Adopting an adult cat

MarleysMama · 03-10-2008, 01:34 AM

Have you ever adopted an adult cat? In December we decided to add a cat to our family, after 16 months without (we were living with my parents and there was a cougar problem there, so sad, we lost 3 cats in 4 months).

We feel we really lucked out. Marley is just the sweetest thing, he's GREAT with the kids, he's just an all-around wonderful cat. I don't know if he lived with kids before, or if he's so thankful for being saved (he was rescued by a local cat rescue mission, and we adopted him from them).

Luvmykitty · 03-10-2008, 09:36 AM

One of the cats I have now, Precious, actually adopted us. Last summer, she wandered into the yard and camped out on our back deck. Everytime one of us went outside she would meow and rub up on our legs. This went on for two or three days.

We tried not to pay too much attention because we figured she's end up going home but she never left. We put a flyer up at the store down the street, too, but no one ever claimed her. After three days, we took pity and fed her because we didn't know if she was going elsewhere to eat while we were asleep or what.

Unfortunately, we are in a resort/summer residence area and all too often we find cats and even dogs left behind when their owners leave at the end of the summer. It's sad, actually. I can't ever imagine leaving a pet behind to fend for itself like that.

Fluffball · 03-10-2008, 06:47 PM

We have adopted several adult cats over the years, and they are every bit just as wonderful to own as a Kitten.

Also all kittens grow up eventually anyway, so why not just adopt an Adult cat?

The one we have is one of the nicest, friendliest cats I have ever seen, and she's even nice to visitors!

Some people are afraid that adopting an adult cat means that they may have already settled into some bad habits. While that may be true in some of them, I have never had any problems like that.

Siamese · 03-10-2008, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luvmykitty

One of the cats I have now, Precious, actually adopted us.

I've had several cats do that with me, too. Growing up, my parents tried to stifle it...I wasn't allowed to feed the cats and naming them as an absolute no-no (so many of them ended up with non-"names" like Critter, Mama Kitty, and even Ugly, lol). Eventually, though, they had to give in as the cats became huge parts of the family and they even got attached. It's amazing how loving abused and/or stray cats can be after they learn to trust you. <3

Fluffball · 03-12-2008, 11:11 PM

Our stray is a bit over-cautious and paranoid, but she's still very loving, and by far one of the most loving cats I have ever seen.

Don't let age effect your decision to adopt a cat or not. Look at the personality, and how well the cat reacts to you.

Every cat needs a loving home, regardless of what age they may be.

MarleysMama · 03-13-2008, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luvmykitty

Unfortunately, we are in a resort/summer residence area and all too often we find cats and even dogs left behind when their owners leave at the end of the summer. It's sad, actually. I can't ever imagine leaving a pet behind to fend for itself like that.

I was just talking with my mom about this the other day (because we're moving across country and I'm going to have to leash train our poor cat for the move). I just can't imagine leaving a pet behind with out a home! I mean, why not find a home for them? My heart just breaks for the poor animals who once had a home and love for their owners, and are just left or dumped in the woods on in a public park or something.

BillysMa · 03-14-2008, 03:03 PM

We adopted Billy as an adult. He was a big, fat cat with the biggest jowells I ever saw! He wasn't fixed either so we had to do that. He fitted right in with the other cats and despite being the biggest of them was content to let my smallest, little lady be the boss of the house. He was a darling, and perfect with kids.