Whilst kittens are infinitely cute and adorable, there are definite advantages to adopting an older cat. If you’re considering adding a new feline to your family, here are our top 5 reasons why you should adopt an older cat.
No surprises – what you see is what you get
When you adopt a kitten, they are still growing and their personality is still developing. Whereas when you adopt an older cat, you know exactly what you’re getting. You’ll know whether they are a calm and cuddly lap cat or more active and independent. You’ll also know their full-grown size, how much hair they shed, how quiet or vocal they are and how much attention they might demand or require.
It’s easier to find the cat that is the perfect fit for your family when you adopt an older cat. It’s also important to note that an adult cat will bond with you just as closely as a kitten will, once they are settled into their new home.
Older cats are usually house-trained
Older cats have usually been trained in basic household etiquette and acceptable behaviour. They know what their litter box is for and they use it for its intended purpose, so there won’t be any messy accidents. Compare that with kittens who are still learning. Kittens often roll around in their litter box, shovel it all over the floor or hide their toys in it, just for fun. I recall Charlie playing in the litter box as a kitten and somehow managing to tip the entire pee-soaked tray on his head.
Adult cats have typically been trained to use a scratching post too, so are far less likely to claw your sofa or tear your curtains to shreds. Naturally, older cats are less playful too. So they are less likely to pounce on and attack your feet when you’re lying in bed asleep. Senior cats are more inclined to spend their time lying in a sunny spot, rather than climbing the curtains or engaging in other destructive behaviour. Just think how much time and energy you’ll save by adopting an older cat that is already house-trained.
Older cats require less supervision
Kittens are active, curious and typically into everything. This means that they also require constant supervision to ensure they stay out of trouble. By comparison, older cats prefer a quieter lifestyle and are much calmer and more independent. They will probably still enjoy regular playtime with their humans and their favourite toy but they can easily be left at home alone during the day – they’ll sleep most of the time anyway.
This makes adult cats perfect for pet parents with busy, active lifestyles or who work full-time. Older cats are also ideal companions for older people, who may not be as mobile as they used to be.
Adult cats are a better choice for families
From both perspectives, children and kittens don’t always mix. Kittens have sharp claws and teeth and they have a tendency to play rough – any child in their path is likely to get scratched or bitten. At the same time, kittens can be fragile, and children don’t always understand ‘gentle’. How many kids have you seen accidentally pull a cat’s tail when trying to play with them? Older cats are generally more patient and understanding with children and less likely to react to some accidental rough handling. They also know how to run and hide until it’s safe to return.
When you adopt an older cat you give them a second chance
Adult cats are often the most difficult for shelters and rescue organisations to place in a new home. This is regardless of how healthy, attractive or well-behaved they are. It’s hard to compete with a cute, fluffy kitten!
Adult cats often end up looking for a new home through no fault of their own – as a result of divorce, sickness, death, or other family circumstances. All they really want is a home to call their own again and to be loved unconditionally. Whilst you may have a shorter time together, the bond you form with an older cat can be incredibly rewarding. Why not adopt an older cat and give them that second chance they deserve?
I don’t know how much you know about Jewel, but she was 14 when she came to live with us. I adopted her from her former owner because he wasn’t willing/able to care for her and she had CRF and needed round-the-clock care.
I had no illusions about her – I knew she was a grumpy, stubborn kitty. But I also knew that her personality was like this because of the life she’d had. She actually became much more loving and less cranky the longer she stayed here. 🙂
Adopting an older cat is something I hope more people will consider.
Paws up for older cats as great companions!
You are absolutely right – adopting an adult cat is a great thing. Caring for a kitty is very much like taking care of a human child. It is a lot of work to raise a kitten and you have to be ready for that when you adopt them. Adult cats are a lot less work.
Well written and perfect for anyone who needs to be told that grown up cats ROCK!!
Harvey
(adopted as a senior)
We hope humans consider adopting older pets more. They really are an excellent choice for all the reasons you give.
Every cat we’ve adopted has been an older one, and we’ve never once regretted it. We volunteer at the shelter, and kittens will almost always find homes. But even though the adults are just as loveable, and have just as much love to give, they have a harder time being adopted, especially during “kitten season.”
I adopted Abby one month shy of her 6th birthday. We had 8 years and 2 months, and 11 days that I will treasure the rest of my life. I miss her so much. The day I brought her home she was so freakin mad at me she sassed me pretty darn good, and like you mentioned she stayed the way throughout her life. but she gave me her complete loyalty and love which she made me earn and I in turn gave her mine. She was a very special classy cat.
Our barn cats came to us as older cats. The local Humane Society has a program called Barn Buddies, for those cats that are, apparently, unadoptable. They are offered to rural homeowners at no cost, to give them a chance at life.
My Max, who was supposed to be fearful of humans and unable to be around other animals, comes and sits in my lap on the deck, drinks coffee from my cup, and follows me around the pasture.
He has 3 other cats he hangs out with in the farmyard, and he loves the horses. The only animal he can’t get along with is our dog. He is terrified of her, so we try our best to keep them apart.
The other cats, while not quite as friendly as Max, don’t display the traits that we were told made them unadoptable…so I wonder if they ended up in the program due to their age.
One the one hand, I hope that’s not the case, but on the other hand, I am glad that they have joined our farm!
Fantastic article, and so very true. My last two cats were 9 and 7 when I adopted them. Truffles was only 2, but still an adult 🙂
Oh it breaks your heart that older cats and dog so much need forever homes. Great article on all the benefits of giving them a second chance!
Carmine used to *sleep* in his litterbox as a kitten, LOL!! Thankfully, he doesn’t do that anymore.
I haven’t adopted an older cat, but my next kitty will be an adult. With my chronic pain, I’m not able to chase a kitten around the house to keep him/her out of trouble. It also makes me really sad that adults and seniors have trouble getting adopted simply because they’re older, and I want to give a kitty the second chance they all deserve.
Great post! Adult cats deserve a forever home too.
All excellent points 🙂 Adult cats have a lot going for them, and often sit in shelters for a while because people automatically go for kittens. I love them!