by Brenda Nelson

Created on: May 08, 2009

When it comes to picking a pet for adoption, most people find youth wins out over experience. That is to say, cute kittens get adopted far more readily than do adult cats. But is a kitten necessarily right for you? Both have strong advantages and disadvantages, let us look at some of those here.

-Advantages of Kittens-

1. The cuteness factor makes them an easy choice. Anything young, somewhat helpless and needy, appeals to a persons sense of filling a role as a "parent" to that critter.

2. They are entertaining as they bumble around trying to jump up or explore new areas.

3. Many people find it easier to bond with an animal when they feel like they are its "first" owner. Watching something grow up is a bonding experience.

4. Kittens do not have any bad habits that you may need to retrain.

-Advantages of Adult Cats-

1. They have outgrown the playful stage that tends to involve getting things broken.

2. They have outgrown the stage of being "claw agressive". This makes an older cat far better suited to a home with younger children.

3. They may have all their medical done, including being spayed or neutered. This will save you money.

4. They eat adult food, which is cheaper than kitten food, again it may save you money.

5. You know what their personality is like. It might surprise some people, but you cannot mold personality. A playful kitten might grow up to be a cuddler or an aloof cat, you cannot predict this or shape it.

6. If a person is considering "declawing" they might be able to find an adult cat who has already been declawed.

7. Adult cats, when selected well, are better with children.

8. Somebody with a limited time commitment might be better off to adopt a senior pet. This would be ideal for a senior, or person who may not be in their home for fifteen more years (or so) needed if they were to adopt a kitten.

-Disadvantages of Kittens-

1. They are playful and will be claw aggressive. This makes them unsuited for homes with young children or the elderly (with frail skin).

2. They can be easily hurt by careless children, or other pets.

3. Some shelters require a kitten to be spayed or neutered before it can be adopted out. There are some concerns that early spaying or neutering may have result in urinary tract problems later in life. If it is not spayed or neutered prior to adoption, this surgery is still needed later on, and may be a financial concern.

-Disadvantages of Adult Cats-

1. You do not know their history, an adult cat who had been fed poor quality food might have health concerns later in life as a result.

2. They might have a bad behavior, such as jumping on counter tops, that you need to train out of them.

3. It may take a mature cat a little longer to settle into its new home.

-Summary-

Many people get kittens because of the cute factor, only to be overwhelmed by their playful nature and claw aggression. By considering an older cat, they may have a better experience. The expected lifespan difference between a 8 week old kitten and a one year old cat, really is insignificant and should not determine your choice.

All pets need home, if you adopt an adult or a kitten, you are truly saving a life when you rescue one from a shelter.

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