Advantages To Adopting An Adult Cat Instead Of Buying A Kitten

When people decide they want a cat, they often start looking at kittens without considering whether it might be better to adopt an older cat from a shelter. This comes with the obvious benefit of saving a kitty who is down on their luck, but there are plenty of other reasons why it can often be the right thing to do.

You'll Know Its Personality

Kittens are fun little fur-balls who will fall asleep in the palm of your hand after you tire them out with a bunch of games and toys. However, cats change as they grow into adolescence. It isn't unusual for a playful kitten to turn into a cat which prefers its own space. If you're after a loving lap cat, you might end up with one who simply wants to go outside and hunt.

When you go to a shelter, the staff will be able to let you know about each cat's personality, and find a perfect match for you. Adult cats will have settled temperaments, so you'll be able to choose the exact right one to fit into your life.

You'll Save Money

Of course, this should never be the main reason for adopting an adult cat, but it's worth bearing in mind. Adoption is rarely free – although prices often drop dramatically when shelters are overcrowded – but the fee will almost always be less than the price of a kitten.

And it doesn't stop there. Kittens might have been provided with their initial vaccinations, but they'll still need more, and those jabs can be expensive. There's also the spaying/neutering operation to take into account. An adult cat will have already had these procedures, and will have benefited from a comprehensive check-up when they were first brought in, so no hidden costs will lurk around the corner. If you are concerned about health issues with an older cat, contact a vet like Fernlands Veterinary Practice for more information.

You'll Have A Ready-Made Cat

Some shelter cats will be unsuitable for first-time owners, whether because they've come from the streets or from an abusive home. However, most will be trained by good owners, and will simply have found themselves at a shelter due to a change in owner circumstances.

This means that your cat will already be trained to use a litter box, and won't come home to chew and scratch everything in sight. You'll have to spend time reinforcing those behaviours in a kitten, and you won't be able to leave them alone for very long, making kittens a poor choice for those who work long hours.

Of course, the best part of adopting an adult cat from a shelter is the gratitude and affection it shows you. Cats are intelligent creatures—they know they're being given a home, and they'll love you for it.