Kittens are usually the most popular choice for new cat owners for one simple reason: they are super cute. But do not rule out the choice to adopt an older cat. Most cats live for over 20 years, so an older cat may still have plenty of love to give.
There are pros and cons to getting a kitten, and to adopting an older cat, so keep reading if you want help deciding what’s best for you.
Kitten
We have to get it said, kittens are adorable. Choosing a kitten instead of an older cat allows you to know that your pet has been treated well all his life. You can also create strong bonds with him from an early age, and this friendship can last for over 20 years.
Kittens need lots of attention the first few weeks of their lives. They need to be fed more often than older cats, and require more care and attention, so that they arrive safely. Until the kitten grows up, you have to take care of him as if he were a small child.
Another thing to keep in mind is that cats like to be bitten, torn, hunted and wrestled. The best way to make sure your kitten does these things is to get two. If you are absolutely sure that you only want one animal, it may be better to get an older cat.
For tips and advice on how to take him around a new kitten, read our section on bringing a new cat home.
Older cat
It’s okay to admit that the easiest way to choose a cat is to take the cutest kitten, and we understand that it plays a big role in your choice. For some, however, getting an older cat may be a better option. If you do not have enough time for a kitten, or if everyone in the house works during the day and can not be at home to keep track of the kitten, it may be a good idea to adopt an older cat instead. There are thousands of adult cats who have ended up in shelters and cat homes without doing anything wrong themselves, and many of them have to wait a long time to get to a real home. If you are adopting an older cat, you know that you have done something good by giving your cat a loving home.
One benefit of choosing an older cat is that you know what you are getting. An 8-week-old kitten will grow a lot, and her temperament can change as she gets older.
Adult cats require much less attention than kittens, and most will be happy to be at home in a warm and cozy room while you are at work.
When you adopt an adult cat, he will probably be room clean. With kittens, there will probably be some accidents on the couch before they learn how to go to the toilet, and they can smell quite bad before they learn how to wash themselves.
You may think that an adult cat can not create strong bonds with a new owner, but that is not true. An adult cat will usually come very close to its new owners, and even a teenage cat has lots of life and love to give. Adult cats are also calmer and get in place more easily than kittens. Small cats are more likely to injure themselves during the first year of life, which can be very difficult for both owners and pets.