Older kittens have advantages over younger counterparts
Who can resist the charm, antics and cuddliness of a kitten that is between 2 and 3 months old?
Even people who do not share their lives with a companion animal cannot deny the irresistibility of a tiny kitten.
A younger kitten, though adorable, may not suit the needs of a particular household for numerous reasons. Training and supervision of a smaller kitten is a much more rigorous task compared to teaching a larger kitten or adult cat. Rearing translates into many more hours of time and patience.
Choosing a pet that suits your lifestyle is a difficult decision, not without sacrifice. We need to recognize our own limitations.
The fragile size of the smaller kitten can also become an issue if the household has a good amount of foot traffic from children and visitors. It is easy to accidentally step on a kitten as it unexpectedly darts across a room from its secret hiding place.
A young kitten's favorite hiding places often put them in constant peril. Their small size allows them access to danger from behind the washer, dryer, refrigerator and other appliances. If there is a gap between the wall and an appliance, a kitten will find it and either crawl up into the motor area of the machine or will be tempted to chew on the coils. Suddenly, we are alerted to the kitten's plight by high-pitched meows of terror.
All of these perils are minimized with a larger kitten or cat. As curious as they are, and as hard as they try to crawl behind dangerous places, usually their increased size precludes them from serious harm.
A kitten is loosely defined as a young cat, under 12 months old. A kitten 7 months old plays just as readily as a kitten 3 months old, but with several advantages. An older kitten has begun the fine-tuning process of perfecting playing skills. The play is amusing for the spectator at this age because the kitten is just beginning to adjust to the added limb length, additional weight and larger paws.
The kitten delights in each new discovery it learns about itself and its increased size. Often times, this adds to the entertainment appeal. An older kitten's personality shines through this clumsy, learning playtime.
An additional advantage to adopting an older kitten is knowing that "what you see, is what you get." You don't have to wait to learn your kitten's personality or disposition and hope for the best.
A tiny kitten will always have a home. Won't you consider adopting an older kitten that will be just as playful, loving and entertaining as its smaller counterpart?
If you are interested in one of Buddy's larger kittens or young cats, call The Buddy Foundation at (847) 290-5806.
Upcoming
• The Buddy Foundation's Paws in the Park charity dog walk will be held at 9 a.m., Sunday Sept. 12 at Melas Park, 1500 W. Central Road, in Mount Prospect. Come walk with or without your dog. Dogs must be leashed at all times and current on vaccinations. Proof of rabies vaccination is required.
The walk raises funds for the operation expenses of The Buddy Foundation. Registration is $30 before Aug. 25; $35 after, and allows you to walk one dog. You will receive an event T-shirt and treat bag.
The walk also includes demonstrations, vendors and raffles. All ages are welcome. For information, visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a volunteer nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization, with all funds directly assisting its animals. For information, visit thebuddyfoundation.org or call (847) 290-5806