If you have decided to acquire a feline friend, you will need to decide whether you want a kitten or a grown animal. The advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed below.
Kittens are incredibly cute but they usually need considerably more attention and care than an older feline, especially if you adopt a kitten that has never been away from its mother. A new kitten may be very scared and apprehensive when first exposed to a new home.
Kittens also will need to be trained on using a litter box and how not to destroy your possessions. Most kittens easily learn to use the litter box , so this is often not a drawback for new cat owners. Kittens also have a relatively long lifespan, so adopting one usually means that you will have a pet for many years into the future. Some people also appreciate the idea of being the only owner of a cat, and the only way to ensure this is to adopt a kitten.
Cats that are no longer kittens have the advantage of already knowing how to use a litter box and getting along with humans. They hopefully have been taught to not claw the furniture and that humans are a source of pleasure.
Some people do not like the idea of adopting an older cat for fear that the cat will not live for very long, but a cat that is four or five years old, while not a kitten, still has many years of life ahead of it. An older cat will generally be much more mellow than most kittens, so if you are looking for a docile pet, then an adult cat works well.
If you still cannot decide whether to get a kitten or an older cat, go to the pet store or shelter and visit with some of the cats. Every feline has a unique personality, and you cannot always predict if the personality displayed at adoption will be the cat’s true disposition. Once you have visited with several kitties, you should get a feel for what age would be best for you.
Whether you choose a kitten or an adult cat, with proper care, you will have a furry friend for many years.
Tags: Kittens, kitten, adult cat