General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsHow old is too old to get a new kitten?
My 16 YO and 19 YO kittens recently passed away and my house is empty.
I've had kitties since I was 3 YO, and I miss them terribly.
Some of my family say I'm too old (late 60s) to get a new kitten.
Am I?
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SheltieLover
(80,456 posts)Just make sure go designate someone as a forever family should you bdcome incapacitated for any reason.
BlackSkimmer
(51,308 posts)Or adopt an adult cat. They need love too!
roody
(10,849 posts)BlackSkimmer
(51,308 posts)So many need homes.
MuseRider
(35,176 posts)We are older. We always had at least 3 dogs and 3 or 4 cats since we live on a farm the cats just came to us and we took care of them but usually had at least 2 tamed down cats in the house.
We are down to one dog and one cat, my dear 14 year old Watson kitty died last week. There is a rescue in town where we got the dog we have now and she is getting in a potential for us. My sons will likely take care of the them if we both drop dead. I know that they would never do anything but find good homes for them or take them in themselves.
The thought of being without them just makes me feel like I wish it was all over for me. How sad and lonely. My husband is 74 and I am going to be 69 by the end of the year so we aim for older rescues that we can love then likely lose before they would have to do that. As hard as it is it is always wonderful to know that your pet went filled with love so if you can do that it is a needed thing to do.
SheltieLover
(80,456 posts)Very sweet orangish/cream kitty dumped when neighbors moved. (They do that here, just toss pets out like garbage. 
)
I cannot take her or him in because my elder rescue girl will not tolerate other cats. 
I feel so badly for this super sweet kitty!
Cannot take to shelter because they are way overloaded & its a kill shelter.
Good luck with your adoption!
MuseRider
(35,176 posts)I would dearly love to take in that cat if it were possible. I am trying to rearrange things so it is comfortable for the possible "new" dog. Dog first then cat if we can manage. The cat in my house has something wrong with him. He runs in circles, falls over, misses when he jumps sometimes and he has no idea there is a problem. Doc tried but could not figure it out. He is as happy as can be and I love him so much but he may need to be the only kitty. It was touchy with the other cat. He is also BIG! Good luck with finding someone for the orange cat. There has to be a rescue close, I hope.
SheltieLover
(80,456 posts)I hope his or her issues resolve soon.
Thx for good thoughts about finding this amazing kitty a forever home.
niyad
(132,440 posts)and comfort to his grieving loved ones.
So very sorry for your loss.
MuseRider
(35,176 posts)this helps. Somehow I find people around me who kinda shrug and say, "Aw that is too bad. What about those Royals?" (ha nobody talks about them anymore but I rarely know what they are talking about) I cannot for the life of me understand how they can not understand grief?
Thank you, I still cry every day and likely will for a while. He was the bestest boy and still is in my heart. 
Watson
niyad
(132,440 posts)one of my babies had died, despite the vet's best efforts. Later, one of my co-workers, having asked why I was crying, said, "So, it was just a cat. Get another one." Although I managed to refrain from smacking him, I never spoke to him again. For some reason, I made him VERY nervous.
Like you, I do not get the people who do not "get" grief.
Our babies leave pawprints on our hearts.
MuseRider
(35,176 posts)My heart is a stomped on, pawprinted up mess but what on earth is life without different loves around you. So many dogs, cats, goats, horses and whatever else my aged mind is forgetting. Each and everyone worth more to me than anything. I always say no more then get more. I cannot seem to love my life without sharing it with them. Sweet little souls. So many who were left in dire conditions or thrown away. There is nothing like making their lives whole again. They return it 1000 times. I am seriously still mourning, obviously. I have saved all their cremains. My instructions are to mix mine with theirs and my brothers and scatter us on the farm together. No need for anything else, no obit or grave or anything just put us together the way we would have stayed if life was longer. Anyone of my family is welcome to join.
MuseRider
(35,176 posts)and found one of my 2 little goats dead. They are old goats, had them since they were babies and the heat is killing everything. Loved them like any other creature. I think I am ready to be next. I cannot take this anymore. One more old goat, 3 old horses and a cat and a dog left. I hope I am next. I cannot keep doing this.
niyad
(132,440 posts)light and love. Your DU family is here for you.
SoonerPride
(12,286 posts)Get a loving companion and enjoy it.
By that, I mean a dog.
Walleye
(44,805 posts)I like the dogs too but I’ve always lived in an apartment as an adult. Had a dog when I was a little girl. I actually taught him to sit and lay down and stay. Sort of
spooky3
(38,632 posts)If they have a loving home, that is.
SoonerPride
(12,286 posts)Most of the time.
Sometimes they act like they've never seen us before. "Who is this person and why are they bothering me?"
Maeve
(43,456 posts)That said, I'm cool with being the help....
SoonerPride
(12,286 posts)Dogs: "my human feeds me and picks up my poop, they must be gods!"
Cats: "my human feeds me and picks up my poop, I must be a god!"
Maeve
(43,456 posts)I played a game for over an hour while my hand went to sleep so I wouldn't disturb his nap.
What we do for love...
niyad
(132,440 posts)Maeve
(43,456 posts)Even better because I watched with--you guessed it--a cat upon my lap!
niyad
(132,440 posts)
Srkdqltr
(9,760 posts)If they argue, tell them to p*** off. Or pound sand or however.
blogslug
(39,167 posts)I understand about missing having a cat. It's hard.
Buckeyeblue
(6,352 posts)Walleye
(44,805 posts)If I live to be 105 I will still be getting new kittens if necessary. Life is too short to go without a kitty so I keep telling my best friend. She is married and they travel a lot so she can’t really have a kitty. I know she would love to. Do not wait. Get a kitten that will pick you out and keep her. 
