By: Talin Seta Shahinian
Everyone knows that kittens are cute. The internet practically runs on cat videos, and kittens are high up on the food chain of views there. However, when it comes to adopting a cat, adult cats have some distinct advantages over kittens. After delving into all the reasons adult cats are great, the only question you’ll have left is, why on earth wouldn’t I adopt an adult cat?!
The Drawbacks Of Adopting A Kitten
First of all, kittens become cats after turning one year old. That first year will be filled with many adorable moments, but it also comes with a price. Kittens get into everything! They’re very high-energy and rambunctious. They are more likely to chew on your phone cord, scratch the furniture, or shred an entire roll of toilet paper. They’re likely to run around the house at night playing, possibly knocking things over. You might wake up to a broken vase or to them batting at your toes through the covers or pouncing on you.
They also have to be litter box trained. Their little claws are razor sharp. If you have kids or other pets, you may have to supervise quite a bit, as kittens can play rough, and likewise, a child may still pull a kitten’s tail, no matter how many times they’ve been told no. If you have an adult cat already in the house, a kitten may be more annoying to them rather than a companion. If you have a dog, they may not like being ambushed by a hyper kitten either.
Having a kitten around is a lot of fun, but not for the faint of heart. They just want to play, and anything or anyone is fair game and not governed by the time on the clock! So you’ll need a lot of patience. If fast and furious is your speed, a kitten will be right up your alley, but if you’ll looking for a more chill companion, an adult cat is where it’s at.
The Advantages Of Adopting An Adult Cat
Adult cats are more mellow. They’ve already been litter box trained. They tend to integrate better with other pets you may already have. They’re better with younger kids, as they have more patience and can withstand a bit of tail pulling now and again. They still like to play, but they also love to sit on a windowsill and watch the world. They love to nap. They’ll be happy to keep you company while you relax and watch TV and keen to curl up next to you on the couch or be a cuddly lap cat.
Another significant advantage to adopting an adult cat is that their personalities are already well-formed. It’s tough to tell what a kitten will be like down the road, as they mostly act pretty similar when they’re babies. When you meet an adult cat, you’ll be able to tell if you vibe well together. When you adopt from a shelter, humane society, or rescue group, you’ll also be getting a cat who most likely has already had all their shots, been spayed or neutered, and maybe even microchipped. That’s a huge saving financially and a convenience for you.
Finally, adult cats need loving homes and can be passed over when people choose kittens. When you adopt an adult cat, they’ll be so grateful to you. You’re likely to have a cat you can bond with in no time, and you’ll receive a lot of love and affection in return. A special note on senior cats; they especially need homes, as they are passed over the most. If you’re looking for mellow, sweet, and sedate, you can’t do better than a senior kitty. They also make stellar companions for older folks, who may be slowing down themselves. If you live in NW Wisconsin, Purple Cat Mobile Vet Clinic is here to help you keep your cat healthy and happy. We’re a high-quality, high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter clinic. We see cats exclusively. Find information for scheduling on our www.purplecatvet.com website. You can also look on our Facebook page for more helpful information on all things feline!