If you want to be a "mommy" and watch cute develop into something unpredictable, get a kitten. If you want to bring a companion into your life, a fur-person to share fun with on a more equal footing (always knowing time and species make for differences) adopt an older cat.

My Dearie, who is gone on her great adventure now, showed up on my back porch in a sleet storm on a long ago Valentine's Day. My vet warned me not to get too attached as she was old and had athritis and lots of scar tissue.... Well, 16 years later she died sleeping in my arms with the rest of the fur-family around us. She had been a dear and loving friend.

Older cats have gifts of grace and wisdom to share. You never can know how long a pet will live....so don't hesitate. Enjoy. The love they can give, the perspectives they can share are as precious as the fleeting antics of a kitten.