Thread: Kitten vs. Rehomed Adult

We have had both a stray MC mix that we took in and a retiree from a breeder (that we have other cats from). I agree that the first 6 months or 1 year with such cats can be somewhat trying, but our two cases certainly worked out well. The male MC mix that we took in had been living outside for probably two years before we took him in, so he was not used to living with people, but he adapted quite quickly. In the end, he came my big buddy, and he is the reason we now have four MCs (unfortunately he turned out to have HCM so was with us for less than five years). The retiree was not quite one year old when we got her, and she had known the kitten we had just gotten from the breeder. She certainly was not a very happy cat for many months, and did not feel like our cat during that period. Kittens inherently trust you, but Allie did not for a good long time. Eventually, though, she became no different from a cat we had had from kittenhood, and is a big cuddler.

So if you are willing to deal with a cat that is not particularly not being particularly attached to you for several months, getting an adult can be a fine choice. Kittens are fun, but kittenhood doesn't last that long, and kittens can be quite a bit of work.