Cat or Kitten: Which Should You Adopt?

Kittens are hugely popular, and it's really no wonder. Few things are cuter than a tiny, fluffy, bouncy kitten. But if you're thinking about adopting a feline friend, it's worth thinking about adopting a well-behaved, full grown cat.

Caring for a kitten is somewhat challenging. Kittens are still learning about the world and figuring out how everything works. They explore, scamper, bite things, and get into everything. They'll squeeze into tight places and get stuck. They'll chew on electrical cords or something equally dangerous. Kittens are a lot like human toddlers, only much more agile, and you'll need to kitten-proof your house to make sure your new kitty doesn't get hurt.

Kittens are rambunctious and need lots of playtime. You'll have to play with her several times a day, or she'll act out and find other ways to amuse herself that may not be so amusing for you--like pouncing on your feet and attacking your legs. It will actually be easier for you if you adopt two kittens, since they'll keep each other busy.

A kitten shouldn't be taken away from its mother any earlier than eight weeks, preferably ten. Mother cats don't just feed their kittens; they spend time teaching their kittens how to be cats. Mother cats help baby cats learn what is and isn't appropriate behavior. When a kitten is taken away from her mother too early, she could develop behavior problems and possibly emotional ones too.

Grown cats may not have the lovable fluff and bounce of tiny kittens, but you usually know what you're getting into. Older cats tend to be calmer, more laidback, and know what is and isn't acceptable. You won't have to teach or correct them nearly as much.

Some people worry about adopting a grown cat that was dumped on a shelter. After all, if the cat is such a "wonderful" pet, why was it put up for adoption in the first place? Moving across the country is a common excuse. Sometimes the cat's owner marries someone who hates or is allergic to cats. Other times they just get tired of the cat once it outgrows the "cute kitten stage."

You only need to spend a few hours with a cat to get a good feel for her personality. The shelter can usually tell you if the cat has any problems, such as not using the litter box. However, don't overlook problem cats! They can be equally loving pets, and may just need a little extra attention.

Whether you adopt a kitten or a cat, you need to be willing to accept responsibility for your feline friend for the rest of her life. Cats can live up to 20 years, or longer in some cases. It's a lifetime commitment. Choose wisely.

published 2 years ago

catkin

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