Kitten now or adopt an adult cat later

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  • #864011
    Brittany
    Participant

    My husband, Levi, and I have found an adorable ~8 week old tuxedo kitten. We have been thinking about getting a cat but not until we were both out of grad school. I graduate in May so she has only really come about 7 months early (although Levi is in grad school until 2020). We are pretty busy 9-5 and in the evening with schoolwork so we are afraid we wont have enough time (2-3 hours during the week and more on the weekend) for her. If we give her up we would adopt an adult cat in a few months or years when we are in a better position financially and time availability. We are torn between keeping Tekoa (yes, we’ve made the mistake of naming her) or giving her a chance to find a different home. I appreciate all of your thoughts and suggestions.

    #864013
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Thanks for considering adopting a cat. Kittens are adorable and playful but do need more attention. You realize with schedule a kitten will be lonely which can lead to bad behavior. Kittens are adopted quickly and have no trouble finding loving home.

    Older cats aren’t so lucky. There are many benefits of adopting an older cat.

    1. They are mellower than kittens. They are also more appreciative of being adopted.
    2. What you see is what you get. They are grown and their personalities are fully developed.
    3. They aren’t troublemakers. Kittens are more daring than cats, so they get into more trouble. They will eat things they shouldn’t, such as electrical cords or papers. Kittens also tend to fall from high places more often than cats, and they’re more likely to get injured.
    4. You don’t have to train them. Cats spend a good portion of their lives grooming themselves. Kittens are just developing this skill, and they tend to miss the litter box more often than older cats.
    5. They’re better to have around children. When we have playdates at my house, most of the kids get excited when they spot your cat. They’re often loud and they tend to rush up to him. A cat knows to get out of the way, whereas a curious kitten can get harmed.

    I recommend waiting a bit and adopt an older cat. I know Tekoa is adorable and you love her already, but know she will find her furever home.

    PG

    #864014
    Brittany
    Participant

    It is really a relief to hear that she will be adopted quickly (and I hope by a good family). I think waiting is the right thing to do so thank you for spelling out some things I hadn’t thought of and reinforcing what is hard to do but right. Thanks!

    #864019
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Another point is you can research a reputable no-kill shelter to take wee Tekoa for adoption. Sometimes, they will let you know when the kit has found their furever home. This is a way to give you peace of mind.

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