adopting and older cat

[lute]

I'm pretty sure we are wanting an adult cat since we don't want to go through the kitten thing. We want a kitty that just wants to chill with us. Never thought about getting a pair of kitties. I don't think it would be totally out of the question. It all depends on what we are going to be able to handle when it's time.

I do have another question! Someone told me if I got a male to make sure he was neutered as a kitten. That they will still spray if you wait until they are an adult to neuter. Doesn't sound right to me, but I'm not totally sure.

[Laura's Babies]

Older kitties are through the kitten stage as you know. Unaltered males will spray but not all of them do. I had one years ago that was older before I did him and he never sprayed. I find mine that I have matured at about age 5 and really became who they still are today.

I suggest you and your BF have the "what if" talk and what happens to the cat if you split up. Who keeps the cat?.... What if you get pregnant.... what happens to the cat, does he get tossed out for the baby?

I point those thing out because there that is how a lot of them end up on the streets and shelters. Someone breaks up, someone has a baby and don't want a cat around the baby. (I had cats with all my babies and no harm ever came to any of them, the cat turned out to be a good babysitter instead)

I think 3 years old is a great age to get one, still enough play left in them to amuse you and will play with you but past that wild kitten stage.

[lute]

My bf and I have been together for 5 yrs. We're engaged. I don't see a break-up happening. We don't plan on having any kids any time soon. With my career lifting off no kids are in the near future.

Thanks for the advice!

[smokey the elder]

I think a mature cat (7+ years old) makes a great pet! Bubba was 8 when I adopted him. I've had good luck placing mature cats; they are so grateful to have a home and a routine again. I think people who adopt older cats are also less likely to return them, recognizing that "old age" medical issues are on the horizon and being willing to deal with these.

[Don Juan's mom]

I do have another question! Someone told me if I got a male to make sure he was neutered as a kitten. That they will still spray if you wait until they are an adult to neuter. Doesn't sound right to me, but I'm not totally sure.

Don Juan wasn't neutered until I adopted him, when he was about 18 months old. He has NEVER NEVER NEVER sprayed.

I haven't adopted a senior kitty; Zerlina was about a year old when I got her. But adult kitties are great!

Liz

[momcats13]

I adopted a 10 yo, actually closer to 11, Siamese almost 6 yrs ago. I didn't want too much of an age difference between this new furkid and the surviving kitty I already had. He fit right in, no issues, in good health. I travel most weekends during the summer and I can just leave two days of food and water. No coming home to shredded TP, curtains, clothes!! He had only been in the shelter a month when he picked me as his new mom. Some older ones languish for years. You won't be sorry bringing this new guy home.