Adopting An Older Cat
When a majority of people take the decision to own a cat, they automatically think of a playful kitten. However, there are various benefits to be had when adopting an older cat.
Even though kittens are cute and energetic, you can never be sure what lies in the future. It may look cute and adorable now, but it may grow to be rather unattractive. When adopting an older cat you know exactly what you are getting because it has fully grown and has all of its facial features.
Another great benefit to adopting an older cat is that they are generally fully trained. They will be aware of how to use a litter box and any outside garden area for their toilet, as well as being aware that your furniture must not be scratched, and recognize the sound of a can opener at 100 yards.
You will have less work on your hands when adopting an older cat. Kittens need rather a lot of patience, energy and time to be sure that they grow into well-adjusted adults. Older cats have a little more experience in life, whereas kittens need to learn everything the hard way.
The possibilities are that an older cat will have been spayed or neutered. Being spayed and neutered assists a cat in remaining healthy and happy. This will of course save you the cost of undergoing this procedure when adopting an older cat.
It is, of course, more likely that an older cat has passed their hyperactive stage, making them less destructive and much calmer than a kitten.
Older cats will spend half of their waking hours grooming themselves, whereas a majority of kittens have not mastered the fine art of self-grooming. This is of course completely natural. They are too busy enjoying themselves and don’t have time to clean their own coats. You can rest assured that an older cat will keep itself clean, which ultimately means that you will not need to spend as much time grooming an older cat as you would a kitten.
Just because cats are of an older age does not mean that they are worn out. Cats may need to be adopted because they have outlived their owners, or maybe they have simply become lost and ended up in an animal shelter. Some cats are even taken to shelters because their owners have developed allergies. When this is the case, it is important to remember that it is the previous owner that is faulty, not the cat.
And not forgetting the fact that it may be their last chance. It is very often no fault of their own that cats end up in shelters. I am sure that they do not enjoy being separated from their loved ones and being surrounded by other cats. It can be a very traumatic and frightening time for older cats to experience change. It is sad for older cats, as many people who adopt these purring beauties, tend to head towards the wide eyed kittens and the older cats are left watching. But it is imperative to remember the older cats that have been abandoned and forgotten about. You may well be giving them another chance in life, maybe even their last chance. Whilst they may need a little time to adjust to new surroundings, they will eventually feel safe and secure and provide you will years of faithful companionship and unconditional love.