Should I get an older cat or a kitten?

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Shaneka Turnbull asked a question: Should I get an older cat or a kitten?
Asked By: Shaneka Turnbull
Date created: Sat, Aug 6, 2022 20:36 PM
Date updated: Mon, May 6, 2024 14:06 PM

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

5 Tips on Introducing a Kitten to an Older Cat

Best answer to the question «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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

😻 Should you adopt an older cat?

So if you have a preference (say you would like a cat that enjoys being held and sitting on laps) it may be better to adopt an older cat. Even with two kittens to entertain each other, they are still a considerable time and energy commitment.

😻 Should I get a kitten?

The problem is figuring out if our cat falls into that category. Getting a kitten can lower our risk of cat conflicts, because adult cats recognize kittens as the goofballs they are. This makes them less likely to be viewed as territorial interlopers.

😻 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.

Video answer: Choosing between a kitten and an adult cat

Choosing between a kitten and an adult cat

Your Answer

We've handpicked 24 related questions for you, similar to «Should I get an older cat or a kitten?» so you can surely find the answer!

Should I get a kitten or adopt an older cat?
Kittens are cute and get adopted very easily. Older cats are less likely to be adopted and run the risk of living out their lives in a shelter or foster home or even being euthanized if they don't get a home. It usually isn't the fault of the adult cat for ending up without a family.
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.
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.
What happens if you give an older kitten milk?
An older kitten will probably just get an upset tummy, and if they stay hydrated and aren’t given any more should be fine. If you tried giving cows milk to an orphan bottle baby you are in much bigger trouble.

Video answer: How To Introduce Your Cat to a New KITTEN!

How To Introduce Your Cat to a New KITTEN! Should I get a new kitten for my older cat?
If you need to sequester the new kitten in a different room to get quality time with your older cat, do so. Additional litter box. An adult cat is more likely to accept a kitten of the opposite sex because he won't feel his position of "top cat" compromised.
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.
What should I do if my kitten is attacking my older cat?
If the kitten is showing aggression towards the older cat the following tips may help: 1. Keeping the kitten separate from the older cat. Keeping the kitten confined to another room initially will allow the kitten to get used to the older cat slowly but surely. Introduce them to each other whilst you are present.
Should I get a kitten or adopt an older cat?
Kittens are cute and get adopted very easily. Older cats are less likely to be adopted and run the risk of living out their lives in a shelter or foster home or even being euthanized if they don't get a home. It usually isn't the fault of the adult cat for ending up without a family.
Should you adopt a kitten if you have an older cat?
If you have an older cat, and are considering adopting a kitten to add to the household, you need to make sure you know what you’re doing so you don’t end up with two stressed-out felines that can’t get along. Old cat vs. kitten
Should I adopt an older cat from a shelter?
Although their odds are improving, many older cats brought into shelters are euthanized. By adopting an adult cat from any shelter, you are helping to make room for another, who might otherwise be put to death. Finally, at MEOW, we will not place a single kitten in a catless home or a home with only older cats.

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

My Cat HATES my New Kitten - Help? How to Introduce Cats! 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.
Should you get a kitten when you have a senior cat?
Getting a kitten when you have a senior cat can reinvigorate your incumbent cat. Kittens have an infectious energy that some older cats enjoy. You may find that your older cat rediscovers a sense of playfulness and starts to interact with its surroundings more. Unfortunately, the opposite effect is more common.
What should I know before adopting an older cat?
Mewing: Some kittens are very vocal and it takes some crafty training to curb this. Personality: When you adopt an older cat, you get a good look at her personality before bringing her home. The shelter should know if she’s good with other cats or dogs, children, etc. Health: A cat tends to be healthiest in the middle of their lives.
How long should an older cat hiss at a new kitten?
If everything goes fine, your older cat will stop hiding in a day or two. But, the maximum time till which your older cat should stop hissing at your new kitten is three weeks. After this, you might need to take effective measures. These were the different factors related to your older cat hissing at your new kitten.
How do I Stop my kitten from attacking my older cat?
Move Your Kitten to a Time out Area When He/She Exhibits Unacceptable Behavior A constantly attacking kitten can wreck your older cats’ nerves. If the older cat cannot nap without an attack, or their tail is being constantly chewed by the kitten, they will become paranoid in their own home.
Should you get a kitten for an older cat?
A pair of kittens will also want to interact with you, but they can occupy each other while you are carrying on daily activities. Think twice about bringing a kitten home to a senior feline resident. A kitten may have too much energy for an older cat. Kittens want to play and run constantly and require a lot of interaction.
Should I adopt a kitten or an older cat?
  • Take an item from the cat’s enclosure from the shelter home (a towel,blanket or toy,for example).
  • Dedicate a whole room to the older cat,and keep him in there for a few days. ...
  • Place items with your scent in there,too (worn T-shirts,pants or sheets).
Why you should adopt a senior cat?
- Rewards of Adopting an Older Cat. I joke about taking on a cat hospice patient, as I made him as comfortable as possible. ... - Prince Albert's Death. As an update, since this post, my sweet soul Prince Albert passed on on June 25th, 2012. I am still so sad. - The Joys of Adopting an Older Cat: Save a Life! Why Adopt An Adult Cat Instead of a Kitten? ...
How to get an older cat to accept a new kitten?
Make sure your older cat can still get out of your kitten’s way if they need to, by providing high places they can climb or jump to, or by using a barrier like a stair gate that you know your cat can climb over, if needed. 4. Sharing space Given time, many cats will accept a new kitten.
Should I get a male kitten with male cat?
If a young, active male is your family companion animal, he would really enjoy having a male buddy who shares his enthusiasm for vigorous play. A laid-back, older (neutered) male cat may enjoy "mothering" a kitten - male or female. They usually make better mothering substitutes than spayed females.
Do I need to worm my indoor cat?
Whereas roundworms are a problem for all cats, especially kittens, tapeworms are likely to affect older cats, unless a kitten has fleas. Is it necessary to worm an indoor cat? In short, yes. All cats should be regularly wormed. Tapeworm-carrying fleas can easily get into our homes, hitching a ride on our clothes and bags, other pets or visitors.
Should I get a puppy or get a kitten?
Skip the puppy but get a kitten, rather than an adult cat. Adult cats generally react poorly to change, while kittens (and dogs of all ages) are more adaptable.
Should I get a kitten or a young adult cat?
One piece of research carried out in Switzerland showed that adult cats are more likely to accept the introduction of a younger individual than one of the same age or older. Therefore, it would probably be sensible to think about a kitten or a young adult for the new addition to your family.
How do I get my older cat to get along with kittens?
Allow your older cat to observe this exploration and retreat if they want to. Do not force an interaction between your cat and kitten. If your cat has a favorite interactive toy, like a feather wand or laser pointer, try playing with both cats at the same time. This will encourage a mutual activity.

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

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