Benefits of adopting an older cat?

Question

I want to adopt a cat from the humane society. I know that everyone wants a kitten, but I want a full grown cat.
How can I convince my mom that adopting a full grown cat is better? Benefits?

Answer 1

Benefits of older cats are that you can see what their personality is like. You also have the added benefit that they are already litter box trained (no, it doesn't just happen, you have to train them), you won't go through the curtain climbing, plant chewing, nighttime races period. You will have a cat that can come into your household settled and ready to purr. You have a cat that can't get stuck under the soft or behind the frig or can hide in some tiny place that you will never find. You also will have an animal that will truly appreciate you for your rescuing it, and will a loyal companion for the rest of it's life. All of my animals are shelter rescues, and they do truly appreciate where they came from and where they are now. Something a young kitten will not be able to appreciate. Plus, you will feel better about yourself, knowing that you didn't follow the crowd in adopting the young and cute, who will most likely be back at that same shelter when they become adults, as their family will become bored with them, and turn them back in. Seen it time and time again.

Answer 2

We've adopted three cats within the last six months that have all been fully grown. The youngest was 10 months, but he was pretty much full grown. One good thing about that is that they have pretty much developed their personality by then, so you'll know if his personality matches yours. Another good thing is that you are giving the older kitty a chance, or second chance. Everyone wants a kitten so older kitties sometimes get passed over, even if they are gorgeous and have a great affectionate personality. And they aren't as needy as kittens, well some are!
One downside is that if you have dogs, the older cat may not be adjusted to dogs. A kitten will grow up knowing the dog and not be afraid, but a fullgrown will probably be very scared and the dog may attack. However, an older kitty will most likely adjust to other cats.

Answer 3

An older cat is usually calmer, less likely to go tearing through the house and knocking down everything in sight, or climbing up the curtains, scratching up the furniture, etc. Most older cats also know how to keep their claws sheathed while playing or jumping up into your lap --kittens often do not, and will grab onto you as if your are a tree. (They outgrow this, but not before ruining some clothes and leaving prickle marks all over your legs!)

I've had both kittens and older cats and I love both, but some of my best cats have been older cats. Sapphire, a stray cat that my old sheepdog rescued (really! He kept wanting to lead me to the shed and when I went, there was this poor abandoned hungry blue-eyed cat -- hence the name Sapphire) -- he is one of the most loving, affectionate cats I've ever had. An older cat already has its personality pretty much developed, so you can tell right away if you are compatible.

And last but not least, as you said, "everybody wants a kitten" -- and because fewer people adopt older cats, you are most likely saving that animal's life.

Answer 4

I adopted Boomer from the shelter and I had a kitten at the time. Boomer was full grown, had all his shots and was neutered. Even though there was a fee involved it did not equal to the amount that it costs for this treatment at a vet. His personality was already developed and we got to see how he would react to many different situations before he was home to stay. He was a great cat and lived for many years after we adopted him.

Answer 5

Older cats need a chance too! Kittens are always the first the people want cause they are cute, but older cats are long forgotten and passed up, but they need love and affection too. I would say get an older cat because they are most likely to not be adopted.

Answer 6

Hi. We've gone both ways, and I have to tell you an older cat is much easier to deal with. You can leave them home alone and not worry that they have eaten your favourite plant or climbed to the top of the book shelves and dropped that special vase off the top. They ignore the Christmas tree, and they already know how to use the kitty litter. They still can be playful, but an older cat will sit still and cuddle with you...sometimes all day. Usually the older cat is so happy to have someone to love, they will attach themselves to one family member and follow them everywhere. A Kitten is fun too, but they have that wide eyed look because they are really as innocent as they look. Whichever you choose, enjoy!

Answer 7

Full grown cat:
1. May already be spayed or neutered
2. Might already be declawed
3. Has already been socialized
4. No litter box training required
5. Harder to get adopted than a kitten
6. Already shows its personality
7. Should be up on its vaccines and less susceptible to diseases that kittens are prone to

Answer 8

I got my cat Sonny from the humane league. He was 2 years old. He was already fixed and already potty trained. Its easier for a baby kitten to be adopted .. but not as easy for an older cat. Save one of the older guys, you wont regret it.

Answer 9

I had an older cat when I was a teenager. He was really cool and more fun than a kitten. He slept a lot and was already toilet trained and had his shots etc. He was part wild cat and used to beat up the DOGS in the neighborhood. I used to call him our guard cat lol. He didn't go scratching up the house as a kitten would and he didn't bite anyone except he would play bite my brother in law because he wanted him to bite him and kept putting his finger near his mouth :-) So he would play along. He slept with me every night in my bed and couldn't sleep without me so if I went for a sleep over at a friends house I had to take pia with me. Oh that was his name-Pia.

Answer 10

A kitten is very jumpy, and it stretches its paws when it bounces about. So, the consequence is, you'll get red scratch marks on your hands and feet. If you have babies in your house, watch out.

Older cats are tame and placid. Their personality has already formed, and you can tell by their behaviors. Each cat has a unique and different personality, just as humans. No two cats are alike. The only thing in common is, they all want love and attention.