Adopt an adult cat

Are you adopting a cat from a shelter? What an exciting moment! Getting an adult cat is a valuable experience that will bring joy to both you and your furry friend.

Benefits of choosing an adult cat

Cats are considered adults from about the age of one year, when the “heyday” of life begins, which lasts up to seven years.

One of the many benefits of having an adult cat is that you don’t have to spend a lot of time training it. For example, litter box training can seem like a daunting task for owners of a young pet, and adult cats are already litter box trained—you just need to point them to the right place.

Another benefit that the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) notes is that “adult animals require less supervision than puppies or kittens, who sometimes cannot distinguish between safe and dangerous situations, may not understand that means the command “no”, or do not respond to it. Spending less time teaching your cat what not to do means spending more time doing pleasurable activities like cuddling on the couch with your pet.

Adult animals have already established character traits, which makes it easier for them to adapt. “Adult cats show you their true personality,” says PAWS Chicago, “allowing you to choose the right pet for your lifestyle and your family.” Unlike kittens, whose personalities are still developing, adult cats know what they want, when and how.

Choosing a cat from a shelter

The shelter is a great place to find an adult cat: here you can talk to volunteers who spend time with these animals and can tell you about the nature of each of them. You will be able to talk about your lifestyle and what you are looking for, and they will help you narrow down your search and choose those cats that match the personalities of your family members.

In addition, shelters often have a room where you can get to know the cat better. This will help you make the right decision. At the same time, the presence of all family members is important, especially if you have children. The cat needs to get along with everyone in the household in order to avoid having to return her to a shelter.

While it’s hard not to fall in love with cute little kittens, don’t forget that they grow into adults very quickly. By getting an adult cat with exactly the character that suits you, you can live a long and happy life together. Also, let’s be honest – adult cats are incredibly adorable too!

Shelter cat in the house

To make it easier for your cat to move to a new home, you need to have all the essentials on hand, including a bed, litter box, grooming supplies, fresh drinking water, and suitable cat food appropriate for her age, such as Hill’s Science Plan for adult cats with chicken. And don’t forget the toys! Despite the fact that adult animals are not as active as kittens, they also like to play, and such games are good for them. Suitable toys include stick-shaped toys and small soft toys that can be wagged. Such activities provide a payload for maintaining good physical shape and weight control.

While your cat’s favorite place to sleep will most likely be your bed, it’s best to let her choose her own. “Cats like to look for warm places to rest. Make sure her favorite soft bed or resting place is not in a draft, according to the Cornell Feline Health Center. “However, if the cat is not as active and spends a lot of time in its place, an excessively hot place can lead to a burn, so remember that the place should be warm, not hot.” A pile of blankets in the corner of the sofa is perfect, as is a soft couch under the coffee table. Always choose a location that is at a sufficient distance from heat sources such as fireplaces, space heaters or stoves.

Adapting to a new home

The cat will have to adapt to your home and to each new occupant, and may be shy at first, getting used to new objects and smells. Depending on the cat’s previous living conditions, it may take you some time to gain her trust. Do not rush things in such an important period of rapprochement. Every cat is different, so there’s no exact timeline for her to fully adapt to her new home – but she’ll be comfortable before you know it.

The decision to adopt an adult cat will benefit both you and her: the cat will find a loving home, and you will find a loving friend.

Christine O’Brien