 Everybody loves kittens. Who wouldn’t? They’re soft, playful, and sweet. But if you’re thinking of adopting a feline companion, it’s worth considering that the needs of a kitten may not be an ideal fit for your lifestyle. Providing a loving home to an older cat brings its unique rewards, as many happy owners can attest. Older Cats are Tidier and Better Behaved “Older kitties are usually quieter, less destructive and neater than kittens,” says Debby F. of Napa Valley, California. “As much fun as kittens certainly are, they are so much work to protect, entertain, and help adapt. If you’ve ever seen a kitten go wild in a litter box, scramble up drapes or play soccer with kibble, you know what I mean!” Nicolas D. in Brooklyn, New York, had an especially rewarding experience with an older cat, but not until after he first understood the demands of raising a kitten. “Back in 2000, I rescued a terrified, flea-ridden kitten from under a car outside my apartment. He was a lot of work! He was ping-ponging all over the house. He got his claws on everything he could. I had to ‘child-proof’ my apartment because he had so much energy and curiosity. He was just being a normal kitten. I wasn’t prepared for the effort and supervision.” Luckily, Nicolas was able to find his kitten a more suitable home. It turned out that a senior cat was just right for Nicolas. “I adopted a cat from the KittyKind shelter. She was abandoned at a pet store in her crate when no one was looking. There was a note attached that said, ‘My name is Spirit. I’m 15 years old. Please take care of me.’ That just broke my heart.” Nicolas took Spirit home. “Spirit changed my life,” he says. “She was very mellow. Her scratching days were long behind her. She knew her litter box right away. I’d even take her to my local bar and she’d sit next to me in the booth, not a care in the world.” To a kitten, the world is brand new. Everything is something to be explored, and that means they have to be watched non-stop. Their curiosity often leads to clawing at surfaces, chewing objects, and romping around in ways that can be unintentionally destructive, like when they topple a lamp or sweep the entire contents of your desk onto the floor. Older cats are past that. Kittens also go through a teething process. Like humans, they have “baby teeth” that the Tooth Fairy collects before their permanent choppers grow in. Kittens will chew on objects as a way of shedding their baby teeth. Allison E. in Chicago, Illinois says, “I adopted an eight-year-old cat a couple of months ago, and she is absolutely perfect. She’s so well- behaved. She never scratches the furniture, keeps herself clean, doesn’t chew or bite anything.” When it comes to staying clean, kittens sometimes need help until they’ve learned how to self-groom. Until then, you may need to brush or wipe your kitten to keep them neat. They’re More Predictable “I really enjoy knowing what you’re getting with an older cat,” says Sheerah M. of Eureka, California. “With a kitten, you don’t know if they’re going to be a super mellow cat, or a little psycho.” An older cat will be more settled into who they are. A shelter can fill you in on a particular cat’s temperament, and if the cat is older, you can expect its personality to generally stay the same. An adult cat is also fully grown physically, which means you’re unlikely to experience any surprise changes in its appearance, whether in size or the length and texture of its hair. They’re Utterly Fascinating A cat that’s lived long enough to establish a personality can bring delightful, day-to-day surprises as you get to know it. Its history may be a mystery to you, but you’ll see hints of its backstory in its behavior. “As the months and years unfold with an older cat, it’s fun to discover all their little quirks and preferences,” says Nicolas D. “Like you discover that your cat goes crazy when she smells bread! Where did she get that from? You discover clues to their past. They can’t tell you, but they will absolutely show you. ‘I used to get belly rubs all the time!’” They’re More Chill “For me, the advantage of adopting an older cat is that they have an energy level similar to mine,” says Ann S. in Madison, Wisconsin. “At 55, I wouldn’t have the energy to constantly play with a kitten. I like a calmer, older cat.” While older cats should still be exercised through play, they don’t need as much stimulation as kittens do. If you’re pooped out after a day’s work, have physical limitations, or are older yourself, an older cat may be just your speed. Says Debby, “An older kitty will have routines and sleep more. They are often happy in a pool of sunshine or on an old down pillow.” They’re Great for Kids The youthful energy of a kitten may seem like a natural match for a child, but an older cat may actually be a better option for a household with kids. If you’re raising children, you may not have the extra time and energy necessary to raise a kitten, too. And because they’re full of vim and vigor, kittens are less likely to stay still and tolerate being petted, and that can be disappointing for kids. Kittens are also fragile and more likely to be hurt unintentionally. They’re a More Manageable Commitment Nicolas D. makes an excellent point when he says, “People need to remember that when they adopt a kitten, they’re potentially committed for twenty years. Are you going to be able to provide a safe and stable place for your friend for the next twenty years? What happens if you move? What happens if there are children, or partners, or roommates who can’t co-exist with a cat? It can be a big responsibility.” They’re More Loving “Older cats in general are more affectionate and cuddly,” says Debby F. “They’re done with being bouncy, chewy kittens, and finished with busy cat teenage-hood. They’re ready to sleep with you or next to you.” Debby also discovered how deeply loving and loyal and older cat can be. “We adopted a kitty whose owner went to assisted living. No one who visited the shelter wanted an old cat. He waited seven months there. When I heard this, I took him sight unseen. He’s been with us since 2015. He was my mother’s companion. Never left her side. When she died in 2018, he would not leave her bed for days. We’ve loved having older kitties. They give so much love.” They’re Waiting for Someone Like You Kittens get adopted quickly. All they have to do is look up with those big, pleading eyes from that teeny-tiny face and someone is bound to fall in love and take them home. But older cats face a bigger challenge. An older cat’s sweetness is often overlooked and they can spend months, even years in a shelter, yearning for a home and a human of their own. Some never get that chance. They’re deemed “unadoptable” and are euthanized. It’s a crying shame when mature cats have so much to offer. “Age discrimination is real in cats and people,” says Ann S. “I say equity for all!” Grieve and Adopt Again Some may shrink from adopting a senior cat because the thought of having a limited amount of time with a pet they’ve fallen in love with is heartbreaking. But what’s more heartbreaking is knowing that a loving animal is despairing in a shelter. Nicolas D. says adopting an older cat is worth it. “I’m not going to lie. Losing Spirit was awful. But then I remembered that there was another old cat in a cage somewhere, waiting for a home. That cat would much rather be in my home, while I grieve and heal, than spend another day sleeping on newspaper in a shelter.” Go to Google and search “animal shelters near me” or visit Petfinder to browse animals in your area that are available for adoption. You might also search their directory of animal welfare groups to find an organization near you that can introduce you to your next feline friend. There are so many reasons to adopt an older cat, and so few reasons not to. Heal a heart and fill your life with love today!  CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW
Kim BrittinghamKim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice.
