10 Reasons Why It's a Good Idea to Adopt an Adult Cat

Written and verified by the lawyer Francisco María García

Last update: 27 December, 2022

When it comes to adopting a cat. there are many reasons for choosing an adult cat is better than a kitten. Even if it doesn’t seem like it, there are advantages. We’ll discuss some of them.

1. You’ll know who the animal is

When you adopt an adult cat, you see exactly who you’re taking home. Kittens are cute and sweet, but you can’t tell what they’ll be like in the future. A cute kitten can become a less good-looking cat in the future, which could be a problem if you’re expecting to have an aesthetically pleasing animal. If that’s the case, it’s best to go for a sure thing.

2. They are able-bodied

The reasons why cats end up in shelters are varied, but it won’t be because they’re disabled. Until they’ve reached an advanced age, their abilities are still practically intact. 

3. Less destruction

Young cats are like children that will put anything in their mouths, either because they’re teething, or because they’re exploring the world around them.

On the other hand, adult cats don’t waste time or energy to nibble on things. They normally spend their day on matters of greater importance, such as bothering the neighbor’s dog or grooming themselves.

4. They are more cautious

In the first years of a kitten’s life, curiosity can get them in all sorts of problems that end in accidents and injuries. For example, they could bite cables, swallow objects, fall from tall heights, etc. Remember the famous phrase: “curiosity killed the cat”. 

5. Hygiene

We’ve seen that adult cats don’t stop grooming themselves. But little ones don’t groom, and they get dirty easily. They also make a mess when it comes to doing relieving themselves. Although they don’t love baths, on more than one occasion they’ll need them. Therefore, an adult cat is better.

6. You can adopt a cat according to their energy level

Although it might not seem true, the scientist Albert Einstein discovered a significant relationship between mass and energy, which gave rise to the E=(MC)² formula. This equality is the same as saying your energy level is directly proportional to your cat’s body mass squared.

Therefore, if you adopt an adult cat, your energy level will be higher than if you had a kitten, whose mass is much less. This strange formula has been proven, since adult cats sleep more, break fewer household objects, and don’t insist on biting your toes while you’re sleeping.

In the company of an adult cat, your relaxation level will be higher. Also, as Einstein said, so will your energy. 

7. Incompatibility with children

Children aren’t careful with kittens. They tend to do the opposite of what we tell them. Adult cats can defend themselves from children, flee and hide, and then think about their revenge while perched on a roof. But small cats are very vulnerable.

8. Training

By adopting an adult cat, you’ll save yourself the entire training process. Although small kittens are also good students, it’s better to have a cat who is already trained, and already knows what to do and what not to do in a home.

9. Uncontrolled games

Small kittens play, sunbathe, build sand castles and even sleep on their sand beds. If you adopt an adult cat, you’ll “miss out” on all those childish, annoying games. In some ways, adult cats are aware of the importance of taking care of every corner of the house. 

10. The last chance for an adult cat

Many cats are betrayed by their owners and end up in a shelter. They’re confused, depressed, and have no future. People who adopt cats, usually adopt small, playful kittens, while the adults are left to contemplate how one family after the other ignores them in favor of a cute kitten.

You should know that a cat can live up to 20 years if he gets the proper care and a little love. In general, they can stay active and playful for nearly their entire lifetime.