Benefits of adopting an older cat

Adopting rescued cats is an amazing thing to do. So many socialised cats are born on the streets, or find themselves without a home.

Rescue work — like what we do at Adopt Meow — makes the important first step of giving needy cats temporary shelter and medical care. But that’s only half of the journey. The rest involves people like you, who open up their hearts and homes to provide a better life for these rescued felines.

Many people want to adopt a small kitten, and perhaps haven’t considered an older adult cat. So we put together this list of cool reasons why adopting an older cat is a great option for many people.

7 reasons to consider an older cat

1. Adult cats already know who they are and have fully developed personalities, so you can find a great match. Kittens are of course very cute, but they still have a lot of growing to do.
2. Older cats are less destructive to your home, and won’t chew, climb and claw things like kittens do.
3. Young kittens are better adopted in pairs, because they need to be around other cats for their development. With an older cat, you can safely adopt just one cat.
4. Older cats sleep for most of the day, and will often snuggle with you on the sofa or in bed. They will still play and have fun too, but they generally have a lot less energy than a kitten.
5. Most cats, even young kittens, know how to use a litter tray. But an older cat will have mastered this art so you’re much less likely to have any “accidents”
6. If you work full-time or have a busy schedule, an adult cat won’t mind, and be there to greet you when you get home. Conversely, kittens need a lot of time and attention, so you’ll need to be at home a lot of the time.
7. A rescued adult cat has seen a lot. Life hasn’t been fair for them. Once they feel comfortable in your home they will often be some of the most loving companions, full of gratitude!

Adult cats need you!

The sad truth is, most people looking to adopt go for kittens — and while it’s great that so many kittens find forever homes, it’s unfortunate that more people aren’t open to the possibility of adopting a rescued adult cat.

We believe there is a great home out there for every cat. So if you’re thinking of getting a feline companion for you and your family, consider whether you could benefit from giving an adult cat their only chance at a better life! We promise — it’s worth it.

Choosing a cat at a shelter

Consider visiting your local shelter before making any decisions, to see if you meet a cat there that has an irresistable personality. We’ve seen many people visit our shelter with very strong ideas: “I would like a Siamese kitten”, only to leave with an adult ginger cat who totally won their hearts. Don’t judge a book by it’s cover, go and get involved and see if you stumble upon the purrfect match for you.

How to find a match

Most shelters will have volunteers or staff that can help you find a cat that is suitable for you based on lots of factors, like what kind of home you live in, whether you have kids or other pets, and how often you’re away at work. You’ll also be able to learn more about the cats from the staff. Which one is goofy? Which one is a cuddle-bug? Which one is sassy and playful?

It sounds silly but finding the right cat is similar to finding the right partner or spouse. When you meet them, you just know 💘

Finding an older cat to adopt

You can bet that any animal shelter will have adult cats who are desperate to find a home of their own. Reach out to your local shelter(s) and ask what cats they have available, and see if you can meet some of them.

At Adopt Meow, we have a handy Facebook photo album with all of our current available adult cats. Check it out here, and if you’re thinking of adopting, contact us! We can’t wait to hear from you.