Normally, when a person decides to incorporate a feline companion into their life, it is often considered at what age to adopt a cat and whether it is more convenient to adopt a kitten or adult cat. The truth is that there is no more or less correct answer about when to adopt a cat according to its age because both options have their pros and cons and it is advisable to take them into account before making the decision.
Adopting an adult cat
There is a belief that adopting an adult cat may be a more complicated experience because the age of cats already has acquired a number of behaviors that can make it difficult to adapt to a new home with all that entails.
There is indeed some truth in this because the personality usually develops during the first years of a cat’s life, but this aspect is not relevant enough to rule out the possibility of adopting an adult cat.
Most adult cats that live in protectors or other non-profit entities, and also those from private households that cannot take care of them, are often sociable felines, accustomed to human contact, and much in need of love and My dear. This fact in itself, predisposes them to easily adapt to their new owners when adopting a cat, as long as they perceive that they are in a safe and comfortable environment and that they will be well taken care of. Remember that felines, despite being independent pets, enjoy a very pronounced instinct with which they quickly identify positive sensations. As long as they have the spaces they need (sand area, food and rest), they can look at their whet and receive your pampering, they will be happy to live with you.
Even if the adult cat you decide to adopt has suffered a traumatic abandonment or has been the victim of abuse, its socialization possibilities are very high. In this case, during the first days of coexistence you must allocate more patience, and leave a greater margin of time so that you can get used to your new environment and regain lost trust. The providing entity or protector will conveniently advise you on how to carry out this adaptation process.
Adopting a kitten
The option to adopt a kitten has other advantages, but it is not without other factors that you should also properly assess:
- Cats have a half-life expectancy of more than 15 years. Adopting them when they are kittens, implies a long-term commitment during all the years of the cat’s life that, one way or another, will condition aspects of your life for years (time, travel, plans…).
- Kittens, although they learn very quickly, are often tremendously active and restless. Their eagerness to discover the surrounding environment makes them tireless and even mischievous during their kitten stage. They will need your dedication to learning, getting used to care routines (nails, bathing, brushing) and following certain education guidelines, such as not scratching, or shattering furniture or other objects.
- Veterinary care costs will be higher than those arising from the adoption of an adult cat, as they include the first vaccines, microchip and deworming (internal and external). You should also consider the cost of sterilization, which as indicated in the entity with which you make the adoption, you must carry out during the first year of life of a cat to avoid unwanted consequences.
Finally, if you decide to adopt a kitten, try to do so once you have 2 months old. From that moment on, the kitten will be fully prepared to face its basic essential routines sun (make needs in sandpit and feed), and you will be able to concentrate on the rest of tasks and care.
