Whether they’re seen on the search results pages at Petfinder.com, at the local animal control center, or peering at you from their playpen during adoption days at Petsmart, they never fail to elicit the most OOHhhs and AAWWwws.  As a volunteer foster parent, I’m just as susceptible as you are to the irresistible charms of kittens – their bright eyes wide with wonder at the world around them, their tiny features, emerging personalities and playful antics – all shout, “NOTICE ME!”

But – before you make that final decision to adopt a kitten – look around a little more.  Chances are, you will find adult feline eyes nearby – watching. Their attention is not necessarily focused on the kittens, but rather, on you.  Often, a flicker of hope and anticipation will flash in those eyes if you happen to glance their way – a fleeting, silent plea; “Won’t you give me a second chance?”

Sometimes a kitten may not be the best choice for a particular household, states Emily Harris, cat adoption and foster chair for APAWS in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in her article, “Eager for Adoption” which appeared in the August 2006 issue of CAT FANCY magazine.  “For example, when choosing a cat for a young child or an elderly person, kittens are not usually the best choice because they have not yet learned the rules about biting, scratching and climbing.” Ms. Harris explains.  “If not properly supervised, the kittens or the human could get hurt. Kittens tend to climb everything, including human legs, which could be dangerous for an elderly person with varicose veins or a weak immune system.  Kittens are also very delicate and can be seriously injured by a young child’s rough treatment.”

Ms. Harris’s article goes on to list how the adoption of an adult cat can enhance a household – most adult cats have the experience to tolerate typical human childhood behavior, have better household manners, more laid-back personalities, and are less prone to harmful play. 

It is heartbreaking for us to view Roicy’s website showing photos and descriptions of young and adult cats who obviously once had a home, were cared for, and loved – only to have their secure world turned upside down by being dumped or abandoned.
(contined on page 4)