The Way of Cats

As they age, cats slow down. They still play, but not as long. They still investigate, but not as fast. There are physical and emotional changes which can also make the cat act a little differently.

Lack of energy is manifested in more than extra naps. Cats have such keen senses that we don’t realize how much of the cat’s energy is spent coping with the high input. As they age, cats find this handling to be more difficult, so they would like things a little less rowdy.

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At some point, we might think of getting a kitten to perk up the old cat. This is an excellent idea, if done properly. The best way is to get two kittens.

Yes, that’s right. I said get two kittens.

Two kittens amuse each other and do not put the burden of constant play onto the older cat. They can then join in, or not, as they wish. The kittens will be a constant source of superiority to the older cat, since there will be twice the bone-headed stunts for the older cat to share with us. We can fuss over the older cat for being so much smarter and well-behaved than their new friends. This will help adjust for the attention we can’t help but give the kittens.

We might be thinking of getting an adult cat. This is also something to consider, if we are willing to match the cat’s activity level and outlook. If our older cat loves looking out the window, watching our activities, and snuggling with us, another cat doesn’t have to do all those things, but they must not be a detriment to the other cat’s enjoyment of their routine. Slow, unrushed introductions will create a harmonious cat relationship.

We should make more of an effort to engage and interest the cat as they get older. If they like easier play or more snuggling, we should oblige them. They will need more mental challenges as they ramp down their physical activity.

Older cats expect to be handled with more dignity than they did when they were young and bouncy. Grabbing them up, wrestling with them, and other play they once enjoyed might put them off now, making them feel as though they are disappointing us. If they want to calm down the play, we can do that, simply by moving more slowly and not trying to bring out any intense play.

This might bother the cat because they have also grown in understanding. They have increased sensitivity to our feelings and moods, and have moved into a caretaker role with us. They will be more likely to notice any changes and wonder what they mean. So they are not trying to attack us, even in play. They can be as lively as ever, but it might not be the same games.

The older cat still has their inner kitten. But we might not recognize it because it manifests in a different way. Without the body energy driving their actions, they are able to spend more quality time with us, and our communication skills can bloom into more conversation and observations than we might have expected.

Older cats are like old friends. They know us well, they want to be good to us, and they are always open to ways to deepen the relationship.

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Sometimes, the best cat for the job… is a cat.

Let’s face it, kittens sell themselves. The tinyness! The fluffiness! The cuteness! But like a beautifully wrapped gift, what’s inside is a bit of a mystery. And it might not be what you wanted or needed.

I completely understand the lure of the kitten. But they all grow up. They spend most of their life grown up. Adult cats offer a whole new dimension to the relationship that has even deeper joys.

If we are new to cats, I heartily recommend adopting an adult cat.

Because kittens, like small children, are both adorable and annoying. They have a steep learning curve which encompasses almost everything.

They get into things, especially at three in the morning. They bite toes under blankets, they shred whatever can be shredded, and they climb pants legs, even if you aren’t wearing any.

Those new to cats who start with a kitten have two strikes against them.

A newbie getting a kitten is trying to understand cats by starting with the least responsive, most doofusy stage, which comes with its share of exasperation and frustration. Then they inadvertently create problems for themselves by raising a cat without a lot of experience or knowledge. Most of the time, these things work out. But why pile on difficulties?

Adopting an adult cat, by contrast, is not like having a child. It’s more like dating. You’ve got preferences, the cat has preferences. Evaluating an adult cat is easier because the whole personality is developed. Their size, habits, and outlook are there, and many clues are clear.

When you bring them home, it’s like a first date. Everyone is on their best behavior, boundaries are tested and negotiated, agreements are struck. The relationship proceeds slowly and carefully. Along the way, both of you are discovering fascinating things about each other.

Adult cats in a new home need to be drawn out, it’s true. But the very caution that makes them reserved in their overtures is also working for them as they learn their new home. They are far less likely to mess with things, and are far more easily trained. They are usually quite sensitve to your needs, so long as they feel you are being sensitive to theirs.

So if you are contemplating a first cat, make it a cat. Find a friendly cat who makes overtures to you, even if it’s only eye contact or rubbing their face on the bars of their cage. The shelter people can tell you much more about what they are like, and you will have a better idea if this cat will work for you.

With kittens, it’s love at first sight. And you often need it to get through that rowdy first year.

With the adult cat, it’s love that grows. And the first time they come to you and look deeply into your eyes, you’ll find it’s a love that is even more thrilling.

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There’s more to choosing a cat with The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See my ADVICE ON CAT TYPES.

Contemplating the difference between a kitten or a cat is a sensible consideration, whether we have presently have no cats, or many. Because kittens and cats are very different in some key ways. This will have an impact on how they fit into our home.

Kittens require:

On the considerable other hand…

They are darned cute.

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Adult cats are considered a tougher sell, though this should not be so. After all, adult cats have these advantages:

While they do not have the immediate advantage of a kitten’s massive cuteness factor, adult cats are just as capable of giving and receiving affection. Because that is another big reason kittens are an easier sell. They are usually open and trusting in this baby stage, but also high energy and easily distracted. However, most people find it easier to interact with a kitten. Most people feel more sure of receiving affection from a kitten.

But kittens grow up.

At a certain point in the cat’s adolescence, they will want to play Cat Poker. No matter what age the cat might be when we acquire them, we will always need to learn how to deal with adult cat sensibilities.

That’s when the real depth of the relationship reveals itself.

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There’s more to The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See my LATEST CAT ADVICE.