Top 10 Reasons to Adopt an Adult Cat

You are ready to adopt a furry feline and make him or her part of your family.  You head to your local shelter or rescue group with bringing a kitten home in mind.  However, did you know that adult cats make great companions and are passed over for the kittens? 

Here are the top 10 reasons to adopt an adult cat:

10.  Health Hurdles Handled.  Most of your adult cats have already been fully vacinated, so all that is left for you to do is continue with their yearly shots.

9.  Adult Cats are Kid-Smart.  Kittens and children do not always mix and young children may not understand how fragile kittens can be.  Kids will sometimes pull a kitten's tail or hold them too tight and this scares kittens which leads to scratching or biting. 

8.  Adults Possess Litterbox Etiquette.  Kittens often play in the littebox and the prizes they leave for us to scoop out.  However, an adult cat politely (although smelly sometimes) uses the litterbox and then leaves after his or her business is finished.

7.  Mature Cats can Handle a Busy Life.  If you are a busy individual and do not spend much time at home, an adult cat is okay with being left alone.  Kittens need supervision since mischief is their middle name :-)

6.  Seniors Love Seniors.  Retirees and senior citizens are best with adult cats, who have already outgrown the kitten stage and are more relaxed.  Adult cats may love sitting in a lap, being petted, and sharing quiet time with their human.

5.  Adult Cats have Solid Social Skills.  Adult cats know when it's time to play and time to rest.  They have good mealtime manners and do a great job of grooming themselves.  Adult cats also know what a scratching post is and that furniture is for napping.  Kittens love to climb curtains, scratch furniture and knock things over.

4.  Makes a Great Companion.  If you already have an adult cat and would like to find that cat a mate, adopt another adult.  Seek out a cat who is cat-friendly and has a similar activity level as your current cat.  Kittens can be too playful and wild for the established adult cat.

3.  What You See is What You Get.  I can't stress this enough.  An adult cat's personality is already established and there is no guessing how their personality will be in the future.  Kittens are always playful and curious, however when they reach the adult stage their personality will likely change to something else.

2.  Affection Abounds.  Adult cats are normally more affectionate than kittens.  They generally will sit on your lap and enjoy spending quality time with you.  Kittens have one thing in mind......play, play, and more play. 

And the number 1 reason to adopt an adult cat......

1.  Save a Life.  Adult cats are less likely to be adopted and unfortunately are the first to be put down due to overcrowding in shelters.  Remember, cats can live 20+ years, so don't let age be a determining factor.  You will still have a long lifetime to spend with your beloved cat.

I hope these 10 reasons to adopt an adult cat brings light to the how important it is that they need loving homes as well. 

Cat Crusaders located in Petsmart on Bruce B Downs, on Commerce Palms Drive has many adult cats in need of homes.  You can also visit our website at www.tampacatcrusaders.org to view the adorable adoptables and email us if you have any questions or interest in a furry feline you see.

Thanks to Cat Fancy magazine, the September 2012 issue for providing the 10 ten reasons.