hepper-cat-paw-divider

Initially Introducing Multiple Cats

When you introduce multiple cats, you need to do so slowly. For most of us, we’ve owned a cat that didn’t respond well to change. There might be some serious stare-downs, smells, growls, and other unwelcome gestures when two new cats meet.

There are also those weird instances where the two form an instant bond. That would be awesome, but no one should expect that right off the rip. It takes time for them to get to know one another and all the new smells, sounds, and personalities.

Once they have gotten comfortable, they will start warming up to each other, but it happens at the pace it needs to.

The 6 Tips on How to Tell if Cats Are Bonded

If you’ve had a few hiccups upfront, here are a few signs they are finally starting to be the best of buds.

1. Synchronized Movements

Do your cats behave in unison so much you’d swear they were twins? If so, this is a very good sign that they are a bonded pair. This means their energies are matching the other, showing signs of a bond that will never be broken.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that even the best of buddies won’t have their bad days, but if you feel like you can’t see one without the other, you have a bonded bunch for sure.

two cats on a cat tree
Photo Credit: Arina Krasnikova, Pexels

2. Rubbing

Cats have glands on their heads, paws, cheeks, and other areas of the body. Rubbing, also known as bunting, is also a sign of affection. Essentially, it is marking the other creature with their scent.

When you get home, and your cat comes to greet you, they may rub up against your legs. While this is a sign of friendliness, it’s often saying you’re mine and no one else is. So, if your cats are doing this to one another, it’s a very positive sign.


3. Grooming

Grooming is one way that cats show affection and loyalty. If you see your cats grooming often, chances are this is their way of showing love. You see bigger cats licking and bathing one another even in the wild.

If they start grooming, it can be a perfect time to snap a few adorable pictures, too.


4. Napping

Everyone knows that a cat’s favorite pastime is taking a snooze in a comfy spot. If your cats are snuggling up with one another in slumber, you can probably considers themselves quite close. Sleeping around another animal is a sign of comfort and security. That means your cat trusts the other.

After all, it’s probably lovely having a buddy around who appreciates sleepy time as much as you do.

three cats on blue fabric pillow
Photo Credit: Toni Tan, Pexels

5. Playing

One of the most apparent signs of a pair of cats getting close is playing together. Most cats enjoy physical activity, but sometimes energy levels don’t match. If you find both cats being willing to romp around at the same time without too much fuss, they probably match each other quite well.

Some cats can play really rough. Unless they are showing body language like hissing, growling, or injuring one another, it’s probably all in good fun. If you are worried that maybe it is a little too much, just remember that it’s likely totally normal.


6. Partners in Crime

Have you noticed your kitties getting into trouble recently? If so, it might actually signal that they are becoming quite close with one another. This friendship is sealed if they get into all sorts of shenanigans like jumping on counters or getting into the house plants.

Sharing a thirst for mischief means they’re buddies.

nine different cats in a room
Image Credit: Arina Krasnikova, Pexels

Rehoming or Adopting a Bonded Pair

There are always times when we find ourselves and predicaments we did not foresee. If you recently came to terms with the fact that you have to rehome your pets, you might wonder exactly how to go about doing that.

If you have a bonded pair, you might be stressed out about finding them a home where they can be together. With perseverance, you can bet that you will find an owner or rescue to help you place your kitty pair in their new forever home.

Or possibly, you are looking into adopting cats and see a bonded pair that you’re wondering if you should take on. Many shelters will not split up a bonded pair, which is actually a very good thing.

If your cat is already losing their original home, they will probably adjust better to their new environment with a familiar friend.

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Conclusion

Having a bonded pair of cats is truly an incredible experience. You get to have the joy of having a pair of buddies—and they bond with you, their favorite human, too. It’s a match for sure.

If you choose to adopt a bonded pair, you won’t be sorry you did. You can watch them interact with one another and form solid relationships with you in their new forever home.

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