Are you on the hunt for a new kitty to add to your household? Begin your search at the local shelter. Cats are more likely than dogs to be euthanized, so they are on borrowed time. While you may be tempted by that pint-sized kitten in the first cage, don't write off the senior kitty quietly waiting in the last cage. He would probably make the purr-fect pet.
Shelters quickly become overcrowded, and they must put down those who are least likely to be adopted to make room for the newcomers. Who gets euthanized first? Older cats. Why? Kittens are easily adopted. Most families want a kitten so they can watch it grow up. And let's face it - kittens are pretty darn cute.
Adult cats, however, are just as precious as babies. Many times they are surrendered by their owners due to illness, moving or financial reasons. (I get really pissed off at people who "surrender" their pets to the shelter, but I'll leave that rant for another post.)
These cats are often calmer than kittens. They have been housebroken. They are set in their ways. You pretty much know what you are going to get.
Only one of my furballs was a kitten when I found her. Yes, found her. She was a stray that needed a home. I would never, however, adopt a kitten from the shelter. I would feel better saving the life of an older feline that didn't have much time left. All of my cats learned to live with each other, and they have given me more love than I could ever imagine.
So don't pass up that older cat when you are ready to adopt. You will be passing up a best friend.