Adopting an older cat... the possibilities (and benefits!) are endless!
by
Tammy Gibson
Many
people who are thinking of taking on the responsibility of a new pet often think
about adorable, playful kittens as their first choice. However, there
is a whole other realm of possibility... the adult cat!
Welcoming
an older cat into your family has a wealth of benefits. (Of course
this generalizes toward adopting a cat that has been treated well for the majority
of it's life and has not suffered abuse, medical problems or emotional trauma.
Cats who have undergone these situations usually require more specialized
(and patient!) care. Tapestry
cats have received the best of care both emotionally and physically.)
- They
are usually fully trained. They know
how to use the litter box, understand not to scratch mom's antique furniture
and recognize the sound of a can opener at 100 yards.
- Less
rambunctious!!
Adults have gone through their hyperactive stage and are usually calmer and
less disturbing to their surroundings.
- You
already know what they will look like as an adult.
No guesswork! Often, kittens have one look when they are little and
it changes dramatically as they grow.
- Purrrrrrsonality!
You pretty much know the temperament of an adult cat from the start.
Want a nice sedate cat to cuddle with in front of a fire? Do you prefer
active, playful animals?
- Older
cats (meaning not a kitten anymore) are often very affectionate animals.
Just because a cat isn't a baby anymore doesn't mean that they won't want
to BE babied!
- Taking
on an older cat usually doesn't involve quite as much work.
Kittens require quite a bit of reassurance, patience, energy and time
to ensure they grow up into well-adjusted adults. A full grown cat certainly
still has those requirements, but not on the same level. Older cats
have been around the block and know a bit about life... whereas kittens still
have go learn everything the hard way.
- An
older cat has most likely been spayed or neutered.
Most animals, once they've hit puberty, have been spayed or neutered.
This helps to keep them healthy, happy and easier to manage. By taking
on an animal that has already had this procedure done, it saves you the cost
of doing it yourself!
- Kittens
don't stay kittens forever. So you're
absolutely CERTAIN you HAVE to have a little itty bitty kitty? Know
what? They only stay that way for a couple of months... and then what
do you have? An adult cat!
- You
CAN teach an "old cat" new tricks!
Adult animals are often easier to train than young ones. They're a little
older and wiser... and might teach YOU a trick or two!
- Retired
breeders are high quality animals. Wanting
the 'best of the breed' but scared to pay the full price for an unproven kitten?
Ask around if any catteries have any breeders that they are considering retiring. Perfectly
healthy animals are often retired simply because the cattery has run
out of room for them or that they are focusing on a different 'bloodline'.
- The
Show must go on! Many cat associations
still allow 'alters' to be shown. Check to see if a prospective pet
is eligible!
These
are only a few of the qualities that makes adopting an adult cat an attractive
prospect. If you are interested in adopting a retired show/breeding
cat, please email Tapestry.
(These
articles are for personal use only and may not be reproduced for personal
or commercial use
without permission from the author, Tapestry or other authorized party.)
