Here are 10 reasons why you may want to adopt an older pet
1)What you see is what you get. Older Pets already know who they are. Kittens/Puppies are undeniably cute, but you never know what the future holds, how large they may get, what their personality will ultimately be, etc. An adorable little kitten/puppy will be an adult in the blink of an eye.
2)Older Pets aren’t as “chewsy.” Kittens/Puppies have a tendency to chew things, lots of things. Whether teething or just exploring bits of the world around them, chewing on shoes, the corners of books, ear lobes and fingers, carpet tassels, electrical cords, drapery strings, plants, and much, much more. Most older pets don’t chew inappropriately at all.
3)If you have an older pet in your home and are looking for a friend for him or her, another older pet may be the best choice. Kittens/Puppies can be too playful and may upset your cat instead of providing companionship. A kitten/puppy may cause your resident cat to be more annoyed than amused.
4)After a long day at the office, you may just want to come home and curl up with your furry friend–but most kittens/puppies prefer an action packed evening–lots of touseling, frolicking, and plenty of running and jumping. An older pet will greet you at the door and be more than happy to curl up and watch your favorite shows on TV. They’ve already learned about the unconditional love thing.
5)An older pet may sleep at the foot of your bed, under the bed or in a cozy spot somewhere else in the house, while a kitten/puppy will most likely run around all night, doing anything possible to wake you up for more games. Older pets are generally happy to sleep when you do and don’t try to attack your toes through the blankets in the middle of the night.
6)Older pets won’t be climbing up your leg or your curtains, they won’t be swinging from your chandeliers, knocking down knick knacks or just running full speed ahead for no good reason.
<
7)Older pets are usually a better choice for families with small children. Kittens/Puppies often play rough and are constantly underfoot. They’re sharp–they can’t help it, but kittens/puppies are all teeth and claws. Generally speaking, older pets are more mellow, and often more patient with young children. The experience should be a good one for both the cat/dog and the child.
8)Older pets require less attention and supervision. They’re quiet companions. They have well-developed manners, cats use the litter box and the scratching post without constant reminders and dogs wait for you to come home to go outside.
9)Many older pets end up in shelters due to no fault of their own. Separated from their loved ones, surrounded by other pets, confined, confused, and sometimes frightened, many are emotionally devastated by their misfortune. Sadly, most people gravitate toward the cute, bouncy, big-eyed kittens/puppies. Older pets sit by and watch, as one loving family after another passes them over for a cute kitten/puppy. Adopting an older pet is a way to say to a deserving animal “I believe in you.”
10)For the abandoned, forgotten, and heartbroken older pets, you just might be their last chance to have the love and warmth of a home where they can live out their years in comfort. When properly cared for, older pets often live well into their late teens or longer. Typically, they will remain active and even playful throughout most of their lives. Once an older pet adjusts to a new home where they can feel safe and secure again, they’ll offer years of faithful companionship and unconditional love.
