by Raven Lebeau

Created on: March 18, 2009   Last Updated: January 30, 2010

There are few- if any!- things in this world as cute as a kitten. However, wrapped inside that small furry package is a force of destruction that can wreak havoc with your home. Beneath those pointed ears lies a brain that is optimized for thinking up new and creative ways to make trouble. Kittens are not for everyone.

Unless you have the time, patience, and money to deal with having your possessions and your person incessantly clawed by curious little paws for the next few months, I would highly recommend not giving into the kitten temptation. Raising a kitten is much like taking care of a toddler in that there will be messes of all kinds to clean up, behavior problems to correct, and extreme strain on household harmony. If you aren't up to the challenge, then put the idea of getting a kitten out of your mind.

For those who have considered the challenges and are still hoping to get a kitten, there is a question of whether to purchase one or adopt. A purchased kitten may already have its shots, which saves you the hassle of a trip to the vet. Also, many breeders promise that their kittens are well-socialized. A kitten purchased from a quality breeder will be used to getting handled by humans and will hopefully have a friendly disposition.

All that being said, a rescue kitten is a better route to take both from a financial standpoint and a moral one. Approximately eight million dogs and cats are euthanized each year because they cannot find homes. If you have the time, love, and resources to care for a cat, why not choose to be part of the solution? A rescued kitten may be shy or aggressive at first, but with time and patience, any kitten can become a loving pet. I say this from first hand experience, having raised two kittens who were completely feral when I took them.

If adopting a kitten is not a challenge you wish to take on, you can still consider bringing a cat into your home. An older cat will often be already spayed or neutered, which will save you money on vet bills. You may even be able to find a cat that is already declawed, which is a must if you value your upholstery. Also, grown cats will generally be litter box trained, which means you will have fewer messes to clean up after adopting your cat.

Another benefit of adopting an older cat is the opportunity to seek out a specific breed. While buying a purebred kitten will set you back several hundred dollars, it is relatively easy to adopt an older pure bred from a breed-specific rescue society. Once

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