Have you ever considered the advantages of adopting an older cat over a kitten? Adult cats have the lowest adoption rate at many shelters and it is unfortunate because many don’t realize there are definite advantages of adopting adult cats over kittens. Following are just ten of the many reasons why you should consider adopting an older cat over a kitten.
You know what you are getting when you adopt an older cat. Sure, most all kittens are cute, but you don’t know what they may look like or act like when they grow up. You may wind up with an ugly puss, or with one who has an un-agreeable personality! You will also know about the adult cat’s health history because a shelter generally has that information. One other thing, you will know the size of the adult cat. All of the things above are yet to be known when you adopt a kitten!
Forget the stereotype about dirty old men; it doesn’t apply to older cats. Unless you want a cat that will turn over your garbage can, fly up on the kitchen counter and seat everything to the floor, or scatter toilet paper all over your bathroom floor, consider a mature cat. Adult cats have already been through childhood (excuse me, cat hood.) They are more laid back and want to lead a more sedentary lifestyle. That’s not to say they won’t play with a feather when pulled by them, but they are not as apt to “look for” and make trouble like kittens.
Adult cats are more experienced at grooming than their kitten counterparts. Kittens are too busy enjoying life and don’t yet care if they are proficient in self-grooming, where as mature cats spend half of their waking hours tending to their fur and primping.
Adult cats are better for children. Kids can be rough on kittens although they don’t mean to. Adult cats are better equipped to deal with children. They know where to hide until the coast is clear, and it is there they plot their revenge! Kittens are at risk of having their tails pulled off, being dropped from a balcony to see if they can “land on their feet,” or just stepped on and squished! They are too young to protect themselves! They have to be watched!
Adult cats know what their litter box is for! Mature felines have figured out that their litter box is for the purpose of doing #1 and #2 only. They are over the kitten stage where “fun” is rolling around in the litter box, swatting pooh out of the box and under the bed, and burying their toys under mounds of litter just to dig them out again. Adult cats tend to keep a tidier litter box.
Mature older cats are more appreciative than kittens. Just like our grandparents, older cats have figured out that there are more important things in life than “toys.” They appreciate gifts that provide comfort in their aging years. They are happy with a big new cozy bed to curl up in than the newest “gadget” on the market. They also appreciate a nice warm lap to snooze in, loving arms around them, and a kiss on their nose from their most loved human companion. Adult cats have a lot of love to give and they know how to receive it as well! They know how lucky they are to be in your care!
Adult cats can still provide many years of companionship. The average lifespan of a cat is now 16 with many living to 20+ years, if they are well cared for! There is no need to shy away from adopting an older cat. Take good care of it and you will enjoy many years together.
Adult cats are a better choice for seniors! Because adult cats are loving, calm, and considerably less destructive, they are often a wiser choice for a senior, especially if they are over 70 or are disabled in any way.
Adult cats are better to pair with another adult cat. If you already have an adult cat at home and want to add another furry feline, it is best to get another adult cat to pair it with. A kitten will annoy and irritate your already established mature cat, and that won’t score you any brownie points with your beloved feline companion.
Adopt an adult cat because YOU may be their last chance! Adult cats are often the first to be euthanized. All they want is to be chosen and loved by someone, yet they watch time and time again as loving families pass them over for the more furry, cute- faced kitten. Adult cats are often left at the shelter because of divorce, death, sickness of an owner, and many other reasons due to no fault of their own. They often come to the shelter, frightened, heartbroken, and homesick for t heir previous owner. Be a hero, step up to the plate, and say to a beautiful, older, and wiser adult cat “I will love you and believe in you” by adopting them into your loving home. You won’t regret it! They won’t let you!
For further reading on adopting older cats:
www.catster.com
www.treetopsrescue.org
www.veterinarypartner.com