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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Pet names are created in a variety of ways. I once met a woman who named her dog Dog. He was a stray that found his way into her life without ceremony, and his name served its purpose. He came when he was called. I also know a busy working woman who adopted two sibling cats and called them Brother and Sister – just as placeholders, but the names stuck because she didn’t have the time or energy to think of better ones. No approach to naming a pet is better than another, as long as our pets are given the love and care they deserve. However, some of us recognize the fun in choosing a pet’s name and we want to put more thought into it. Even when we’re enthusiastic about it, exactly how to name a pet can elude us. Here are some ideas that may generate the perfect name for your pet. Your Pet’s Appearance Plenty of pet names are inspired by physical appearance. These tend to be friendly names that make people smile, because they’re understood immediately. Who wouldn’t grin at a chocolate lab named Hershey, or a big gray British Shorthair cat called Stormy? Some things to consider: Color or texture of coat Examples:
Body type or size Examples:
Behavior Clues Sometimes a pet’s innate or unique behavior can inspire a name, whether it’s in their speed or athleticism, a habit, or their personality. Energetic pets Examples:
Affectionate pets Examples:
Exceptionally serene or even lazy pets Examples:
Your Favorite Things Many a pet name has been inspired by its owner’s passions and hobbies. Think about: Favorite TV shows, movies, books, and their characters Examples:
Hobbies and InterestsExamples:
Favorite celebrities, athletes, and people from historyExamples:
Popular Pet Names In 2020, these were the top ten most popular dog names among BarkBox subscribers:
Travel + Leisure published the entire list of the top 100 here. Curious about popular cat and dog names over the past 100 years? This fun article from Mental Floss lists them by decade. “Smokey” and “Max” are high-rankers. You Look Like a Bartholomew After all of this, if you’re still having trouble deciding on a name for your pet, sometimes it just takes one good look at their sweet face. Your gut may tell you what to name your pet, and that perfect moniker – whether it’s Princess, Zeus, of Foo-Foo – will pop right out of your mouth. 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. We all love the thrill of opening up packages or handwritten letters. Something magical happens when we feel the paper under our fingers and hear the tear of the envelope or package tape. Our curiosity is piqued to see what’s inside. That moment of anticipation is fun, and it allows us to process the gift or letter in a slower, more appreciative way. Digital mail just can’t compare. Why delivered gifts make an impact Sending a gift through the mail instead of presenting it in person doesn’t have to diminish its impact. In fact, choosing the right gift online can make a lasting impression. It’s all in the presentation. At Barktique + Meow, our goal is to make every delivery a delight to open. For us, packaging the customized gift is top of mind, and we don’t want to sacrifice the experience of opening it, either. After all, first impressions really do matter. When a person receives a gift by mail, they can choose when to open it. We often wait to open a package until we have a moment to really look at it. They're a few quiet minutes that the recipient gets all to themselves, without digital ads or pop-ups. Who has time to rewrap? When ordering a gift online, we have choices in a variety of shapes and forms, coming in all sorts of random packaging—which frankly, doesn’t feel “gifty”. When this happens, we have to unwrap the packaged gift, then rewrap it so it presents more like a gift. That feels unnecessary. If you’re short on time or you don’t want to rewrap a gift when it arrives, your presentation can still have that “wow factor” if you shop with a business that packages their mail order gifts for a special unboxing experience. Send it right the first time. When you send a pet welcome or memorial gift from Barktique + Meow, the recipient receives a package so beautifully designed that the simple act of opening it feels like a hug from you. The fact that the gift is personalized with their pet’s image and name and includes a custom message makes it even more special. Sometimes half the thrill of receiving a great gift is in how it’s delivered. Even a gift purchased in a hurry can be the one they’ll still be talking about years from now. Choose a company that keeps the packaging presentation top of mind when sending your gift directly to your loved one. It will make all the difference. 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. A first pet is a magical part of childhood. First pets awaken our compassion for vulnerable creatures and introduce us to one of life’s sweetest forms of love. Bringing home a new pet also creates a hands-on opportunity for kids to learn responsibility. But how can you be sure that your child will take their caretaking role seriously? These tips will help ensure a mutually rewarding experience for your child and your pet. 1. Have a Pet Chat. Talk with your kids about the responsibilities of pet ownership before you welcome the new pet into your home. Introduce them to the idea that a pet is not a toy; it’s a living being, just like them. Ask them to reflect on what their own needs are throughout the day. Do they feel hungry? Thirsty? Sleepy? Do they yearn to go outdoors and play? Explain that pets feel the same way, and that the pet will depend on the child to meet its needs. 2. Assign Specific Responsibilities. Every child, regardless of age, will need some guidance in how to participate in the pet’s care. Establish routine responsibilities for the child, like feeding, walking, or cleaning up after the pet. 3. Explain Safety Issues. Pets can face dangers indoors and out. Make kids aware of these hazards and explain what must be done to protect the pet. Here are some common examples:
4. Demonstrate Kind Hands. Pets invite affection, but children may not realize how their touch can be uncomfortable and even painful to the animal. Demonstrate the correct and gentle way to pick up, hold, and caress a pet. 5. Perfect Their Walking Technique. Walking a dog requires skill – especially a dog with abundant energy. Show your child the right way to:
A few sessions of professional dog training can be a bonding experience between dog and child. 6. Respect Rest. Some pets are more social than others, but even the most gregarious pet needs wind-down time. When you bring home a new pet, kids will be excited and may inadvertently overtax the animal with attention. That could lead to a grumpy pet who’d rather avoid your children than bond with them. It helps to remind a child of how it feels to be sleepy, and that animals often need more rest than people. Encourage them to “let sleeping dogs lie”. To learn more about dog sleep patterns and cycles, check out Your Dog Advisor's recent post. Now it’s time to pat yourself on the back. You’ve made the decision to bring home a new pet to your kids, and it’s one that will enrich your child’s life in so many ways – with love, compassion, and by teaching important life skills like patience and responsibility. By laying that foundation of conscientiousness and care, you’re giving your child one of the greatest gifts to humankind: the loving connection that’s possible with an animal. 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. What’s the next best thing to welcoming an animal companion into your home? When a friend brings home a new pet!
Whether we get to scratch, snuggle or pet our friend’s new addition in person, or wave long-distance via Zoom, we experience the vicarious thrill of new love. And isn’t it wonderful that there’s so much love to go around that we can adore someone else’s pet without diminishing our love for our own? |
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