What's the best age to adopt a cat?

The ideal age is 12 weeks, nor be as healthy. Benefits: A Fresh Start: Kittens are a clean page for you to fill in the story. They haven't had a chance to develop neurosis or behavior problems.
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Is it better to adopt an older or younger cat?

Kittens will require more time and attention, not to mention time spent cleaning up after them, than adult cats, so if you're gone most of the day, an older cat can be the best fit for you. If you have small children, an adult cat may also be a better choice.
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Is 5 months too old to adopt a kitten?

Don't adopt kittens too early.

Cat babies should stay with siblings and Mom for at least 12 to 16 weeks. Learn more about kitten development here. That's not always possible, though, and if you find yourself in that situation, it means you must be “cat-mom” and teach Junior claw, potty and other manners.
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Is it OK to adopt a 2 year old cat?

Cats are considered adults from around one-years old, when they enter the "prime" stage of life that lasts until they are about seven. One of the many advantages of adopting an older cat is that you won't have to spend much time training her.
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What age should you choose a kitten?

Age. Most kittens have traditionally been rehomed at 8-10 weeks of age. While kittens have usually been weaned by eight weeks of age, allowing extra time with its mother and siblings allow for optimal social development. As a result, many breeders now prefer kittens to be 12-14 weeks prior to going to their new home.
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What Is the Best Age to Adopt a Kitten?



How do you know if a cat is right for you?

When choosing a cat, pick one that is active, inquisitive, and seeks affection and attention from people. Sometimes cats are uncomfortable in noisy or unfamiliar environments, so keep that in mind during your evaluation. An adult cat should allow handling and petting without hissing or scratching.
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How do you know if a kitten is right for you?

Check for Personality
  • Look for playful, confident kittens if you have young children. A timid kitten may not feel comfortable in a home where young children want to play.
  • Get down on the floor. ...
  • Play with the kittens. ...
  • Pick them up. ...
  • Ask questions. ...
  • Check the skin and coat. ...
  • Inspect your kitten's body. ...
  • Check the ears.
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Should I get a boy or girl cat?

Choosing a gender

Males, or toms, can be friendlier than females. Intact male cats "spray" to mark their territory and “howl” for females (this is usually not a problem if you get him neutered). Female cats tend to be more reserved than males but are far less likely to spray.
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Should I adopt a 1 year old cat?

Cats are territorial animals, and often take weeks or months to adjust to another cat in their space. If you have a senior kitty, consider adopting an adult cat at least 1 year old who has learned to respect other cats and has mellowed a bit so as not to stress out your senior kitty.
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What is the most kid friendly cat?

Our top picks: The best cats for kids
  • Ragdoll. Known for their easy going nature, Ragdoll cats love their humans and thrive on interactive play. ...
  • American Shorthair. An affectionate breed, American Shorthair cats are known for being friendly, laid-back, and gentle pets. ...
  • Birman. ...
  • Maine Coon. ...
  • Abyssinian. ...
  • Manx. ...
  • Himalayan. ...
  • Burmese.
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Is 12 weeks a good age for a kitten?

Between six and 12 weeks of age, a kitten is very active and social. It won't sleep quite as much as it did as a newborn, but it will still spend more than half the day napping. A kitten will start playing with its littermates, explore its surroundings, and its personality will start to develop.
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Is it OK to give kittens away at 6 weeks old?

It is a common misconception that kittens can be separated from their mothers as early as 8 weeks old. However, kittens separated at this time are still at risk for developmental, social, and health issues. Instead, kittens should remain with their mothers until they are 12-14 weeks old.
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What kind of cat makes the best pet?

Top 10 Cat Breeds
  1. Exotic Shorthair Cats.
  2. Ragdoll Cats. ...
  3. British Shorthair. ...
  4. Persian Cats. ...
  5. Maine Coon Cats. ...
  6. American Shorthair Cats. ...
  7. Scottish Fold Cats. ...
  8. Sphynx Cats. ...
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Should you get an adult cat or kitten?

A kitten requires more time for socialization and generally more veterinary care during his or her first year of life. If you are a busy, working family, an adult cat may be the right choice for you. An adult cat can provide the love and companionship you are looking for from your cat, but with less work.
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Is it good to adopt a 3 year old cat?

Older Cats Need You

Kittens are cute and get adopted very easily. Older cats are less likely to be adopted and run the risk of living out their lives in a shelter or foster home or even being euthanized if they don't get a home. 4 It usually isn't the fault of the adult cat for ending up without a family.
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Do older cats adjust to new owners?

The good news is, cats are highly adaptable. Of course, they may experience a surge of stress after being rehomed. However, they can eventually adjust to the new environment and continue to be happy. Younger cats are a lot more adaptable, while older cats have trouble adjusting to change.
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Are older cats calmer?

Adult cats are often calmer than their younger counterparts, so they'll likely be better fits in a calmer house full of people who are gone most of the day.
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Are adult cats better?

Older Cats Need Less Supervision

Adult cats provide so many advantages that you might want to consider adopting an older cat. Older cats are more emotionally mature and are more independent. They know how to occupy themselves while you're at work. They also won't get into "trouble" like kittens typically do.
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How do I choose a kitten?

How to Choose a New Kitten
  1. Consider what kind of cat fits with your lifestyle and home. Before you set out for the shelter, consider where and how you live as well as the type of kitten you'd like to have. ...
  2. Know a healthy appearance. ...
  3. Look for healthy behaviors. ...
  4. Learn a kitten's personality. ...
  5. After the adoption.
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Do girl cats have periods?

Female cats do, in fact, go through a monthly cycle, but their "periods" are quite different from human menstruation.
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Are girl cats nicer?

Myth: Male cats are more affectionate towards humans and bond really well with their owners. Female cats are aloof and, because of their mothering instincts, prefer other cats to humans. Reality: This usually comes down to your cat's individual personality.
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What gender cat is more affectionate?

Male cats tend to be more social and affectionate with both humans and other cats. They commonly form strong bonds with other cats in the home, even when they are not from the same litter. Females, on the other hand, are often more standoffish. If you are looking for a cuddle bug, adopting a male may be your best bet.
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How do I choose a cuddly kitten?

10 Steps for Choosing the Right Shelter Cat for You
  1. Should You Get a Kitten or Adult Cat? ...
  2. Evaluate Your Home Environment. ...
  3. Think About the Relationship You Want. ...
  4. Do You Already Have Pets at Home? ...
  5. Talk with Shelter Personnel. ...
  6. Do a Walk-Through and Look at the Cats Before Settling on One. ...
  7. Spend One-on-One Time. ...
  8. Coming Home.
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How do I choose the friendliest kitten?

Make Sure Your Personalities Are Compatible

Sit on the floor, hold her and pick her up if she lets you. Ask the shelter or her previous pet parent questions about her temperament and how she gets along with other cats and people. Bring all of your family members to meet her, including other pets of yours, if possible.
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Do kittens like to be held?

Do cats like to be held as much as we like to hold them? If you do it correctly, the answer is yes. Many cats, despite the common and persistent myth that they are aloof, welcome affection from their people. In fact, petting and holding your cat helps build a loving relationship between the two of you.
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