Adopting young cat(s) versus kittens

journey

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I apologize if this has been asked before. I searched the old threads and couldn't really find anything.

I'm just wondering if somone can give me the pro's and con's of adopting kittens versus a young cat(s) (1 year or up).

I know everyone likes kittens because they're so cute, but what are some of the other reasons people adopt kittens rather than older cats?

Thanks!
 

beckiboo

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Well, in some ways little kittens are more moldable or trainable. Like if you have a dog, and get an older cat that isn't used to dogs, or had bad experiences with dogs, it won't get along with your dog.

Garfield and Festus learned a lot here as kittens. He learned to check the trash for food. They also know to check cups in case something good is in them. (Did you know cats like chai tea from Trader Joes?) And they learned how to knock over drinks with lids, so they can check if there is something yummy inside.

They had a lot of fun last Christmas climbing inside the tree. By the time I took it down, there were only a few ornaments left on it! (Sometimes older cats do this too, but usually not with quite so much energy!)

Kittens are very cute, but they are so much more bother than cats, too. Maybe you can check at Petsmart, when the rescue organizations are showing cats on Saturdays. Even as kittens, some may have strong personalities. Or maybe you will find a young cat, age 6 months to 2 years, that you really hit it off with. I know our rescue always brings along some adults, and I would have taken a few if I didn't already have enough cats. They had some tomcats that were just HUGE and would just hang on you. Oh, I wanted one of those big boys pretty bad!

Best of luck!
 

crazy4cats28

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I adopted Princess when she was 7 weeks. She was abandonded when she was 3 weeks old and bottle fed and raised in a SPCA foster home with her 5 littermates. She was exposed to only dogs from 3 weeks of age so she has more dog like characteristics so she wasn't the "normal" kitten (and is NOT a normal adult cat). That worked well for me because I had 3 dogs when I got her. She was like the Energizer bunny as a kitten. She would keep going, and going, and going....Princess was a handfull and still is. When I got her I was told by her foster home that she was very calm and loveable but that wasn't the case for long. I don't get me wrong she is still a loveable cat but ONLY when SHE wants to be. She changed soooo much by the time she was a year old. When you adopt a kitten they change so much that you really can't be sure of their personalities.

I adopted Patsy when she was about 1.5 years old. She was abused before I got her so she wasn't a "normal" cat. It was easier to see her true personality because she was already through "the terrible 2's" stage. It did take some time for her to really let her guard down but that was becasue of the abuse not the adoption.

I know I adopted cats that has issues but overall getting the young adult cat (Patsy) was easier. She was spayed and had been given all her shots when I got her. It was easier to see her personality. She did have some bad habits I had to change. The only really bad thing was Patsy was afraid of my dogs in the beginning. The dogs stayed outside most of the time. Patsy got used to them by looking out the sliding glass door on her own.

I think the next time I adopt a cat I'm going to get an adult. Most people only want kittens and there are so many really sweet adults that get overlooked. This might sound weird but all the adult cats I've adopted seem to realize how lucky they are to have a good home. It seems like their little faces just light up when you pet them and they realize they are her to stay.
 

tigerfanfrv

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honestly, i adopted cat that is estimated to be a year old and everything seems fine. he doesn't care about the neighborhood dogs or other cats around. he seems pretty laid back. but it depends on the cat. some cats adopted as kittens are friendly and laid back, but others are kind of afraid of everything same goes for cats adopted when they are older.
 

ricalynn

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When you adopt a kitten they change so much that you really can't be sure of their personalities
This is the crux of the arguement right here. Kittens are, pardon the Gumpism, "like a box of chocolates, ya never know what you're gonna git." The most loveable and snuggly kitten can become the most aloof adult - or not. And the most skittish, wildcat of a baby can become the most adorable lapcat - or not.

When I adopted Bella, I went in with the intention of adopting an adult. I know everyone wants kittens, but cats live such a long time, losing a year or two and all of the downside kitten behaviors (hypodermic claws ring a bell?) wasn't a big deal for me. And many new cat owners don't understand about those kitten behaviors, which is why so many adult or adolescent cats wind up in shelters.

I believe it's easier to match cat and owner if the cat's personality is recognizeable and established - at 18 mo or so.
 

catsknowme

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People often tell me that they prefer to get a kitten so they can train it to how they want it, but I've found that their personalities can change, just like what was mentioned before. I have adopted older cats (over 2 yrs.) and they quickly learned what I liked; how to ride in the carrier without fear, for instance, and not to hunt the birdfeeders, stay off counters & the TV, etc. Joey & JC are turning 1 tomorrow, and it's a relief - kittens really take diligence - they can drown in a toilet (keep those lids down), they can get stepped on, or their neck caught in a door, or get closed into a dryer, some of them will eat almost anything - the dangers are limitless, and those cute, high-energy antics can quickly lose their entertainment value at 3:00 a.m.!
 

twofatcats

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I've only taken in adult cats. I'm 63 years old. A kitten in the house 24/7 would drive me just as nutty as a baby or toddler in the house 24/7. I just wouldn't have the patience. I haven't had to deal with a kitten climbing the draperies. Only with the youngest (I got Sheba when she was likely just over a year old) have I had to deal with a cat clawing at the furniture until she learned what she could claw. The two older cats were also very easy to train to keep off tables and counters. The youngest is getting it, but obviously has had less experience in obeying, or it might be just her personality. She's getting there, though.

All three of my cats absolutely adore me. In fact, sometimes I have to lock them out of the room, because as soon as I sit down, one of them jumps in my lap, and it is hard to do my bookwork, sew or type with a cat in the lap. My two older cats (now about nine, whom I adopted at about ages three and five) are deathly afraid of every other human being, but totally trust me. (Well, except when the carrier comes out or if they have been given medicine recently.)

I'd make the same decision again. Kittens and babies are nice to visit at someone else's house, but I wouldn't want one!
 
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