Most people who decide to adopt new cats for their family think that they need to choose a kitten. The main reason is that many people find kittens cute and they love the idea of watching kittens grow. However, what most people do not realize is that caring for kittens is like caring for a newborn baby. Young cats need constant supervision. Aside from that, you should kitten-proof your house first before bringing in a kitten as there can be possible household dangers like computer cords, electrical wires, household cleaners, drawers, and window screens that can place the safety of your kitten at risk.
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Kitten or cat: which one is best for you?
Do you have kids or seniors in the family? Remember that young children like to hug pets and they tend to move quickly around the house. Because of that, the children can accidentally hurt tiny kittens that may scratch or bite them in return if they are frightened. On the other hand, the right aged cat tends to tolerate young children’s behavior and less likely to get injured during playtime.
Aside from that, senior citizens are usually not prepared for the energy level of small kittens and would get more enjoyment and satisfaction from a calm senior or adult cat’s company. Usually, kittens are underfoot which can cause even a right aged young person to stumble or trip, injuring his feet and the kittens.
When choosing to adopt kittens, bear in mind that they have endless energy throughout the day. Expect your hyper kitten to spend some of its nights running up and down the stairs, scaling your drapes, and playing across your countertops. A young kitten will rarely sleep at the foot area of your bed. You should also take note that kittens can grow quickly, becoming fully size by the time your cat reaches 6 months but usually continuing his kitten behaviors longer.
Kittens vs. Adult cats
When visiting a shelter, you may find yourself very attracted to appealing kittens. However, bear in mind that adult cats are usually owner-friendly and will be much happier to share a home with you. These cats usually come from a happy home setting and were given up due to the owner got sick, death, divorce, etc. These are some of the many benefits that you’ll get from adopting an older cat:
- Older cats are often trained to use a litter box.
- Adult cats might already have had their shots and have been neutered.
- Kittens are lively and rambunctious. Your house will never be peaceful again with hyper kittens running all over the house. So, if you like a serene lifestyle, then you will be better off with an adult cat.
- If you’re younger and have school-age kids, then a feline friend who is one or two years old is considered a great choice since he can grow up together with your kids.
- Adult cats may make the new home transition much easier than younger cats, and usually, they are more grateful. The advantage to the adult cat is that mostly, these cats won’t find homes and families since people are naturally attracted to the kittens’ cute appearance.
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Common questions about getting a cat or kitten
Are kittens better than cats?
To become friendly, well-adjusted adult cats, kittens need to have constant socialization or training. A kitten with a grown feline companion or two kittens will do best in that setup. However, kittens depend heavily on their human parents while they’re on the process of growing up. As a general rule, you can follow the months=hours guideline.
What is the best age to get a cat?
The general rule of thumb is that if you have young kids, like under 5 years old, it is best to choose a grown cat that is over 2 years old. Most people have a fuzzy and warm image of a child and kitten growing together. However, there are some things you should take into consideration before bringing in kittens who are younger than one year old if you have young kids at home.
When is the best time to get a kitten?
Kittens shouldn’t leave their mother cat until they are at least 8 weeks old. Cat experts suggest that 12 to 13 weeks is best. It’s also advisable that you choose an adult cat when deciding to adopt a new feline member since they are more trained and social than kittens.
Conclusion
The best thing about adopting a senior or an adult cat is that you are literally saving a life. Since most people want to take kittens home, an adult cat’s chances for rehoming decrease with age. As a matter of fact, most of these kitties make really good sociable pets when someone will just give them a chance. Most cats remain in foster care or shelters until they’re adopted.
Even though their odds are improving, there are many senior cats brought into animal shelters are and euthanized. By adopting a grown cat from any animal shelter. You’re helping a lot to make room for another cat, who may otherwise be put to death.
