Choosing An Adult Cat or Kitten?
Choosing the right cat or kitten can be difficult as both have so many benefits. Some people prefer to adopt a kitten and enjoy all the nuances of watching them grow up. Others don’t have the energy or patience to deal with kitty litter training, furniture scratching and curtain climbing associated with a curious little kitten.
Plus some people prefer to give an adult cat a new home as they’re less likely to be adopted as a cute little kitten. Both are a great choice, but there are pros and cons with each.
Advantages of Choosing a Kitten
- You can enjoy watching your kitten grow up, and take pleasure in all the cute curious things they do.
- You can form a strong bond while they are young.
- You can shape their personality to a degree.
- For the most part, you know the medical history.
- You can enjoy more years with them.
- Age is known.
- If you have another pet, they will probably adjust better.
Advantages of Choosing An Adult Cat
- Already litter trained.
- More calm.
- Less destructive.
- May already be neutered.
- Can be left alone without worry.
- May already know the dangers indoors and out, so they may get into less trouble.
- Since adult cats are less likely to be adopted, you’re possibly saving a life.
- Can more easily determine their personality.
Selecting a Long-Haired or Short-Haired Cat?
Long-haired cats, such as Persians, look beautiful, but they require lots of grooming. As they can’t look after their coats by themselves, they rely on you to groom them once a day.
Semi-longhaired cats, such as Maine Coons, also require grooming, but you can usually get away with grooming them a few times a week.
If you don’t want to spend long hours grooming, it’s best to choose a short-haired cat.
Choosing the Right Cat - Which Sex?
If you already own a cat, then it’s best to introduce a cat of the opposite sex to minimize sexual competition. If not, then the sex is up to you. If you have cats of the opposite sex, please ensure you neuter them as incest is not an issue in felines.
How Many Cats is Best?
The number of cats is a purely personal decision depending on many factors such as your desires, time available, personality of the cats, and your household members. Cats are solitary creates and don’t necessarily need cat companions, but some cats enjoy it. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.
Advantages of Choosing Multiple Kittens
- Keep each other company so they require less attention.
- Cute to watch them play and interact with one another.
- If you already have a cat, and they’re open to new companions, it’s healthy for the older cat to have playmates.
- When you go out, you’ll feel good knowing that the kittens have company.
- If you decide you want a second cat later, you’ll avoid those complications.
Disadvantages of Choosing Multiple Kittens
- The kittens will get into more "trouble" around the house as one kitten will always find something to get into. If you just have one kitten, they may not think about climbing the drapes, but if you have a few, rest assured one will think about it.
- The cost of adopting a kitten is multiplied.
- The cost of owning a kitten is multiplied.
- The grooming time is multiplied.
- As the kittens play with each other, they may not play with you quite as much.
- If one cat passes away, the other may be depressed.
- It’s harder to travel with multiple cats.
Choosing the right cat or kitten is a big decision and should be considered carefully as you hope to have a long life together.
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Updated August 2005
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