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  • 1.  'Littermate Syndrome' Myths Busted – You Don't Need to Adopt Out Pets in Pairs

    Posted 09-01-2021 07:16 AM
    It's been said for years that kittens MUST be adopted in pairs, and that puppies MUST NOT.  This is wrong. 
    Check out our latest HASS Blog!

    Do your adoption policies reflect this long-held belief?
    Are you aware of the science behind Single Kitten Syndrome and Littermate Syndrome?


    #AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
    #Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

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    Monica Frenden
    American Pets Alive
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  • 2.  RE: 'Littermate Syndrome' Myths Busted – You Don't Need to Adopt Out Pets in Pairs

    Posted 09-01-2021 09:40 AM
    This is mind-blowing! We do allow single kitten adoptions, but do not currently allow littermate puppies to be adopted out together. Definitely going to discuss that policy with my team right now!

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    Alexis Pugh
    Director, Memphis Animal Services
    www.memphisanimalservices.com

    Organizational Management
    & Pet Support Services Specialist
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: 'Littermate Syndrome' Myths Busted – You Don't Need to Adopt Out Pets in Pairs

    Posted 09-02-2021 06:31 AM
    If anyone wants to go on a deep dive, there is older research showing behavioral problems associated with orphaned kittens being separated from their mother:

    Mellen J. Effects of early rearing experience on subsequent adult sexual behavior using domestic cats (Felis catus) as a model for exotic small felids. Zoo Biol., 1992, p. 11-17.

    Seitz PFD. Infantile experience and adult behavior in animal subjects: II. Age of separation from the mother and adult behavior in the cat. Psychosom Med., 1959, vol 21, p. 353.

    And then newer research suggesting the opposite:

    O'hanley, J. Risk factors for aggression in adult cats that were fostered through a shelter program as kittens. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Volume 236, March 2021.

    But still, NO research even suggesting the existence of SKS.

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    Monica Frenden
    American Pets Alive
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: 'Littermate Syndrome' Myths Busted – You Don't Need to Adopt Out Pets in Pairs

    Posted 09-01-2021 09:19 PM

    Hello all- interesting discussion. In all reality there really shouldn't be a hard fast rule on either adopting out kittens or puppies in singles or pairs. It really is a case by case basis. In terms of "littermate syndrome"  this really is a misnomer. There isn't any research to support either way that I am aware of out there. 

    Adopting two puppies can be much more difficult when it comes to house training and learning the house rules. The humans have to learn how to divide their time individually for each puppy so that they receive the same quality time and opportunities to learn and bond with the humans. 

    This is less of a concern with kittens although quality individual time is still needed with each. 

    Christine D. Calder DVM DACVB



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    Christine D. Calder DVM
    Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
    Calder Veterinary Behavior Services
    www.caldervbs.com

    Veterinary Behaviorist
    Behavior Specialist, MPF
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: 'Littermate Syndrome' Myths Busted – You Don't Need to Adopt Out Pets in Pairs

    Posted 09-02-2021 11:13 AM
    Are there scientific studies disproving Single Kitten and Littermate syndromes?

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    sam maurice
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: 'Littermate Syndrome' Myths Busted – You Don't Need to Adopt Out Pets in Pairs

    Posted 09-02-2021 12:03 PM
    Hi Sam,

    As far as I know there are not studies to prove or disprove Single Kitten and Littermate syndrome.

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    Christine D. Calder DVM
    Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
    Calder Veterinary Behavior Services
    www.caldervbs.com

    Veterinary Behaviorist
    Behavior Specialist, MPF
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: 'Littermate Syndrome' Myths Busted – You Don't Need to Adopt Out Pets in Pairs

    Posted 09-02-2021 12:31 PM

    Thank you. In that case, it seems to me that it's a little misleading to declare both syndromes are myths based on lack of scientific studies. It simply means that there's no conclusive scientific evidence either way, just a blog post where the author disagrees with Littermate syndrome. I would wager I could find blog posts from behaviorists that believe it does exist. I know there are certainly behaviorists that believe Single Kitten syndrome is a real thing.



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    sam maurice
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    Original Message


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