Is it better to get an older or younger cat?

Asked By: Annice Conrad

Date created: Thu, Jul 21, 2022 5:36 AM

Date updated: Tue, May 7, 2024 21:57 PM

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Video answer: An Imperfect Pair: When Cat Energy and Age Clash

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

Answered by Chet Lindstrom on Thu, Jul 21, 2022 12:49 PM

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

😻 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.

😻 Will a kitten make an old CAT ACT Young again?

Cat guardians often think that bringing a kitten into the family will “make the old cat act young again.” However, from the senior cat’s perspective, the disruption of his familiar routine may create a significant amount of stress.

😻 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.

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We've handpicked 21 related questions for you, similar to «Is it better to get an older or younger cat?» so you can surely find the answer!

Do cats respect older cats?

Do Cats Respect Older Cats? Usually, older cats establish boundaries first, and younger cats respect those boundaries. However, many things can get in the way of this dynamic, resulting in a relationship where a younger cat might bully an older one. This is because younger cats don't automatically respect older ones.

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.

Can an older cat get along with a younger cat?

Older cats can take time to acclimate to a younger cat. A common mistake is to rush the socialization between cats and then getting mad or frustrated when it doesn't work out. Keep calm and work in increments to bring the cats together.

What are the advantages of spaying a kitten early in life?

Advantages of Spaying at an Early Age. The general rule of thumb is that it is better to have kittens spayed early in life. As with humans, it is safer for any surgery to be performed on younger cats than older ones. Also similar to humans, younger cats recover more quickly and easily from surgery than older ones.

Video answer: Younger Cat Relentlessly Stalking Older Cat

Do kittens do better with other kittens?

Kittens do better with other kittens or young cats in the household. They need to have an outlet for all that energy, and if they’re paired with an older cat, both cats may be very unhappy. This is the reason why many rescue groups adopt kittens only in pairs. Adult cats may do better with another adult close to them in age, or slightly younger.

Should I get a third cat?

While there is no guarantee that two cats will get along, there are things you can consider when adding a new cat to the family. A cat close in age to your resident cat may be a better match than one that’s much younger or much older.

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.

How to stop a younger cat from bullying an older cat?

How to Stop a Younger Cat Bullying an Older Cat 1 Keep the cats separated and reintroduce them slowly 2 Use play and affection, so they don’t get bored. Also, to use up their energy. 3 Have three litter trays for two cats, same with food, water, and so on. ...

Is it better to adopt an older, or younger cat?

Older cats will often be more adept to being petted, something children want to do with a cat, and kittens tend to be too wiggly to want to sit still and be stroked. Older Cats Need You If you still haven't been convinced that adopting an older cat is a good idea, then keep in mind that you may be their last chance for a home.

How do I get my older cat to accept my younger cat?

If the older cat doesn’t wish to play, perhaps you can provide soft stroking for the older cat while dangling an interesting toy for the younger cat. Stop the play from time to time and offer each cat some valuable cat treats. This will also build a good feeling about being in the presence of the other cat.

Video answer: The Senior Cat Years | Cat Ages and Stages

Do cats need other cats for companionship?

Do older cats get along with younger cats?

Generally, the younger the cat, the more likely it may be to accept another cat into its household. 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.

Is it normal for my younger cat to attack my older?

My Younger Cat Attacks My Older Cat. What Can I Do? I have a 13-year-old female cat named Angie and a 1-year-old male cat named Tony I adopted a few months ago. Sometimes the older cat swats at the younger cat when he is nearby, but, mostly, the younger cat chases the older cat. This doesn’t always happen.

Should you adopt a cat in pairs?

They need to have an outlet for all that energy, and if they’re paired with an older cat, both cats may be very unhappy. This is the reason why many rescue groups adopt kittens only in pairs. Adult cats may do better with another adult close to them in age, or slightly younger. Consider your resident cat’s temperament.

Why does my younger cat chase my older cat?

Sometimes the older cat swats at the younger cat when he is nearby, but, mostly, the younger cat chases the older cat. This doesn’t always happen. At times, the two cats lie together on the bed and take naps. The younger cat does like to wait behind doors and then jump out, pounce on and chase the older cat.

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).

Why do older cats bite harder than younger cats?

The cat will have more weight to throw around, and into the bite. Their strength also grows as they get older and bigger, creating an obviously stronger and more painful bite that can even draw blood.

Can cats freeze to death outside in the winter?

An outdoor cat will require increased calories during the winter. Give your cat more food so that he can keep his body conditioning up and be better able to stay warm. Cats CAN get hypothermia and freeze to death outdoors during frigid temperatures. This is more common in younger and older cats but, in certain conditions, can happen to any cat.

What to do if your younger cat is chasing your older?

If your younger cat is chasing your older one through the house, or the older cat appears fearful, this is the time to address it— even if there aren’t any serious injuries yet. 3. Break Your Cats Apart Calmly Stay as calm as possible when breaking up your cats.

How do you socialize an older cat with a younger cat?

Older cats can take time to acclimate to a younger cat. A common mistake is to rush the socialization between cats and then getting mad or frustrated when it doesn't work out. Keep calm and work in increments to bring the cats together. Try timing your interactions and slowly increasing the amount of time together.

Is it normal for older cats to get hairballs?

A Most older cats continue to experience hairballs in much the same way as they did when they were younger, but constipation can be an issue for ageing felines and – on rare occasions – may lead to complications. This is because, as cats age, the movement of food through their digestive tracts slows, which can lead to constipation.

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