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

Asked By: Shenita Cameron

Date created: Mon, Sep 5, 2022 9:18 AM

Date updated: Sun, Apr 28, 2024 0:54 AM

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

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

Answered by Santana Potts on Mon, Sep 5, 2022 14:29 PM

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

😻 Is it better to adopt a kitten or an adult cat?

Kittens get adopted more quickly while adult cats who are just as much in need of a home get left behind. 1. An adult cat may have emotional baggage. Some of the adult cats in shelters and foster homes have a history of abuse and neglect.

😻 How old are cats when they become adults?

Most cats mature during the first year of their lives but the second year may still be a mix of kittenish energy levels and the more subdued adult behavior. For the sake of this guide, we'll consider adult cats to be two years old and older. 1. Kittens are just so cute! Let's face it, kittens are adorable.

😻 Why is it easier to find homes for kittens than cats?

It's easier to find homes for kittens simply because they are so adorable and cute. Kittens get adopted more quickly while adult cats who are just as much in need of a home get left behind. 1. An adult cat may have emotional baggage. Some of the adult cats in shelters and foster homes have a history of abuse and neglect.

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

We've handpicked 19 related questions for you, similar to «Is it better to get an older cat or a kitten?» so you can surely find the answer!

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 or keep an older cat?

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.

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?

Video answer: Introduce Cats & Kittens WITHOUT Separation/Isolation (Fastest Method!)

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.

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.

Video answer: Choosing between a kitten and an adult 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.

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.

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 have one kitten or two?

Believe it or not, if you already have a mature cat, two kittens are better than one. Why? A new kitten will see your older cat as a playmate—whether she likes it or not—and could become a nuisance to her or, worse, cause her stress and anxiety.

Video answer: Why You Should Get Two Kittens Instead of One | The Cat Butler