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 Taking pictures of our pets has become a national pastime. Most pet owners have smartphones packed with pics of their beloved animal companions, and few things get more attention on social media than an adorable photo of a four-legged friend. Sometimes the moment is just right to capture a squeal-worthy image of our furry bestie. But other times, that perfect portrait can be elusive. We may wonder, why isn’t the camera fully catching the beauty and personality that make my pet shimmer in real life? “It can take years of working with animals to really understand the best techniques for getting great photographs,” says Sarah Ernhart, a professional pet photographer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, “but there are some easy things you can do to improve snapshots of your own pet.” Ernhart generously shared with us some of her best tips. Light is Number One “The most important consideration in taking a good photograph is the light,” says Ernhart. She advises, “Look around and notice where the light is coming from, how bright it is, and how it’s falling onto your pet.” For indoor pet photos, Ernhart says, “A good rule of thumb is to get the pet as close to a window as you can. Make sure their face is nice and bright, and that you can see the light reflecting in their eyes. This helps create a more engaging, full-of-life photograph, both indoors and out.” For outdoor pet photos, look for areas that are either entirely in the shade, or entirely in the sun, rather than a location with a mix of sun and shade. “I prefer shade,” says Ernhart, “because the direct sun can be way too bright and cause very dark shadows. The best time of day to find areas of solid shade is in the evening or early morning, as the sun is lower in the sky, making shadows longer and giving you more areas to work in.” Avoiding the Red-Eyed Zombie Look Even the most deliciously cute pet in the world can look like a terrifying, red-eyed zombie in photos if the lighting is wrong. To avoid this, Ernhart advises, “Never use the flash on your camera. Just use the natural light that already exists.” But what if you’re taking photos at night? It’s best to stick with daylight photography. “You can certainly turn on some extra lamps near your pet,” Ernhart says, “but don’t expect to get great images at night.” Getting Hyper Pets to Stay Still Ernhart’s advice for taming a wild beast is simply to tire them out. “If you’ve tried getting photos of your pets and they just won’t sit still, try exercising them a bit first,” says Ernhart. “Running some of that energy out will help them be more cooperative and focused.” She also suggests incorporating a little training before and during your photo session – “sit” and “stay” – to get them accustomed to responding to those commands, which helps get the pet into a good position for pictures. Bribery Works “Of course, we can’t expect the animals to work for free,” says Ernhart, “so it’s very important to reward them along the way.” She recommends using high-value treats to hold the pet’s attention and encourage them to work for it. But what does “high-value” mean? “Something that the pet is excited about,” Ernhart explains, “like meat, cheese, or a high-quality treat, instead of a dry, boring piece of kibble.” It’s in the Eyes “I love getting eye contact in my images,” says Ernhart, “and the best way to do that is to hold your phone or camera in one hand, then hold a treat or toy directly above the lens in your other hand. It can be tricky to manage both, so if you have a friend who can help, have them hold the treat while you work the camera.” Capturing Spirited Action Shots While the best pet portraits are typically captured when the animal is still, there’s also something to be said for a lively action shot. For pets whose energy and athleticism are a key part of who they are, an action shot can help record their personality; their essence. A good example might be a shot of a Labrador Retriever bounding joyfully into the air with his open mouth poised to catch his favorite tennis ball. For photos like these, Ernhart says, “You need a fast shutter speed to freeze the pet’s motion. If your camera lets you control the shutter speed, start at 1/1000 or 1/1250. If your pet is very fast, you might need to raise that even higher.” But what if you’re using your phone rather than a fancy camera? Ernhart says, “Hold down the shutter button to take a burst of multiple images. That way you can pick the best ones and discard the rest.” Check out some of Sarah Beth Photography's stunning work below. You can see more examples of Sarah Ernhart’s work at SarahBethPhotography.com. CONTENT WRITER, BARKTIQUE + MEOW
Kim BrittinghamKim Brittingham is a content writer for Barktique + Meow, animal lover, and history buff residing at the Jersey Shore. She is the author of Read My Hips (Three Rivers Press/Random House, 2011) and Write That Memoir Right Now (Blackstone, 2013). She's a willing servant to a rescued miniature poodle named Clarice. |
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