Is it better to get a kitten or keep an older cat?

Asked By: Bernarda Ly

Date created: Tue, Aug 23, 2022 19:45 PM

Date updated: Sat, May 11, 2024 4:46 AM

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Video answer: Don't Adopt a Kitten! Consider doing THIS instead

Best answer to the question «Is it better to get a kitten or keep an older cat?»

Answered by Santo Rankin on Wed, Aug 24, 2022 0:55 AM

If your older cat is happy, comfortable and content, carefully think about whether the stress of having to adjust to life with another cat will really be of benefit or not. If your adult resident cat is playful, healthy, sociable and energetic, then a kitten might be a good choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Those who are looking for an answer to the question «Is it better to get a kitten or keep an older cat?» often ask the following questions:

😻 Is it OK to bring a kitten to an old cat?

Old cat vs. kitten People frequently assume that getting a young exuberant kitten as a companion for an elderly cat will help perk up the senior’s spirits. In reality, however, bringing home a kitten is likely to make the older cat’s life more uncomfortable.

😻 Should seniors consider adopting a kitten?

Often, seniors are looking more for companionship than for the high energy and high maintenance that a kitten introduces into a new home. Before you adopt, consider your lifestyle and how much time, effort, and money you are prepared to invest in a new cat or kitten.

😻 Should I get a kitten or a mature cat?

If you have small children, special attention should be given to not leave them alone with the new pet. For senior citizens, a mature cat may be a better option than a kitten.

Video answer: 5 Tips on Introducing a Kitten to an Older Cat

We've handpicked 20 related questions for you, similar to «Is it better to get a kitten or keep an older cat?» so you can surely find the answer!

Is it better to get a puppy or a kitten?

If you have a dog who has been with you for a few years or longer, a puppy or kitten may be better than an older dog or cat. The puppy or kitten won’t come into the situation with learned habits that will create conflict.

Do older cats get along better with other cats?

Older cats, who are used to living alone and seem happy, may or may not enjoy having a companion. Another thing to consider is that female cats often get along better than two males. Pairing a kitten with an older cat might work, as long as the older cat is accepting of their new little companion 2).

Is it better to get a kitten from a mother or father?

The Humane Society explains that cats that spend more time with their mothers are usually better socialized. Although it’s tempting to get your hands on a tiny kitten as soon as possible, you might end up with a better-behaved cat if you wait until it’s a little older.

Is it better to get an older cat or a kitten?

Less Time Together: Most cats live until about 16 so your time with an elderly cat is, obviously, more limited than your time with a kitten. Selecting a cat is such a personal issue. Considering whether an older cat or young kitten fits your life is essential and knowing the issues of each age will make your cat selection an easier task.

Video answer: Got a New Kitten & Older Cat is MAD??? This Will Help

Is it better to have one kitten or two kittens?

Easier Intro to Adult Cat - If you have an adult cat at home, two new kittens may be easier to introduce into your family than one. While one kitten may nag an older cat, two kittens will keep each other company while the older cat watches from a distance.

Is it better to get a kitten or an older cat?

A confident adult cat is likely to move in and settle down quite quickly; a nervous one may take more time. It will be much easier to leave an older cat alone in the knowledge that it is not going to get itself into trouble, and it will generally be much less hard work and worry than a kitten.

Is it better to get a male or a female kitten?

But near in mind that all these behaviours will change as the kitten matures. Many cats calm down with age, and older cats may become much better pets than they were in their youth. So it really does not matter much whether you get a male or a female kitten.

Is it OK to give a kitten to an older cat?

The kitten may appear small, but scent-wise this is still a “strange cat” and an intruder. As a rule of thumb, the younger the new kitten, the better. If you found an orphaned newborn kitten, your older cat may not feel threatened at all.

How do I get my older cat to like my kitten?

You can get your older cat to like your new kitten by starting with proper introductions. Older cats are often less receptive to newcomers, so getting your older cat used to the kitten slowly is better than springing this hyper little kitten on her all at once.

Is it better to have two kittens with an older cat?

However, introducing a kitten or adolescent to an elderly cat could be problematic if the young cat directs too much play towards the older cat, whose desire to play will be less. In such situations, two kittens who can play with one another may be a better option than a single kitten.

Video answer: My Cat HATES my New Kitten - Help? How to Introduce Cats!

Which cat should I get?

The benefits to you in adopting an older cat are many: Older cats (other than ferals) are usually trained to a litter box. Kittens are rambunctious and lively. Your household will never again be peaceful with a crazy kitten running around. If "serenity" is your lifestyle, you'll be better off with an older cat.

Is it better to get a kitten or a first time owner?

Being a first time cat owner and a new kitten owner can be very different. On one hand, a kitten will be quicker to pick up training, and will grow to feel comfortable around you. An older cat might be less inclined to having a new owner (or an owner at all).

Do older cats clean themselves better than kittens?

Older cats also self-clean better than kittens. 1 Kittens don't lick themselves as much as adult cats do, so you may find yourself cleaning your kitten with baby wipes and fine-toothed combs to get debris off of them.

Can two female cats get along with each other?

Older cats, who are used to living alone and seem happy, may or may not enjoy having a companion. Another thing to consider is that female cats often get along better than two males. And pairing a kitten with an older cat might work, as long as the older cat is accepting of their new little companion.

Is it better to get a kitten or get another cat?

Some adult cats may be more likely to accept a kitten, possibly because the kitten is younger and smaller. Other adult cats may find kittens too active and playful which may be a bit overwhelming for an older cat. If you think this applies to your cat, you might consider getting another adult cat.

Should I get two kittens for my Cat?

While one kitten may nag an older cat, two kittens will keep each other company while the older cat watches from a distance. Comfort in Friendship - Having a pal will help your kitten settle into a new home. Just like humans, kittens have an easier time feeling comfortable trying something new if they’ve got a friend to do it with them.

Should I adopt an older cat or young kitten?

When considering whether to adopt an older cat or a young kitten, consider these issues: An Act of Kindness: Anyone who adopts an elderly cat is doing a great thing. They are the least likely to be adopted and shelters cannot keep them indefinitely.

Is it better to get an older or younger cat?

In the case of an elderly person looking for a companion, again, an older cat is calmer. I hate to bring up this point, actually, but an older cat may not have many more years left than the person, and the family won't have the problem of "what to do with a cat that has outlived its owner."

Should I get an older cat or a kitten?

The older the cat, the longer it’s likely to take them to be introduced to another cat or to get used to being around pets of other kinds. If you want to get a cat used to living with a pet bird or a small furry, a kitten is a much safer bet.

Do cats become mature as they get older?

Yes. When cats get older, they do get wiser and more matured in the sense of having better behavior and understanding you and the environment better. They can better anticipate your movements. Especially if you talk to them daily, they’ll get more accustomed to your mannerisms and voice. They also become smarter and less playful.

Video answer: How to stop an older cat from attacking a kitten