So you're bringing home a shelter cat? What an exciting time! Adopting an adult cat is a rewarding experience, one that will bring joy to both you and your furry friend.
Benefits of Adopting an Adult 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. Litter-training, for example, can be daunting for new pet parents, but adult cats already know what to do; you'll just have to show them where.
Another benefit, notes the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), is that "adult animals require less supervision than puppies or kittens who sometimes can't distinguish between safe situations and dangerous ones and may not know — or care — what 'no' means." Less time training your cat what not to do means more time spent doing the fun stuff, like snuggling and chilling out on the couch.
Grown-up cats also have established personalities, which facilitates the adoption process. "Adult cats show you their genuine personalities," explains PAWS Chicago, "making it easier to choose one who fits your lifestyle and family." Unlike kittens that are still developing their traits, adult cats know what they want, when they want it and how.
Choosing a Cat at Shelter
Shelters are a great place to find older cats because you get to talk to volunteers that spend time with each of these cats every day and they can give you a good sense of their tempermant. You can talk to them and tell them about your lifestyle and what you're looking for and they can help you narrow it down to cats that meet your family's personality.
Additionally, shelters often have a room that they can let the cat out and interact with you. This will give you a good indication if it is a match made in heaven. At this session it is important to have all members of the family with you, this is particularly important if you have children, because it is important that your new cat gets along with all family members to avoid needing to return her to the shelter.
While it can be tempting to fall in love with the cute little kittens, they grow up very quickly into adult cats. Starting with an adult cat whose temperment you already get along with can set you both up for a long life of happiness together. Plus, let's be honest, adult cats are super adorable too!
Tasty Tips
Bringing Home a Shelter Cat
One way to ease your new adult cat's transition into your home is to have the necessary items on hand, including litter and a litter box, grooming supplies, fresh drinking water and the right cat food for her stage in life, such as Hill's® Science Diet® Adult Indoor. And don't forget the toys! While not as feisty as kittens, adult cats love to play and benefit greatly from the activity. Good toys include wands and a few small stuffed animals she can bat around. This is also good exercise for her to help keep her trim and at a healthy weight.
Although she'll probably stake out your bed as her favorite sleeping spot, your new cat buddy will appreciate having choices. "Cats like to seek out warm places to rest. Make sure your older cat's favorite soft bed or resting place is not in a drafty area of your home," says the Cornell Feline Health Center. "Too much heat, though, can potentially burn a cat who can't move quickly, so be sure to think warm, not hot." A pile of blankets in the corner of a couch is perfect, as is a soft pet bed under an end table, and always choose a spot that's a good distance from heat sources such as fireplaces, furnaces or wood stove.
Adjusting to a New Home
As with any new roommate, your new cat will have to adjust to your home, and she may be shy at first as she gets used to all the new sights and smells. Depending on her previous living situation, it may take a while to win her trust, so be sure not to rush this important bonding period. All cats are different, so there is no exact timeline for her to acclimate completely to her new home — but she'll be at ease before you know it.
Adopting an adult cat is beneficial for you and her: she gains a loving forever home, and you gain a loving forever friend.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Entrée Variety Pack
Feline Sensitive Stomach & Skin Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Chicken & Beef, Salmon & Tuna 2.8 oz. pouch, 12 pack
These irresistible foods are specially formulated to support digestive health, nourish skin & promote a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Hairball Control cat food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Supports kitten growth, digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
null Hill's Science Diet Kitten with Salmon
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Indoor Chicken Recipe
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Dinners Can Variety Pack Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice cat food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Beef Dinner
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Related articles
Are Bananas Safe for My Cat?
Are bananas safe for your cat? Learn helpful information on whether bananas are a good treat for your cat and why other options might be better.
Your Cat Needs Attention? Here's What She'll Do to Get It.
When a cat wants attention, she'll pull out all the stops until she grabs your interest, such as these seven classic behaviors guaranteed to distract you.
Cat Vision: How Do They See the World?
Discover some myths and truths about how your cat sees the world, including whether they have night vision and if they are actually colorblind.
Steps to Successfully Introduce a New Kitten to Your Cat
If you're a current cat owner that is thinking about getting a new kitten, you should read our helpful tips for getting cat and kittens acquainted.
How to Get Your Cat to Take a Pill
Wondering how to get your cat to take a pill? This guide provides you with tactics for how to give a cat a pill!
Do Cats Fart?
While it may not be common, cats to indeed pass gas. Learn how your cat's food impacts their gassiness and whether you need to be concerned.
How to Clean Cat Ears: A Step-by-Step Guide
Does your cat need help keeping their ears clean? Check out this guide on how to clean cat ears, from when to consider it to what to use.
Do Cats Have Periods?
Learn more about cat periods, when you can expect them, and what kind of impact your cat's heat cycle has on her body.
Tips for Building a DIY Cat Perch
Learn why your cat loves to be up high and how to build a DIY cat perch to keep her happy. Discover what materials you'll need and how to put it together.
What Is Cat Nuzzling?
Learn the reasons why your cat nuzzles you or other pet siblings, including factors like affection, marking territory and more.
Cat Food Taste & Types: Does My Cat Like Their Food?
Learn about different types of cat foods, why your cat might actually like certain ones over others and questions to ask your vet about cat food taste.
Your Cat in Heat: What You Need to Know
Puppy, kitten and pet dieting, cat nutrition and dog nutrition information from Hill's Pet
Moving & Relocation with Your Cat: Tips & Suggestions
Get tips on how reduce your cat's stress level for the next time you have to move or relocate. Find ways to help your cat settle in.
Kitten Psychology: Understanding What Your Cat is Thinking
To provide your kitten with the best possible care, it is important to understand her. Learn more about what your kitten thinks and does.
Why Your Cat's Nose Is Running (& How to Help)
Learn possible reasons why your cat’s nose is running, when you should consider bringing them to the vet and common treatments.
Cat Arthritis: Signs, Causes and Treatment
Get the answers to your questions about cat arthritis here, from signs of arthritis in cats to treatment for feline arthritis.
Joint Issues and Hip Dysplasia in Cats
What is feline hip dysplasia? Learn all about joint diseases and hip dysplasia in cats, including possible causes and how to help your cat feel better.
Why Do Cats Bunny Kick?
Learn what a bunny kick is and the reasons your cat likes to do it, from just playing around to indicating aggression.
Choosing a Vet for Your Cat? Consider These Factors
Choosing the right veterinary for your cat is very important to its health. Read through our list of things to consider when looking for a new vet.
Why Do Cats Meow?
Learn what your cat's meow really means, so you can understand what they are trying to communicate to you.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.