Kittens are so adorable and
sweet, but there are advantages to adopting a mature cat. Kittens
are rambunctious and playful, which is part of their charm, but
may be too much for elderly cat lovers. A busy person who is away
from home much of the time may not be able to give a kitten the
attention it needs. Older cats will be content to spend much of
their time lying in the sun or curled up in your lap, although they
may still enjoy a game of chase the string or take time to bat around
a cat toy once in a while.
Mature cats will usually
be litter-box trained and may have been taught to stay off counter
tops or to refrain from climbing the curtains or digging in the
potted plants. As cat lovers are aware, however, cats are independent
and usually do what they want anyway when you are out of the room.
Many cats are placed in shelters
because of allergies in the family, the owner had to move into a
home where pets are not allowed, or the owner may have passed away.
Few cats are placed in shelters with behavior problems, because
quite honestly, cats are born behavior problems! That's just something
cat lovers understand and tolerate. A cat who is unfriendly may
have been mistreated or teased by children in the previous family,
and who can blame a cat for defending herself? Many people will
get adorable kittens that grow up into cats and lose interest in
them once they mature. A reputable shelter will evaluate animals
in their care for true behavior issues and help you find a cat suitable
for your home.
By adopting a grown cat from
an overcrowded animal shelter you are giving her another chance
at a happy life instead of being caged indefinitely or put down.
You may know someone who has to part with their beloved pet and
your friend will have peace of mind knowing that their precious
is going to be well-taken care of in a new home, instead of the
more dastardly alternative.
Mature cats will usually need
some time to adjust to their new surroundings. Fluffy may spend
the first several days hiding behind the entertainment center. Make
sure she knows where you have placed her litter box and feeding
dishes, then just let her be. Don't spend much time trying to coax
her out. In time she will decided to come out and get to know you,
especially if you are the person providing the food. Animals just
seem to know who is taking care of them and the food person is always
their favorite!
Find out what type of litter
the cat has been using and what type of food she has been fed. Sudden
changes may cause her to stop using the box or to have an upset
stomach. Get her toys and bedding from the previous owner if you
can. Living in a new environment with some familiar belongings will
help her to adjust more readily.
When you have children in your
home, be sure to teach them how to treat cats and other pets with
respect. A cat who was the pet of an elderly person may not have
been exposed to the noisy, rowdy play of children. Children who
are always wanting to pick her up, or bother her while she is eating,
may create stress on the cat. She may respond by biting and scratching
or develop stress-related conditions.
Children love kittens and usually
prefer one over a grown cat. Very small children may accidentally
injure a tiny kitten. Older children may tease them so the kitten
bites or scratches and learns to distrust humans. Consider the age
and behavior of your children when you decide whether to get a fuzzy
kitten or mature cat, or any cat at all.
Older cats may have some health
issues, so you may want to take her to the vet for a ex before committing
to the adoption. Decide if you have the financial means to have
any problems treated. As your cat ages, a physical exam at regular
intervals can help catch health conditions early and forestall future
illnesses, so that you will not be faced with huge vet bills later
on.- J. E. Davidson
