We're going to adopt a rescue cat, but are trying to decide if we want a kitten or an older cat. We're really open to just about any kind of cat, but need some guidance on how to make our decision. We've always loved cats and are really excited.
Congratulations on the adventure you're about to begin. Sharing your life and home with a cat has infinite rewards, but taking the time to consider what you're looking for in a pet will go a long way to ensuring the relationship is a success.
You've probably already decided that you're ready to meet the cat's emotional, medical and physical needs, so let's look at other issues. Here's information based on my personal experience as a cat owner. Advice also was gleaned from Think Like a Cat by feline behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett and It's a Cat's World ... You Just Live in It by veterinarian Justine Lee; both books are worthwhile additions to any cat owner's library.
KITTEN OR ADULT
Kittens win hearts based on cuteness alone, plus they are enormously playful and entertaining. You never know what to expect from a kitten, which is fun but at the same time might be a reason to consider an adult cat or at least a kitten that's 6 months or older.
When you bring a kitten into a household, you have to cat-proof the house (make sure there are no dangling electrical cords, for instance), and you'll have to make sure you can keep an eye on the kitten at all times. Kittens are insatiably curious and seem to have no fear of anything so they can get themselves into perilous situations in the blink of an eye.
When choosing a kitten, try not to get one that was taken away from its mother before it was 12 weeks old. During that critical period of life, a kitten learns social skills from his mother and littermates. Kittens taken too soon will lack play skills such as "bite inhibition" and may have trouble getting along in a multi-cat or multi-pet household. Another thing to consider is how well the kitten was socialized with humans. A kitten that received little or no handling by humans during its early life will have trouble bonding to humans. Aloof cats are often simply those that weren't well-socialized as kittens.
After you take your kitten home, you'll be able to contribute to molding its personality by exposing the kitten to new people and a variety of situations so it becomes comfortable about strangers and new places -- and perhaps even comfortable with traveling.
Now, let's consider the merits of adopting an adult cat, the main one being that you know what you're getting with an adult. You can see what it looks like -- size, color, coat -- and you can get a sense of his temperament. If it has been in a foster home, you'll get a report about how it gets along with people and other pets as well as learn if it's laid-back, active, vocal, quiet, calm, nervous and so on.
When adopting an adult cat from a shelter, however, keep in mind that it could appear timid or defensive because living in a shelter is stressful. After you take the cat home and it settles in, it will relax and its true personality will shine through.
If you're on the fence about a kitten or adult cat, consider your lifestyle. Kittens can't stay home alone as long as adult cats, so think about how much time you'll be able to devote to it. Also keep in mind how a tiny, high-energy kitten will fit in with others in your household. For instance, if any family members have mobility issues, a kitten zipping about underfoot could pose a risk.
LONG OR SHORT HAIR
Again, the type of cat you adopt depends on your preference and lifestyle. Long-haired cats are lovely, soft and silky, but they need to be brushed weekly (or more often) to ensure they don't develop mats or hairballs. If you don't have much time to spend on grooming or simply don't relish the idea of brushing a cat, then choose a short-haired cat. They need occasional brushing, but their coats are typically low-maintenance.
BOY OR GIRL
You'll find cat owners who swear they'd never have anything but a female cat and just as many who prefer male cats. A cat's sex, however, needn't be the deciding factor. If a cat is neutered or spayed, it usually doesn't matter if it is male or female. Hormones, male and female, are behind undesirable traits in both sexes of cats. Intact males are territorial and spray while intact females loudly and continuously yowl when they're ready to breed. Spay and neuter and those problems go away.
I've had male and female cats, all of them unique and wonderful in their own ways. Some of the males were cuddly and calm while others were playful and energetic; I can say the same for the females. So choose the cat whose age, temperament and grooming needs best suits your personality and lifestyle. Or you can let a cat choose you.
Family on 10/19/2016