A “Bonded Pair” of cats (or dogs, etc), are two animals that have been together as a pair and have come to know they are individually stable and comfortable when the other animal is there. These animals don’t have to be together since birth. Sometimes animals will bond later in life as well. Bonded pairs of animals happen all over the animal world and it’s not uncommon for animals to crossover into another classification of animals like a cat bonding with a dog or an adult cat bonding with a kitten… or a human bonding with their cat.
A bonded pair of cats are more than just two cats that like to play together or live together in the same household. These cats will be able to comfort each other simply by being close to the other or knowing the other is near and safe as well. The cats will reduce the stress level in each other by seeing the other is safe and also in the same environment going through the same experience. Each other’s presence is a stress reliever for the other. They still may be scared but they know the other is there and it is comforting to them.
Belle and Paws represent something far more profound than mere companionship. They are bonded – a connection that transcends simple friendship and delves into the deep psychological and emotional landscape of feline relationships.
How to tell if you have a bonded pair of cats
This was very obvious with Belle ‘n’ Paws when we first brought them home. If Belle and Paws had made it to the ASPCA, then there is a chance that Belle and Paws would have been recognized as a “bonded pair”. Having been recognized it is is even possible that they would be kept together.
Rescue organizations will put known bonded pairs together in hopes that they will be adopted together because they know separating bonded pairs of cats can have a detrimental effect on both of the cats and will show itself in social behavior or problems with eating, or depression. Bonded pairs should be adopted together because the stress of separating them would be harmful to both animals.
With Belle and Paws, senior cats that have been together since they were kittens was a big flag. Here are some other things to look for:
- Does one animal seek the other out when it can not visually see them?
- Does one animal venture out and keep returning to the other as a reassuring gesture of “I’m still here!” or “checking in on you!”
- In times of fear or stress do the animals look for one another and even huddle together?
- Do the animals sleep together?
- Do they eat together?
- Do the animals play together and keep each other entertained?
- Do they engage new obstacles, challenges or experiences as a pair?
- Are they a “duo” in mischief?
The REAL key is to watch the two animals and see how they behave toward each other. If they could care less what the other is doing or isn’t phased by interactions in an intimate real way, then it’s likely you don’t have a bonded pair. Cats that play together and get along and are friendly are not necessarily bonded pairs. There’s a comfort level and reduction of stress because the other is around and you need to observe your pets to notice that.
For Belle and Paws, their connection likely began in the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Belle and Paws have been raised together since they were kittens and have been true long time companions. We had suspected Belle and Paws were a bonded pair because of their long time together and they were seniors by the time we knew them. Bringing them into an environment where there were other animals definitely brought out the “bonded pair” behavior in the two of them. They slowly let down their guard and began to explore other relationships besides each other.
We initially kept Belle and Paws separate from the other animals and planned the introduction to the rest of family gradually. The introduction went very well as everyone met for the first time, but Belle and Paws often kept returning to the room where they had been kept by themselves separate. Still sleeping together and even hanging out with each other while they studied all the rest of us in their new home.
Bonded pairs and their health
Bonded pairs will sometimes be very clandestine in their behavior towards each other but they will seek each other out in times when they’re feeling stressed, sick, upset, or frightened. These feline soulmates will act like a an old married couple that love each other while bickering at each other… and then cuddle every night. That’s the way it is with Belle and Paws.
Cats are often independent in nature but cats are social creatures that need the interaction with others (people or cats) and will show signs of depression without it. Depressed cats become lethargic and then health issues may start developing in the cat. High anxiety is also a danger and then you may have to deal with hair loss or heart problems.
Bonded pairs of cats will be better adjusted to their environment because they may eat, sleep, and play together. This translates to less stress on both of them. To a bonded pair of cats, happiness comes from playing, eating, and interacting with each other on a daily basis and then better adjustment when new things arise.
Neurochemical Connections
When bonded cats interact, their bodies release a cocktail of fascinating neurochemicals:
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- Oxytocin: Often called the “love hormone,” it surges during grooming, playing, and close physical contact
- Dopamine: Creates feelings of pleasure and reward when they’re together
- Serotonin: Helps regulate mood and contributes to their sense of well-being and contentment
These biochemical reactions aren’t just pleasant – they’re survival mechanisms that have evolved over thousands of years of domestication and wild cat behavior.
Psychological Symptoms of Separation
The most heart-wrenching aspect of a bonded pair is their potential psychological response to separation. When divided, cats like Belle and Paws can experience profound emotional distress that manifests in multiple ways:
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- Prolonged vocalization
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy and depression
- Increased anxiety
- Compulsive behaviors
- Potential regression in litter box training
- Excessive grooming
- Apparent mourning behaviors
For bonded cats, separation isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be traumatic and effect their health negatively over time. Since we got the two of them, their separation hasn’t been longer than a vets visit (but many times they went together as a pair).
The Healing Power of Togetherness
When reunited, bonded cats like Belle and Paws demonstrate remarkable psychological restoration. Their reunion triggers:
- Immediate reduction in stress hormones
- Rapid return to normal eating and sleeping patterns
- Mutual grooming as a reconnection ritual
- Synchronized breathing and body language
- Visible relaxation and contentment
There truly is a recognition between the two where they can communicate things like “You went to the vet… how’d that go? Everything alright?” they immediately check up on each other when one goes and then comes back. It’s cute and heart warming at the same time.
Bonded cats develop a sophisticated communication system that extends far beyond typical feline interactions. We’ve seen several between Belle and Paws. They:
- Use subtle ear and tail movements understood only by each other
- Share unique vocalization patterns
- Demonstrate synchronized hunting and play behaviors
- Provide mutual grooming and physical comfort
- Serve as emotional regulators for one another
Their connection isn’t just about being near each other – it’s about creating a shared emotional and physical space. When Belle and Paws touch, they’re not just sharing warmth; they’re exchanging complex emotional and physiological information.
Still, there is a Sibling Rivalry
Even though Belle and Paws are obviously bonded… and bonded since birth on top of it, they still have their sibling rivalry to contend with. It’s so cute to see them get on each other’s nerves and they get so loud and vocal when they do. It starts to sound like two cats fighting in an alley when they are really just sitting and staring at each other as if to say “Don’t start!”. I’ve lost count of how may times we’ve ran into the room to see what’s going on because it sounds like a war goin on and they’re just staring at each other.
These two cats don’t fight with any other cats or dogs in the home, and this behavior is only exhibited by them.. to themselves. It’s comical if not for the fact that we hear what’s going on and have to come running. However; these two would be lost without each other and predominately they get along and comfort one another the majority of the time.
The Deeper Meaning
Belle and Paws represent more than just two cats sharing a home. They are a living testament to the complex emotional lives of these often-misunderstood creatures. Their bond speaks to something universal – the profound need for connection, understanding, and companionship. Belle and Paws remind us that love transcends species. Their connection is a delicate, powerful ecosystem of mutual support and unspoken understanding.
