Thinking about adopting a cat companion into your life?

Halina Thompson, president of the WLPA, shares why an adult cat might be better suited to your household than a kitten.

With more of us staying at home during the recent pandemic, it’s an ideal time to settle a new cat into a home. But some people are under the impression it’s easier to adopt a kitten rather than an adult cat.

I asked my friend, Halina Thompson, President of the World League of Protection of Animals (WLPA) Australia if that assumption is correct based her decades of experience in adopting out cats of all ages.

What are some of the reasons that adult cats end up in adoption centres like the World League?

There are many reasons why cats are surrendered to us. Sometimes the owner has passed away and no family members are willing to care for the cat. Often factors such as marriage breakups or having to move and not being able to find new rental accommodation that allows animal companions means a cat has to be adopted out. The WLPA also rescues many cats from dangerous and abusive situations.

Why do some people believe it’s easier to adopt a kitten rather an adult cat? Are they correct?

Some people have a misconception that a kitten will bond more easily with them than an adult cat. But that’s really like saying you couldn’t make friends with people who you didn’t know as a child or marry someone you hadn’t grown up with. Cats, like humans, respond to love, patience and good care and will bond with people who provide those requirements. As with all relationships, bonding with a new kitten or adult cat takes time.

What are some other things to be aware of when adopting a kitten?

Kittens are only kittens for an extremely short time. If you think how quickly the last six months of your life has passed, that’s the same amount of time your cat will be a kitten. Also kittens, like human babies, are very fragile. They require as much supervision as a crawling toddler and certain safety measures have to be put in place. Kittens are much more likely than mature cats to fall out of windows, slip into the toilet, or chew on electrical cords. 

Are adult cats a better choice for households with children?

People often want to get a kitten for their children because kittens are so cute, but they are not playthings. I’ve found temperament is much more important than age when selecting a companion cat for a child; and it’s difficult to tell what a cat’s temperament will be when it is still very young. I would recommend a calm cat for a household with children. Also, larger cats are safer with children who may squeeze a fragile kitten too hard with terrible results. An adult cat can easily get away if a child’s playing turns too rough.

What would you like people to know about adopting an adult cat?

The lifespan of a cat is between fifteen and twenty years. It is a long term commitment and should be considered as such.  Anyone adopting a cat should be thinking of it as the start of a relationship with a beloved family member.

The World League for the Protection of Animals, Sydney, runs a no-kill adoption centre in Gladesville. It is run by volunteers and relies solely on donations. For adoption appointments call (02) 9817-4892

For further information: www.wlpa.org

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