Of all the people who think they want to adopt a kitten – very few should! One of the reasons that so many older kittens end up in shelters or rescues, is that families bight off more than they can chew!
It’s true that it’s currently kitten reason, and rescues and shelters are full to the brim with little bundles of fluff (kittens). About 65% of people looking to adopt kittens think kittens and children are made for each other. They are not. Nothing could be further from the truth.
So while everyone wants a kitten, the adult cats go begging for homes. Cat rescues may make the problem worse if they don’t steer people into make the right choice for their circumstances. The truth is that many of the people who wish to adopt a kitten or two would be more suited to adopting an adult cat.
To repeat. Young children and kittens simply do not mix. Kittens end up being stressed and tormented by children because adults do not supervise their iteraction. This can lead to young cats exhibiting inappproriate behaviour.
There are no doubt exceptions to this rule, but please don’t assume your family is going to be one of them. If you get turned down by a cat rescue for kitten adoption please think long and hard about your next move. It shouldn’t necessarily be to contact the next cat rescue on your list to enquire about kitten adoption!
Adopting an older cat or young adult cat can be just as rewarding and is a better choice for most family situations, where you are adopting more of a known quantity. You may be under the illusion that older cats aren’t fun, don’t “do stuff” and don’t play. Nothing could be further from the truth. While many female cats can be aloof, an adult male neutered cat can be a whole bundle of fun.
A wide range of cats and kittens are available for adoption at Furry Friends Rescue Center in Clover (email melissaspets@aol.com). In Greenwood County we recommend Furby’s Half Way House at Hodges (email elisablacktaylor@yahoo.com).
When it comes to kitten or cat adoption you must find the best pet for your circumstances. A bona fide cat rescue will help you make the best choice.
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