Youth Is A Passing Phase When Adopting Felines

By April Smith

Few can resist those tumbling balls of fluff with bright, curious eyes. Even hardened dog people soften a bit in the presence of a kitten. But when Janice Roman came to a recent adoption event presented by The Animal Center of Newtown, she bypassed the babies and marched right up to the crate where Trista, a very friendly older feline sat peering out. Three-year-old Trista was perfect, and was adopted that very day.

The Romans are in the minority because most people who adopt cats opt for kittens under three months old.

“We place kittens much quicker than adults,” says Monica Roberto, director of The Animal Center in Newtown. “Once the kittens are old enough to be spayed or neutered, by about two months, it isn’t too much longer before they are adopted.”

Older felines have so much to offer too. For one, the personalities of cats greater than five months of age are generally well established, so you can be fairly certain of disposition after adopting.

“I wanted to see what I was getting,” Ms Roman says about Trista, “and I got a very happy lap cat.” Kittens, on the other hand, are still growing and changing. It is not uncommon to bring home a very social kitten that ultimately matures into a more independent adult.

Kittens are also full of unbridled energy, which may not bode well for your possessions. It is not uncommon to find that adorable bundle of fuzz dangling from your living room curtains, or to discover that your china knickknacks were the unfortunate target of a charging blur of fur.

“These little guys view the house as a playground,” Ms Roberto explains. “One of our adopters has a kitten that loves to chew paper. She comes home to find her mail punctured and torn. But her older cat is beyond that phase.”

Adult cats are curious, too, but they are generally less rambunctious and therefore kinder to the home. Lulu, another recently adopted older feline, checked out her new surroundings very thoroughly, but very carefully.

“When we brought her home for the first time,” says Lynn Welsh, who adopted Lulu as a companion for her aunt, “Lulu methodically investigated every item in the house.”

Ms Welsh wanted a calm cat for her aunt, “Bubbles” O’Brien, who is 90 years old. Though Bubbles is still active — she bowls and sings in the choir — “We wanted an older cat because they are less likely to play rough or scratch,” Ms Welsh explains. And Lulu fit the bill. “Lulu follows my aunt from room to room, but knows enough not to get under foot and cause a tripping hazard. I was afraid a kitten might.”

Adults are also cleaner than kittens because they are more practiced groomers. Litter boxes are another acquired skill. Though cats of any age are much quicker to litter box train than dogs are to house train, kittens are new to this, and can more easily have accidents outside the box.

And then there is the common misconception that kittens are more adaptable and will therefore bond better with their owners, whereas older cats are set in their ways. But adaptability depends more on an individual feline’s background and personality.

Trista, for example, had no trouble adjusting to her new surroundings.

“When we first brought her home,” Ms Roman reports, “she gulped down her first meal, then went right into her litter box. What a good girl!” And how is Trista bonding with her new family? “She’s very affectionate,” Ms Roman reports. “She just loves attention.”

Prior to their adoption, Trista and Lulu lived outdoors among a group of neighborhood cats in Sandy Hook that were left behind when their caretaker was evicted. The Animal Center volunteers have been feeding this group of cats since it was discovered last spring, and have noticed huge changes in the cats over time.

“When we first started feeding [them],” says volunteer Gene Rosen, “many of the cats were scared and didn’t approach until we were far enough away from the trays. Now, they’re climbing in our cars and rubbing on our legs even before we open the first can of food.”

During its five years of operation, The Animal Center has helped more than 1,300 cats and kittens without the benefit of a shelter facility.

“All of our adoptable kittens and some adults are fostered in our volunteers’ homes until they are adopted,” Ms Roberto says. “But there are currently way too many homeless adult cats in Newtown for our foster network to handle.”

When homeless cats are discovered in Newtown, The Animal Center helps residents who find them get the cat to the vet for exams, spaying or neutering, and vaccinations. Cats are then released to their original location since there is no shelter where they can go.

Where there are large numbers of free-roaming cats, like where Lulu and Trista came from, volunteers take shifts caring for them after release.

“Our volunteers show up in all kinds of weather every day to provide food and water, and some love, to these animals,” Ms Roberto says.

“I love my job,” says Mr Rosen about his kitty feeding ritual, “and I love these cats. They are so grateful for what we do for them, which is really so little.” Mr Rosen is particularly fond of Eva, an affectionate short-haired female who shows her gratitude by settling in his lap at the soonest opportunity.

While some of these adult felines adjust beautifully to roles as family companions, others are better suited as barn cats. One recent adoptee, Jackson, found a new home with Judy Morris and her family in Weston. Ms Morris raises pedigree chickens and the feed was attracting mice. “We had a mouse problem and we didn’t want to use pesticides,” Ms Morris recalls, “so we called The Animal Center and they brought us Jackson.”

A testament to the adaptability of adult cats in a caring environment, Jackson, who came from the same large group as Trista and Lulu, became more personable after he moved in with the Morrises.

“We are very happy with Jackson,” Ms Morris says. “We never thought we’d enjoy him so much.”

There are many great reasons to invite an adult cat into your life, but perhaps the best reason is that you are probably the cat’s last chance.

“We do the best we can for these free-roaming homeless cats,” Ms Roberto explains. “But living outside for a cat in Newtown has its risks, especially in winter.” Trista, Lulu and Jackson are the lucky ones; they will be warm and safe this winter. “We’re hoping to place more of these wonderful adult cats soon, before it gets too cold.”

If you want to adopt an adult cat, visit www.TheAnimalCenter.org/adopt, or attend an adoption event at Your Healthy Pet in Newtown where you can meet some of the cats from the same neighborhood as Trista, Luna and Jackson. The next two adoption events will be Saturdays, November 6 and December 4, both from 11 am to 2 pm. Your Healthy Pet, 224 Main Street South in Newtown (Route 25,  just north of Sand Hill Plaza).

If you need help with a stray in your neighborhood, contact Spay & Neuter Association of Newtown at 203-426-5730 or The Animal Center at 203-270-0228.