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While young kittens are adorable and more popular, many people live lifestyles that are more well-suited for caring for senior cats. While people may worry that senior cats have more health care needs and fewer years left to live, there are many benefits that actually make them wonderful pets and new additions to the family.
So, if you’re interested in adopting a cat, consider bringing home an older cat. Here are some benefits that you can look forward to with senior cats.
The 8 Benefits of Adopting a Senior Cat
1. Skipping Kittenhood Challenges
Many new cat owners underestimate the challenges of kittenhood. Kittens often have a lot of energy, require training, may engage in destructive behaviors, and need a lot more attention. They’ll want to play more frequently, and their curiosity can get them into a lot of trouble. You’ll have to kitten-proof your home and ensure that the kitten can’t chew or consume harmful objects, like electrical wires and cleaning products.
Bringing home a senior cat skips all these challenges. Adult cats tend to be much calmer and are already litterbox trained. They’re also less likely to scratch and damage any furniture.
2. Supporting Local Animal Shelters
Animal shelters can bring in hundreds or thousands of cats annually, and many senior cats stay in their care for much longer than kittens. Bringing home a senior cat not only benefits the individual cat, but it can also help the animal shelter create more room to care for other cats.
3. More Affordable to Adopt Senior Cats
It’s often a cheaper option to adopt older cats. Some animal shelters will have reduced adoption fees or may waive them for senior cats. Older cats are already spayed or neutered, microchipped, and don’t require extensive initial vaccination protocols like kittens do.
The animal shelter staff will most likely understand an older cat’s temperament and can help take some guesswork out of purchasing new cat supplies. They can let you know what toys and treats an older cat enjoys and help you avoid purchasing toys, treats, and furniture that your cat will never use.
4. Senior Cats Have Set Temperaments
Kittens are developing their personalities as they grow mature, so you might not know what sort of cat will end up living in your home. In contrast, senior cats have set temperaments and preferences. While they might act differently while adjusting to living in your home, they’ll eventually settle in and act like they usually would.
Animal shelter staff and volunteers can give you more information on a senior cat’s personality. They can also let you know if your cat can live with other cats, pets, and young children.
5. Senior Cats Are Usually Calmer
Senior cats are more relaxed than kittens and young adult cats and are more likely to cuddle with you. While they’ll still need regular exercise, it won’t be as extensive. Cats can sleep an average of 15 hours daily, and your senior cat will probably be perfectly happy napping while you work. It’ll also probably be less disruptive than kittens at night and give you more restful sleep.
6. Senior Cats Need a Shorter Adjustment Period
Unlike kittens, who require constant supervision and can take time to adapt to new environments, senior cats tend to settle in more quickly. They’re usually familiar with household routines, and their calmer nature means they’re less likely to explore recklessly or get into trouble. Instead of demanding constant attention, many older cats are content to quietly observe their surroundings or nap nearby, making the transition into a new home smoother for everyone involved.
7. Senior Cats Are a Better Option for Less Active Households
Unless you bring home a particularly active breed, older cats are often a good fit for older adults, houses without kids, or anyone with mobility challenges. Young kittens can sometimes be found climbing up to unreachable heights, and it’ll be difficult to rescue them if they start meowing for help.
Senior cats are more likely to stay closer to the ground. They can still benefit from having cat trees and hiding spots in elevated spaces. However, they’re less likely to climb on top of tall bookcases and cabinets.
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8. Senior Cats May Still Live Many Years
Cats are considered seniors over the age of 10, but that doesn’t mean their journey is over. Some older cats can enjoy several more years in good health, depending on their condition at the time of adoption. While it’s true that cats can live into their late teens or even beyond 20 in some cases, it’s important to keep in mind that senior cats are more prone to age-related conditions that may affect their quality of life or lifespan. Adopting a senior cat means embracing whatever time you have together and making it as loving and comfortable as possible.
How to Care for Senior Cats
Your senior cat may have some special care needs that naturally come with age, but they’re usually minor adjustments. The main thing that you’ll want to be aware of is making things more accessible for your cat. Senior cats may prefer low-entry litter boxes so that they can get in and out more easily. You may also need to place its food bowl and water bowl closer to the ground.
It’s also helpful to monitor more closely their eating, drinking, and toileting habits, as well as doing regular weigh-ins at home. Fluctuating weight can indicate an underlying health issue and having a record of your cat’s weight can help veterinarians treat your cat accurately.
You’ll also want to become familiar with common senior cat health issues and understand how early detection can improve their overall well-being. Awareness of early signs can help you get your cat the treatment it needs before the condition worsens.
Final Thoughts
While kittens often steal the spotlight, there are significant benefits to adopting a senior cat. They tend to be calmer and more predictable. Yes, older cats may need a bit more medical attention or have a shorter time to spend with you, but what they lack in years, they often make up for in gratitude and affection.
When choosing a new feline companion, it’s worth looking beyond age and focusing instead on temperament and compatibility. The right cat for you just might be the one with a little extra life experience, and a whole lot of love still to give.
- See also: 15 Reasons & Benefits to Adopting a Cat
Featured Image Credit: Alex Zotov, Shutterstock
