Adopting an older cat?

Question

I've been looking at adopting a 6-year-old cat at the SPCA. I've only adopted kittens before (through friends who found stray litters) but am more interested in an older cat this time. I have no other pets right now.

What are some of the down sides to adopting an older cat? The pros for me are that you can already see their personality (unlike a kitten) and also that there are so many adult cats since everyone wants a kitten. (I figure they're only kittens for a few months anyway!)

But, I'd like to hear any cons to adopting an older cat. If you've done this or looked into it, what do you think the issues or problems would be?

Also, he's been living in a foster home for the past few months. Do you think it would be harder adopting him since he may be attached to his current foster mom? Supposedly he's very friendly and just a big, lazy lug.

Thank you! I'm concerned that he may not be happy and have a harder time adjusting than a kitten...

Answer 1

I did this years ago- she was a wonderful cat, and adjusted very quickly to my home. I had 2 kittens at the time and she bathed them, which was adorable. The only cons I can think of are food issues, but with a kitten that's an issue, too- I have one now that was with a collector and hasn't yet learned that here, nobody fights for their dinner, it will be served to you (the other 2 seem clear on this point).

Older cats make great single pets, though- they will enjoy reading and watching television and will not try to knock over all the books or catch a bird on the new tv- behaviours that can be annoying.

The cat is probably not that attached to the foster, but it doesn't matter anyway- it's just that, a foster home. These people know the cat is looking for a permanent mom, the best thing that could happen for all involved. I renamed the older kitty, in fact- the shelter name was just a name to keep track of her, she wasn't attached to it.

Cons- health problems- but kittens have these, too, especially if they've been homeless (we call 1 girl the million dollar kitty, she's only 5mos) She almost died, kittens are more fragile than adults.

You sound very sweet, but I think the cat will have a wonderful home with you. Most likely, this will be MUCH easier than a baby.

Answer 2

YES YES YES by all means adopt an older cat!! People have listed some great reasons already, but it is so rewarding to know you gave a cat a second chance at a loving home... and the cat knows it too and will be as loving as ever. 12 is pretty old, but not THAT old... my cats all lived to be 20+, even with health problems. An older cat from a shelter will probably have already been tested for fatal diseases and if the cat had them, would probably not be up for adoption. GO FOR IT, you won't be sorry and you are right about the hyperactivity. Hopefully your next question will be "What should I name my new 12 year old cat?" :)

Answer 3

If you have no other pets at the moment, it probably won't take him very long to adjust to a new life at your home. I've taken in bunches of older cats (as well as sick cats, etc) and I've never had a problem with any of them. (I have a really old cat that I just 'adopted' from the big wide world - he was a stray around 12 y/o - and he's wonderful. I couldn't ask for a better lap cat!) I would keep him on the same kind of food that his foster mom's been feeding him and use the same kind of litter that she uses. Keeping some things constant will help him adjust to his move. And, thank you for wanting to adopt an older cat. Too many are put down due to age.

Answer 4

I have 4 cats, and 2 were adopted from a shelter at the ages of 3 and 4. I would highly recommend adopting an older cat !! I honestly cannot think of any drawbacks. His personality will be set, and most likely his habits. You should know his personality may not be exactly as it appears when you see him in his foster environment - not that this is a bad thing, but just so you can be prepared. As he becomes more comfortable, he may seem different. (One of mine seemed v. sleepy, lazy, low key at the shelter and when we interacted with her. At home she became amazingly affectionate and energetic.)

I don't think it will be harder to adopt him due to his being with a foster mom. Cats adapt v. well, in general. He may take a bit of time to get his bearings when he comes to your home, but he will not go on pining for her - he will bond with you. I adopted my other 2 cats (at age 2 and 3) from a close friend and worried about them not adjusting, but now it's as if they've always been here and had me for a mom. It's also been my experience that a cat who has had a "rough life" attaches to his caregiver in a special way.

Quick note: if he has been in a shelter or been homeless or hungry prior to the foster home, he'll very likely have food issues. Both my shelter -cats gained weight very quickly coming home, and have quirks about food.

Answer 5

I have an older cat (hes 12) that I got from my sister. She had him for a long time and when I got him it took him a little while to adjust but now he's fine and probably over protective of me. I live by myself though so that could be why. I know that my cat is crazy!! Sometimes he will attack me for no logical reason or try and pry through my bedroom door if I lock him out. He's really old though and you might not have those same problems. He is really very loving though and for the most part, he doesnt tear up my furniture!! Kittens are so full of energy where cats are laid back. I think getting an older cat is just fine and probably better for not tearing up your house.

Answer 6

Horay for you, I have fostered a few older cats and some do take alittle longer to adjust but they come around. I have always started them in the bathroom (i even shut the door) with everything they need, litter box, food, water, toys etc...
and go in and visit them frequently during the day. As I see they are feeling comfortable I open the bathroom door and let them come out on their own pace but leave everything in the bathroom that way if they get scared they have their safe house. I even have put a crate with a blanket in there with the door open for the rel scardy cats. It works well for them but you do have to go in and visit and talk with them. I try not to push it to fast. You can tell if they are ready to be petted and picked up.

I like the older cats because they don't climb up your curtins and tear up your house. They are calmer. You are right everyone wants kittens and the older ones don't stand much of a chance. I have never had a foster older cat never adjust, some just took longer, I have lots of other animals though so there is alot to get used to.

Answer 7

When you adopt an older cat don't assume he doesn't have kitten ideas. You will miss all the energy of a kitten and exchange them for the deep love and devotion a older cat is capable of. You can bond with him by playing with him. A string can make a kitten out of any cat. If you gently set you boundaries in the first days you will never regret your choice .I have never found any cat that will not respond to play and a warm lap for nap after play. Also cat treats that you can play fetch with are good . Good luck in your choice and thank you for giving a rescued cat a new life

Answer 8

You made my day! It’s so refreshing to hear that someone wants something other than a kitten! :-) Adult cats tend to be harder to place.

The only issue would be that you might only get 10 or 15 years out of this one instead of 15-20 with a kitten. He might not be as playful as a kitten, but there’s really not much else.

Answer 9

My daughter has a friend whose mother works at the animal shelter. She sometimes brings home litters of kittens and puppies and cares for them until they are old enough to be adopted. She recently cared for a pregnant cat and then the kittens when they were born. The entire family was adopted out, including the mother who was later spayed. She was taken in by an elderly woman who wanted an adult cat in case she didn't live long enough to be able to care for it for the length of an average cat's lifespan.

Answer 10

The only issue I could raise is that older cats can have medical problems you might not anticipate.

I rescued a 17 year old cat just a year ago and he was euthanized yesterday. He was in good health and developed oral cancer about three months after I got him.

He was a wonderful, loving kitty and I wouldn't have missed knowing him for the world.