by April Woods

Created on: May 14, 2009

There are plenty of great reasons to adopt a cat. They're relatively easy to take care of, are independent and generally require less attention than their canine counterparts, and despite their reputation for aloofness, are very social creatures, often seeking out attention, albeit on their own terms. It is usually possible to adopt cats of varying ages, so it's important to give some thought to whether a cat or a kitten would be a better fit in your life.

When watching the kittens gamboling about their cages, playfully attacking anything that moves, it's difficult to resist the urge to take one home at once. Their playful natures are very endearing. Plus they're at the very beginning of their lives. You'll likely get to enjoy their company for a good long time, and odds are better that they haven't suffered the abuses that can sometimes cause personality issues. Also, if your home is already occupied by adult cats, it may be easier to integrate a kitten into the family.

Kittens are not without their downside though. That playful, exploratory stage they go through can be very destructive. Curtains and couches and vases are common victims of a kitten's scratching and rambunctious playing. Depending on how young they are, they may still need to be litter box trained as well. They will almost certainly need to be spayed or neutered and will require all their shots. This is important to consider if budget is an issue. Also, if there are young children in the house that haven't yet learned how to gently handle animals, a small and relatively delicate kitten may accidentally be injured.

Many times, an adult cat is a better choice when adopting. Their personalities have largely already developed, so it may be easier to choose a cat that will fit in with your family and lifestyle. They will have gotten over that kitten-stage where everything looks like either a toy or a challenge to be overcome and are less likely to damage furniture and other things by chewing and scratching. Plus, odds are good that they will already be litter box trained, will have had all their shots, and possibly even been spayed or neutered. There's also the added bonus that since most people prefer to adopt kittens, you will be going out of your way to make sure that every cat has a home.

However, depending on the age of the cat, they may not have as many years left to spend with you. While it may be noble to give an aging cat a home, especially if there are children in the house, it may make sense to adopt an animal who is more likely to be around for a while. Also, with an adult cat, there's been more opportunity for them to have been mistreated or neglected. Often, if there are behavioral issues, those will have been observed by the shelter or foster family or pet store housing the cat. It's wise to consider whether this is something you're prepared to deal with.

In general, there are no wrong choices when adopting a cat; it's simply useful to consider what you might be looking for in bringing one home. They'll all require some degree of attention and care, and you'll be rewarded with a feline companion. If cute and playful wins your heart and you don't mind the extra care that might be required, a kitten is the answer for you. If you prefer more of a known quantity in terms of behavior and habits, a fully grown cat may be the best choice for you.

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