Getting a cat is a big commitment (12 years I think). But what about getting an old cat?

Answer 1

I just adopted a 9 year old cat. She's funny and cute and set in her ways. Evidently her former owner put her to bed. I mean literally put her into bed and sat with her until she fell asleep. This cat sits in front of my computer screen and nips my fingers until I get up and then she jumps down and runs down to the bedroom, looking back to make sure I'm following...when we get to the bedroom she jumps on the bed and if I should DARE leave before she lies down, she jumps down and follows me and the whole routine starts again...I'd like to STRANGLE her former owner. LOL
In other words an older cat will come to you with baggage and ingrained habits. This might not be a bad thing, it's just something you need to be ready to deal with. Incidentally, healthy cats usually live to be about 14 to 18 in my experience.

Answer 2

If you just want to get an old cat because you know it will die in a few years, I dont think you should get a cat at all. Most cats actually live over 12 years, they cost a lot of money in food and you have to be prepared for them to need something like vet care and be willing to foot the bill. They need someone that doesnt see them as a "big commitment" but as a commitment well worth it for the benefits they will reap. Keep in mind also that if you get an older cat, it is more likely to need medical care soon.

Answer 3

Most cats live past the age of 12. I would say 15-18 is a common age for cats to live. Either way getting an old or a young cat it is still a large commitment. Pets of any nature are. The drawbacks of getting an older cat would be potential medical problems that could come up. Older cats can develop diabetes or thyroid problems, and many other. Also they frequently need their teeth cleaned by the time they are older. However even with getting a young cat it still has expenses that will be adding up such as getting it spayed/neutered and of course vaccinations. Either way old or young, cats are a large commitment.

Answer 4

First of all, if you're lucky, 12 years is only middle-age. However, that is about when health problems start setting in.

I think it's a lovely idea if you adopted an older cat. However, that said, it's also important to be aware that with an older cat CAN come health problems, which you will have to be committed to without a doubt. If you won't commit to a kitten, I'm doubting you'd commit to an older cat with health problems. And it's completely and totally UNFAIR to adopt an animal and have it attach to you only to throw it away again. Adoption is just that -- a long-term committment. Those of us who've raised dogs and cats can tell you -- 12 years, 15 years, 17 years -- it's never long ENOUGH!!!

Answer 5

if you are worried about the length of time you will be committed to caring for a cat, perhaps u should reconsider totally. a cat is like a partner/member of the family, no matter how old the cat is to start with. cats can die young, and cats can die old. this is a humane partnership you are contemplating.

i lost one of my cats recently, it broke my heart, i always knew it would. they are at least as loyal as dogs if you treat them well, and you will be rewarded with years of unconditional love and fun if you are lucky.

i had no idea how attached i would get to my moggies before i got them, but i know for certain they are the three best decisions i ever made in my life. they are always there for you.

whether you do decide to get a kitten or an older cat, make sure you are wiiling to pay the vets bills. be humane, especially to an older cat, who may have arlready suffered the bereavement of losing its owner, hence why it might be in a rescue.

i can also recommend short haired black and white cats, as they are so devoted, loyal, intelligent and just fun to be with, and dont need as much grooming as a long haired cat, and are often more resilient than pedigrees.

good luck, only think about whether you are ready to commit to a cat, u may be looking at 22 years even just with a kitten.

love and peace, swot xxx

Answer 6

Getting any animal of any age is a big commitment. But its nice to think youve thought about it. One thing to think on is an Older cat may need more vet attention etc. If you seriously think you have the right home for a cat then go for it - there are plenty of old cats who'd just love to go home with you I bet
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Answer 7

i'm glad you realize that a cat is a big commitment. have you also considered that it can be difficult and quite expensive to find a good cattery when you want to go on holiday or go away for the weekend at the last minute? maybe you have a reliable freind to help or maybe your mum?. what about cat hair does that bother you? i'm just suggesting that you might think it through a bit more . cats are very rewarding creatures to have. maybe you should (as someone suggested ) foster a cat and see how it goes. ask your local cat shelter for advice and take it from there. hope this helps. bye for now.

Answer 8

It's a great thing to do especially if you're saving the cats life..but..when a cat is that old you have to be prepared for the fact that the cat is already set in his ways. It's not like a kitten that you're able to dicipline from the time you get him/her. You need to choose one that is already used to people and loves to be pet. Cats are great pets..(I have 4) and they are a commitment, but they're not as hard to take care of as dogs. Keep the litter box scooped out and just make sure they have plenty of food, water and love and you'll be good to go! good luck!!

Answer 9

A cat commitment is usually longer than 12 years.. My last cat was 14 years old and he died of diabetes... I think adopting an older cat is great.. Most old cats are killed in that no one wants to adopt an older cat (except me).. that gives them another chance at a good life and I would do it in a heart beat.

Answer 10

An older cat is just as much commitment as a younger cat. If you only want a cat for a couple of years, for example, you shouldn't get one. Any pet is a companion for their entire life, regardless of how long that's going to be. You have a great responsibility to them - their mental as well as physical well-being, and that includes regular checkups at the vet. My husband and I always adopt older cats - not because we only want them for a few years, but because we can offer a good retirement home, with lots of love, affection and fresh chicken.

If you are serious about wanting to get a cat, go to your local rescue centre. If you are in the UK, I would highly recommend Cat's Protection.
http://www.cats.org.uk/

Think long and hard about why you want a cat, and if you are prepared to devote that much of your time and energy into caring for it, before going to get one.

Best of luck, and I hope that you do decide that a cat is for life, and an ideal pet for you.

Answer 11

12 years?

what do you do with your cats?
My cats are now 13 years old (and in perfect health) our last cat died at the age of 22... (and the cat before that died in a car accident)

I dont see any problem in getting an elder cat they will give you affection (based on character) and its less of a commitment to the cat.

but if you really want to bond with the cat buy a kitten