Kitten vs. Cat

Before You Adopt >> Puppy, Kitten, or Adult? >> Kitten vs. Cat

There are few things more adorable than a kitten. Kittens are entertaining and full of fun. They also have needs similar to raising a puppy. A young kitten will have more needs for attention and supervision than adult cats. As a kitten learns about the world by playing, your curtains, couch and flower arrangements can become sacrificed in the process. An adult cat can settle in faster, and choose to nap in front of the window versus climb the drapes.

Kittens are often poor matches for young kids. Kittens can play rough and have sharp claws that can hurt young children. Young children, in turn, can handle a kitten too roughly and cause injury. An adult cat can be more patient with young kids, and best of all, knows when to walk away from interactions that are too much for either of them.

Kittens can also be bad matches for homes with resident animals. Dogs may play too roughly, or worse yet, mistake the kitten as prey. Adult cats are more able and confident in setting boundaries with dogs. Resident adults cats often resent the playfulness of a young kitten, and would settle in faster with an adult housemate.

Adopting an adult cat can bring the easiest and sweetest rewards. Cats often live to be nearly 20 years old. By adopting an adult cat you are taking a stand against the pet overpopulation crisis, and your efforts will be appreciated daily through the purring thanks of your new cat.

If you do decide that you are ready to adopt a cat or kitten at we recommend that you do some homework and be ready for Fluffy's arrival:

• Is This the Right Time for a Pet?
• Cat Care/Behavior Tips
• Recommended Reading