Getting a cat - which is better a kitten or a 2 year old cat?

Question

We are looking at 2 cats - an 11 week old kitten and a 2 year old cat. Both are female Ragdolls. Any opinion on which to get if everything else was equal?

Answer 1

I would get the 2 year old...especially if your are not an experienced cat person. Kittens are adorable and so much fun...but they are SUCH a pain the a**! LOL! Granted, if you're getting this kitten from a breeder and the kitten has been with it's mother all this time, it will be a very well-adjusted cat. Breeders go through painstaking measures to socialize and rear their litters properly. Staying with their mothers for 4 months ensures they will not have annoying behavioral idiosyncrasies from kittenhood (like suckling, chewing, etc.) either. Nevertheless, kittens are a handful. They are like firecrackers of energy and are constantly getting into trouble and wreaking havoc everywhere. They will climb your drapes, knock over anything that isn't bolted down, play hockey with your irreplacable collectibles and lose them all over the house, chew electrical cords and anything else they find interesting, get locked into the closets, refrigerator, dryer, even the oven...basically anything that has a door. They will bite your fingers, they will un-make the bed, you name it! They are curious and naughty little creatures. The good news is that they grow out of it in 1 to 2 years (lucky me I have had 2 kittens that took 3 years to grow up!) So if you're up for all that, get a kitten. If not...get the 2 year old. She will be CALM...something you will soon be wishing of your kitten if you go that route! And Ragdolls are awesome cats. They are incredibly lovable, friendly, mellow, and laid back. You can't go wrong with a 2 year-old Ragdoll if this is your first cat.

Answer 2

Well, if it is a shelter/rescue, I would suggest getting the older cat, because they have less luck in finding a home, than kittens do. Kittens come and go through rescues within' a week, it seems, while cats that are over a year old, can remain there for weeks or even months, before someone shows interest in them, and when it is kitten season, the older cats are overlooked. Plus, a 2 year old cat is less maintainence, less energy, but still playful, in most cases. You don't have to keep a constant eye on them. You can also tell their personality better. Kittens can change personality, as they grow up.

Answer 3

That would depend on what you want. Kittens are a HANDFUL, but you raise them from babies and bond closely and help shape their little personalities. A 2-year old will be calmer, and will bond, but will have her personality already in place. Do the cats live together now, and can you take both? Two is always a good idea if they get along so that they always have company and a playmate. I've adopted both kittens and grown cats, and all I can tell you is you love them both the same. Personally, I love having kittens, but I think I like them even better once they settle down and settle in. And if it's a matter of giving a home, the two year old will have a harder time being adopted, so if you're willing...!!

Answer 4

Well a 2 year old cat already has it's personality, and is going to be bounced around into another environment that it'll have to get used to...in the long run i'm sure the cat will be fine...but a kitten is always fun and you can put your own influence on how you train it and kinda mold the personality of the cat...i'd go with the kitten....but if it's a tough choice, why not get both : )

Answer 5

While kittens ARE cute. With an older cat, you can see their personality now, so there are fewer surpirses.
You didn't say where you are getting the cat. If it is from a shelter, and/or this is your first cat, I'd opt for an older cat. The two year old is less likely to be adopted because everyone wants kittens because they're cute. Older cats don't get much a chance to find a new loving forever home.
Have gotten both myself, and love them all.

Answer 6

A kitten. There's nothing to getting a kitten tob start using a litter box....if it isn't already trained. Even if it's a small child that's getting the kitten and you're worried that they may hurt the cat. But you can almost garranty that an older cat not use to the child will hurt that child....even if by accident. A kitten is the answer...you'll end up with a cat that is more yours that way.

Answer 7

I would get an adult cat. At 2 you will know the cats personality. With a kitten it's kind of Luck Of the Draw. Good Luck. Also it's already trained and you won't have to feel kitten claws digging in to your flesh. Kittens love to climb on everything. That's why I like grown cats.

Answer 8

The answer to that really depends on you and the environment the cat will be coming into. The 2 y/o cat would be better if you aren't home much, if you have very young children, furniture you don't want messed up, or want something with less maintenance. Otherwise, the age decision wouldn't matter much. Ragdoll's do tend to be more laid back, so it may not matter anyway.

Answer 9

Well that's a hard decision. Cat's are good because they are past the annoying kitten stage. Also it is harder for cat's to find a home over a kitten. Kittens always get snatched up, they are so cute so that's a reason. Kittens are too adorable. Tiny, clumsy and discovering so much. So just depends on what you like. I would say a cat, they know their sh*t, they are calm and love to cuddle.

Answer 10

A kitten is a handful. Mind you the amount of laughter and love they bring into your life makes it worth. An older cat is a little more calmer, but trained. Also, it'll make you feel good about giving an older cat a second chance at a good life. There are so many cats that need good homes.... Its up to you.