So You Want To Adopt a Kitten?

Here are some issues to consider and/or questions to ask yourself before you choose to adopt a kitten from a shelter or rescue. It's possible that an older or adult cat may be a better choice. They deserve a second chance at life, and many are overlooked and often killed at shelters across the U.S.

(PRWEB) February 25, 2004 --As a feline rescue, we receive many calls from people looking to adopt a cute and cuddly kitten. Most hang up after we ask How about a teen, adult, or senior cat we have instead?" Adopting a kitten is a huge undertaking and responsibility. They are much like taking care of a human baby and require a lot of time, energy and patience.

Here are some issues to consider and/or questions to ask yourself before you choose to adopt a kitten.

1. Are you ready to make a 20 year (or more) commitment? Cats can live a very long, healthy and active life. If you are predicting or planning a major lifestyle change or move in the next 5, 10, or 15 years, an older cat may be a better choice. Please think hard about you and your familys future. And remember that a cat under 5 years of age still has plenty of life ahead of it.

2. Do you work, attend school, or are you going to be away from home for extended periods of the day? Young kittens require constant supervision and attention. They need to be watched carefully to keep them out of trouble and will explore the tiniest gaps and crevices in your home (some very dangerous). A kitten left home alone in a big house will become bored and lonely. Thats when negative behavior and/or bad habits can develop. An older cat is beyond its kitten crazies" stage and will be more accepting to hours spent alone. (Please note: another cat or animal companion is suggested if any cat is to be left alone for extended periods).

3. Are you willing to redecorate the interior of your home? Just as new parents need to baby-proof their home, kittens need a safe environment. There are many dangers in the average home, including small items or toy pieces, strings, electrical cords or wires, cleaning agents, high places to fall from, curtains to climb, etc. An adult cat is less inquisitive, energetic, and rambunctious (especially at 2am).

4. Are you looking for a particular personality trait in a cat? Many people think that they can train" or mold" a kitten into what they want or expect. This is not true. There is no way to be 100% sure that a kitten will grow up to be a lap-cat, like to be brushed, or have an outgoing personality, no matter how you raise them. Adult cats already possess a developed personality and know what they like or dislike. There are many older cats to choose from in shelters and rescues with varying degrees of affection and playfulness.

5. Do you think kittens will be easier to train? If so, youre in for a big surprise. Kittens are too young to know what is right or wrong, and it takes much effort and time from you to socialize them and teach them over and over and over again until it sticks. Older cats already have an idea, are much easier to train and are quicker to learn the basics in any given environment. With a kitten, you may also find yourself litter box training as well. Even then, you must understand that accidents" may happen. This is not as likely with a litter box trained adult.

6. Do you think a kitten will bond" easier with you or another family member? This is also a misconception. Human bonding can take place at any time in a cats life. There is no guarantee that a kitten will grow up to love you any more than an adult cat. They are unique individuals and choose who their best human friend is, no matter what their age.

7. Do you have a dog? There is no way to tell if a particular kitten will or will not like their doggie house-mate once they are full grown. Some do, some dont. Its a gamble. Believe it or not, there are lots of adult cats that already like or tolerate dogs, or have been previously raised or fostered with them successfully. These we know about; the kittens we dont.

8. Do you have children under 6 years of age? Young children can be very frightening to kittens with their fast movements, squeals of delight, grabby hands, and or forced snuggling. There have been cases where young kittens have been unintentionally injured or literally hugged to death" by small children. At the same time, a frightened kitten is more apt to unintentionally scratch or bite a child. Constant supervision is a MUST and not only are you teaching the kitten, but you are taking time to teach your children the dos and donts as well. Adult cats are more forgiving with children and many have been raised or fostered with them. Some like children and some do not, but at least you know this before adding them to your family.

9. Do you have a big heart and want to save a life? If so, please adopt an older cat. Because most people want to adopt kittens, many loving, healthy, and sweet adult and senior cats are often overlooked and wind up euthanized (killed) in shelters all over the world. When given a second chance, adult cats are very grateful of this and appreciative of their new owners and show it. Cats know and understand a LOT more than people give them credit for.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to accept and take on the "kitten-challenge," or do you want to open your heart and home to a loving and deserving adult? If youre stuck in the middle, why not consider adopting a teenage or young adult cat? They still possess the kitten spunk (some never grow out of it) and are half way there to being full grown. And remember that all kittens do grow up and turn into adult cats within a year or two.

And finally, contrary to what you may think, we are not against people adopting kittens. We only hope that those that do understand accept the extra effort, responsibility, and patience required doing so. We also wish that some of you now realize that adopting an adult or older cat may very well be the better choice for you and your family. If so, there are many adult cats that would strongly agree with you and begging for that second chance. Please contact your local shelter or rescue and adopt an older cat today!

You may contact author, Sara Schimke, Director of F.U.R.R.I., via email at sschimke@chartermi.net. Web site: http://furri.org
Any person or organization is granted copyright permission of this article as long as it remains in its entirety, including authors name and contact information.
###