Adopting a Cat?
Adopting a new cat is very exciting but before you go and pick up your new pet you need to decide if you want an older cat or a kitten. Both are loving, wonderful pets but they have different needs based on their age and maturity level. Let's look at the key differences between the two so you can make a well-informed decision.
Ball of Energy
Kittens have energy to burn. They bring life into a house with their constant running, chasing and playing. Kittens will have you laughing as they chase their tails for hours. They are bundles of fun to play with. Kittens can be mischievous though, so they need to be properly supervised to avoid breaking anything in your home or injuring themselves. If you prefer a quieter house, an older cat is a better option for you. Older cats are calmer, quieter and not as rambunctious. An older cat will adjust more easily to his new home, will often be more affectionate and will love to sit on your lap for hours. If you have small children in your home, an older cat may not want to play as much as your children do and may have less patience. You need to determine what works best for your family and for your new pet.
Financial Impact
Both older cats and kittens need certain items – such as a litter box, litter, collar, toys, treats and food. Just make sure you buy toys, treats and food that are suitable for your cat's age and lifestyle. For example, while kittens love a toy that they can bat around and chase, older cats need a little more enticement to play, so a catnip toy would be appropriate. Either way, you will need to purchase some essentials for your new pet. Another factor that will affect your wallet is veterinary bills. While a kitten can be given a clean bill of health, there are still expenses that will come up in the first few years of your kitten's life, such as vaccinations and spaying/neutering. Once those vaccinations are complete, the financial commitment decreases significantly with a new kitten. With older cats the initial monetary commitment can be much less. Most often they are already up to date in vaccinations, spayed or neutered and sometimes declawed. Down the road there are potential health concerns with older cats, such as bad gums or diabetes, but you can help prevent some health issues with certain foods and regular exercise. In both cases, for kittens and older cats, prevention is the key to keeping them healthy and the veterinary bills to a minimum. Keeping up to date with vaccinations and annual veterinary appointments is a great way to prevent any future health issues and ensure your cat lives a long, healthy life.
Wherefore Art
Thou Litter Box?
Older cats are often already trained to use a litter box. While the type of litter you use may be different than what they are used to, they know that their business should be done inside a litter box. When adopting your mature cat, be sure to ask what type of litter they are used to (clay? clumping? wheat? scented?) and slowly transition your cat to whatever litter you will be buying.
Kittens will most likely need to be trained to use the litter box. Initially, when you bring your kitten home, immediately take her to the litter box. If she does not start digging in the litter, help her move her little paws in a digging motion. Cats instinctively will bury their waste so simulating digging will let her know that this is where you want her to do her business. Some kittens pick up on it right away and some kittens take a few weeks; try to be patient as this is something completely new to your kitten. If your kitten is taking a little longer, it may be smart to pick up some Stain & Odor Remover!
Both older cats and kittens benefit from their litter box being placed in a safe, quiet and private place, but you also want it to be accessible for both you and your cat. Try not to place it near your cat's food and water bowls and don't forget to scoop it out frequently. Make use of these tips and you and your cat are on your way to litter box success!
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