We Are Considering Adopting A Cat, And Are Torn Between A Darling (and Rambunctious) Kitten And Older (more Sedate) Adult Cat. What Should We Consider For Both?

Everyone loves to watch the playful antics of an adorable kitten, but people considering bringing a cat home may want to think twice about adopting a very young one.
Kittens have very high energy levels. They can eventually be trained, but it's like telling a teenager to mellow out. Adult cats are generally calmer and less energetic.
If you have houseplants, expensive rugs and upholstered furniture, and a lot of breakable decorations, chances are your new family member will knock down or break them or sharpen it claws on them.

Also, by age 2, cats have distinct personalities; with a kitten, you are taking a gamble that the cat will become well-socialized. All kittens are playful, but if you are looking for a playful adult cat, this trait may not last. Conversely, if you want a lap cat, you will not know if the kitten will fill the bill.

Young children and kittens may be a very dangerous combination for both parties. Toddlers usually don't know their own strength, and kittens can be very fragile. You will not know how the young cat will react to being grabbed or chased; an adult cat will either tolerate it, or let the child know once and for all that it is not acceptable with a swat or by running away.Lastly, by adopting an adult cat, you have a very high likelihood that the animal has already been spayed or neutered, so you will not have that expense.

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I would first give serious consideration to adopting the cat or the kitten from the local animal shelter, instead of buying it from a pet breeder or a pet store. The animals in the shelters are usually there for short time and then are put down to make room for new arrivals(adult cats)kittens are given a longer period to be adopted.

Now, to answer your question: If you want a kitten, then please be sure you know what you are getting into, beforehand. They will act almost like a two year old human child will act, getting into everything, this includes open drawers, the fridge, the washer or the dryer if the doors are left open, under the kitchen sink where the household cleaners and disinfectants are located, hang on the curtains, scratch the furniture, attack your feet while they are under the covers, especially if they see it move, etc. With a kitten you need to "kitten-proof" your entire house to reduce the chances that it will be harmed or killed. If you get a full grown cat, they are more laid back, with some being 100% lap-cats, they are usually litter box trained, very affectionate, clean and obedient to verbal commands. Some are in the shelters because their previous owners has passed away from natural causes, were sent to nursing homes for the aged or something along those lines. They would be delighted to be given a second chance on life and would probably make great pets for the whole family. Also, with kittens and full grown cats, it wouldn't hurt to also pickup a toy water gun, fill it with cool tap water and whenever the little 'rugracer' is spotted hanging on the curtains or doing something else that is not allowed in your household, a couple of well placed shots of water usually gets the kittens immediate attention, and they begin associating getting wet with doing something that is wrong, and learn. This also is good for teaching a full grown cat to obey your rules, and they will learn a lot quicker than a kitten will. Also, keep your adult cat or kitten inside the house, letting either one outside will expose the animal to dangerous insecticides, biting animals, air borne diseases and fast moving vehicles, all which can be be fatal to your beloved pet. Sorry this answer is so long. I have had numerous cats all my life, from basic domestic to baby puma's.

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