If you are in your Golden Years and considering a kitten or a cat, look no further! This article will tell you everything you need to know when determining what is best for your golden years. Your golden years can be filled with lots of new experiences, such as getting ready for retirement, signing up for Medicare, and determining where you will live.
With so many new experiences, we want to make finding your new pet as easy as possible. Kittens and cats both offer great benefits for your Golden Years, such as decreased depression and loneliness, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure, and provide companionship and entertainment. What pros will outweigh the cons for you? Keep reading and find out!
Pros and Cons of Kittens
Pro #1: Kittens are Playful
Kittens have a reputation for being playful and energetic. The most playful a cat will ever be in their life is when they are a kitten. Kittens love toys like balls, feathers dangling on strings, and teasers. If you want to get those fun years out of a cat, then a kitten is for you! When your kitten is not napping, they will likely be running around and playing with their toys.
Con #1: Kittens are Destructive
Kittens are playful, but they can also be destructive. Owning a kitten means it will likely damage or destroy something you own and enjoy. They tend to scratch and claw when they are younger. Like human babies, kittens tend to examine everything with their mouths. They tend to bite on items in your home, your shoes, or even houseplants. They also are fantastic jumpers at a young age and may jump up on a shelf or table and knock something down.
Pro #2: Kittens are Healthy
Kittens are generally healthier than adult cats. Since they have just been born in recent months, you own them when they typically have excellent health and are young. They likely will not have more severe health problems than adult cats will.
Con #2: Paying for a Kitten’s Early Medical Check-Ups
One thing you will have to pay for with a cat is the early medical check-ups. Your kitten may not have all their shots, so that may require a few earlier visits to the vet. You will need to have their vaccinations up to date. Your kitten’s first check-up will include:
- Checking the kitten’s ears for infection and parasites.
- Checking the kitten’s genitals.
- Checking the kitten’s teeth and oral hygiene.
They will discuss preventive health measures with you, such as your kitten’s nutrition, vaccinations, parasite preventives, and flea and tick control. Some of this can be costly at first but is likely one-time costs.
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Pros and Cons of Cats
Pro #1: Cats are Mature
Since cats are mature, they are more low maintenance than kittens. They are independent beings, and you will not have to keep an eye on them as much. Adult cats typically have their routine and clean themselves, go to the bathroom on their own, and eat and drink at their own time.
Con #1: “Catty” Attitudes
Cats are mature, which means they will already come with a personality. Some cats will have a spunky personality already and have certain habits that you may not like. Their personality is strong-willed, which makes it a bit hard to re-train them. At least with younger kittens, you can do consistent training and early boundary setting. Adult cats will be a bit more stuck in their ways.
Pro #2: Cats Don’t Need Entertainment
If you want to spend your golden years working or out and about, owning a cat is a great choice. Adult cats sleep more and can entertain themselves. Kittens tend to get lonely and can get in trouble while trying to entertain themselves.
Con #2: Cats Can Have Health Issues
When adopting a cat, you may not know their entire health history from their early years of life. They may come with complicated health issues that you will have to pay for to keep them healthy. Adopting or buying a pet at any age will come with additional costs, but buying a cat with health issues can become more costly.
Conclusion
Overall, owning a kitten vs. a cat has a ton of pros and cons. Your golden years are meant to be enjoyed and cherished, so choosing the right one for you will be beneficial. Kittens are great if you are looking to raise a kitten and have those special bonding moments with them. Cats are great if you want an already mature and grown cat with less maintenance and eyes needed on them. Before you buy or adopt, take time to decide whether a cat or kitten is right for you and your lifestyle.
