Should I rescue an older kitty or get a kitten instead?

Akuko · Chosen of Bast Age: 45 Gender: Joined: 03 Mar 2006

I don't know what to do. Now that I am in a great apartment that will allow pets I am not sure whether to get an older cat that doesn't require constant supervision or very much training or get a kitten that will most likely bond more closely to me.

An older cat has already developed a personality and they may not warm up to you, but they do not require as much supervision or training. Kittens are great as you can really bond with them alot more but there should be two as I work full time and they would be alone eight hours a day and they have more of a possibility of getting bored and exploring/destroying my apartment while I am at work.

I also do have two adult rats at home that were there first and I am not willing to kick them out if I get a cat. They are in a cage 90% of the time and are always supervised if they are let out.

Does anybody have any suggestions?

Shino · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 2:34 pm Post subject:

I'm big on rescue.

Even if I do get a puppy or a kitten in this case... I would go with rescue.

I have 2 dogs... one I got as a pup and the other I got at a year old.

FawkesFyre · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 2:41 pm Post subject:

If you are adopting from a shelter, I'd go with a cat. Kittens go fast and will always be the first to find homes. Older cats tend to be higher on the list for being put down.

The best advice I can give is to take your time. Visit often and look around until you find the right pet. Most "Cat rooms" don't care if you open the cages or pick up the cats. You can get a pretty good idea of a good cat by holding them and just general interaction...and can get a pretty strong message from them if they like you.(or don't) Razz

It took me several month to find my special kitty (Marcie)...and it was hard to see all the others in there come and go. I got to where I'd start playing with the grumpy ones just to try to snap them out of their funk...it worked for one.

Its also good to ask questions about the cats. They always have some sort of info on file. And trust me, a stray is more likely to have problems...my sweet Moochie has become a major pain.

As far as your Rats, just make sure the cage is stable and secure...and out of any cat's reach. A cat can easily knock a cage over and cause chaos while you're away. You can probably just transition a cat/rat just like any other pet.

Any cat will bond with you, no matter their age. Its a personality thing as to how social they are.

Good luck!

Akuko · Chosen of Bast Age: 45 Gender: Joined: 03 Mar 2006

Well I have already applied for a three year old Tabby Munchkin (think of like a cross between a daschund and a cat) who is totally cute but I haven't met him yet or the option to get a purebred Siamese kitten.

The Munchkin is already neutered and up to date on shots, but I have always wanted a Siamese....

FawkesFyre · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 4:04 pm Post subject:

Sounds like you need to keep looking then...fair warning though, Siamese tend to have a mean streak.

But whatever you pick, you need to meet before you adopt...a picture and description can tell you a lot, whether its all true is another thing.

Akuko · Chosen of Bast Age: 45 Gender: Joined: 03 Mar 2006

Thanks! I was also wondering if I should forego the whole "purebred" thing and just go to the Humane Society and rescue one there? I know personality is more important, but I want a pretty cat too.

I know it is selfish, but this will be my first cat in nearly six years and want him/her to be perfect for me! Also I have heard that opposite sexes attract better. Does that really matter?

FawkesFyre · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 5:32 pm Post subject:

You'd be surprised at what you can find at the shelter. Check out my album for pics of Marcie...

She's turned out to be a fantastic cat that really balanced my house. I have 2 males and now 1 female...who was much needed. We've discovered that Marcie is a British Shorthair.

She's made Dloe's cat melt into an absolute marshmallow now...he's never left her side since the day he hissed at her arrival. Rolling Eyes

I've seen an occasional Siamese there as well as a Scottish Fold once. And gender is all a matter of preference...I think they're pretty equal.

Akuko · Chosen of Bast Age: 45 Gender: Joined: 03 Mar 2006

Thanks a bunch! I am planning to check out the Humane Society this weekend. I found one of my previous cats who is now with my ex-fiance. He took the cat without asking me. He was sweet, but a total dumpster diver. He would get into the garbage can if we left it out overnight or if we weren't there.

Wish me luck!

Akanari · Owns your reality Gender: Joined: 29 Sep 2004

Since it's kind of close to my heart, I want to talk about the adopting older pets thing.

While it can be true that raising a pet from infanthood causes it to attach to you more and become closer to you, I'm finding I prefer animals that are already developed. I've raised one puppy and am in the process of raising another. However, I've also adopted two older dogs. While there is a definite connection with the puppies I raised, I sometimes feel more sentimental towards the two I rescued. It was less like taking care of a child and more like bringing another person into the home. Also, depending on the case, the dog may bond with you more closely than a puppy ever could because of a traumatic experience and the absolute change of a comforting touch and a wonderful human.

I assume most of this applies to cats, but I recognize the differences. It also seems you already pretty much made your decision, so good luck regardless! Very Happy

It's all about the connection.

RivaOni · Full English! Age: 40 Gender: Joined: 24 Sep 2002

Chixie has rats, but we don't have a cat, we do have 2 dogs but we had them first, she has said that it might be best to consider a kitten, it won't have the strength to knock over the cage and by the time it does it should be used to the rats being there and should accept them as part of the household, but to be 100% sure when you're not in the house, try and make sure the room in which the rats are cannot be accessed by the cats.

Either way, you can easily get kittens from rescues, although as Fawks states, they are usually the first to go and the older cats are usually the highest on the list for termination.

If it weren't for the fact you had rats, I'd normally of said go for the older cat for the humane side of things sakes.

But I'd imagine some cats in rescues have lived with small animals and their records may show that, so its all about askign questions, handling the cats etc etc really.