Polly Hennessey
(8,833 posts)Why not adopt one five years or older. Make arrangements with the adoption agency to take the cat(s) back if something happens to you. I adopted a nine-year old cat (no one wanted her). Best cat ever. She lived to be nineteen.
XanaDUer2
(15,772 posts)But would you consider an older cat no one wants?
nature-lover
(1,861 posts)
TDale313
(7,822 posts)Although if you don’t feel like going through the kitten stage, you could adopt an adult cat. But companionship is important. If you’re used to having cats and miss having one, I’d say go for it.
womanofthehills
(10,988 posts)I always wish they would stay little.
When my dog died at 19 yrs old - about 5 yrs ago, I thought - that’s it, I’m getting too old for another dog. Six months went by and then I bonded with a friend’s puppy. I told myself that I do not want another dog, but then realized if I ever decided I wanted another dog, I would look for a puppy exactly like this puppy - a half husky cross. So, of course I got the puppy and then a second dog from a local shelter because the first dog had too much anxiety to be left home alone. I’ve had dogs most of my life but must say these are my two favorites and both are super affectionate dogs. Maybe, because I spend so much time with them. About 9 months ago my beloved cat of 19 yrs died and the yr before that, I had two other cats die of old age. I’m going through the same thing should I get another cat? cats? kittens?
Get a kitten and find a good friend who will take in your cat if you get ill.
Shrike47
(6,913 posts)onecaliberal
(36,594 posts)blm
(114,658 posts)
If for some reason you leave this earth, your cat will quickly adjust to a new home.
A puppy would be more of a commitment. However at age 79, my mother in law adopted a year old yorkie-poodle mix from one of those rescues which come out and did a home study. It was basically like adopting a child. Now my MIL is 90 and still has the dog. Dogs are more difficult to rehome after their owner has died.
Cats rebound and if you can provide the kitten training, you are providing a foundation no matter what happens to you in the future.
Native
(7,359 posts)patphil
(9,068 posts)
hlthe2b
(113,968 posts)there are mechanisms to set up a legal trust for your pet, including naming a primary, secondary, or however many are necessary persons to take the kitty should that be required. The trust allows for you to set aside some $$ for veterinary care and daily needs for the pet. Increasingly people are doing so, just as they do for their two-legged children. 
Pets are life, IMHO>
Scrivener7
(59,522 posts)
I'm highly allergic, but I see the joy they bring to others and wish I wasn't.
Nevilledog
(55,080 posts)EndlessWire
(8,103 posts)To the OP: Or, a puppy and a kitten! But, get two! Two of whatever they told you that you couldn't have!
I have experience with the family doing this. When the last of my family pulled away down the driveway, abandoning me when I needed them most after the death of my younger brother, I still had cats left. But, they have all passed away, along with elderly dogs, and now I am in the market for a new kitten or two, as well.
I am going to wait for the Christmas holidays to gift myself with whatever I damned well please. It's my life! I just have to make a few adjustments, probably will get a life insurance policy with a few provisios, and then I can have the delightful annoyance of cats on my keyboard, waking me up at three a.m. for food, and working over the cat box, and fussing over all the details that little kitties bring. I have enough years left to make it a fair deal.
Besides, the house will belong to them. At least THEY can't send me to a nursing home. And, they will be better company.
I think that each phase of life can be dealt with, and the stress of NOT having those pets will be harsher on you than actually having them. If G-d wills it, you will end up with kitties, one way or another. A couple of cats doesn't make you daft. Never be afraid of any label like that. You definitely need a fur family.
SWBTATTReg
(26,257 posts)personally think that it warms the soul to have a fellow companion in our travels in this reality, whatever you make of it, and all of us (us, our pets, etc.) are in it together to make the journey together, to make the best reality possible for ALL of us.
applegrove
(132,210 posts)I think having two cats in integral to my life.
GoodRaisin
(10,922 posts)I thought about this as my dog got older. Since I didn’t know myself how much longer I’d live, it seemed like the better answer than getting a puppy that I might outlive. I think this, and one’s physical health/abilities to take care of the animal properly are the key points to consider.
pwb
(12,669 posts)If you die the cat will be fine it can eat you. 
Hee hee
piddyprints
(15,107 posts)Just make arrangements for it if something happens to you… which younger people should do as well.
Mme. Defarge
(9,019 posts)Pas du tout!
Besides, your odds of living longer are greater with all that love in the house.
meadowlander
(5,133 posts)If you anticipate living independently for more than another 20 years and you don't have any health conditions that would impede your ability to care for the cat(s), go for it. Average life expectancy for women in the US is 79 but if you're in great health and have good genes and anticipate living longer it's probably fine.
If you have other people in your life who are happy to and have agreed to take over the cat's care if you need to move into assisted living or pass away, go for it.
You also have options like:
- adopt older cats
- adopt similar pets with a shorter lifespan like rabbits or guinea pigs
- volunteer to foster kittens, work at the shelter, or work with feral kitties in your neighbourhood. Depending on where you live and your energy levels, you might also be able to foster guide dog or other assistance dog puppies until they are old enough to start training.
- adopt a breed of cat that's known to have a shorter lifespan https://www.newsweek.com/20-cat-breeds-shortest-lifespans-1594961
Just don't do what my dad did and go out and adopt two kittens when he knew his life expectancy was less than two years and stick them with a spouse who hates cats and wasn't consulted for the next 18 years.
jmbar2
(7,989 posts)go for it!
sakabatou
(46,148 posts)
samnsara
(18,767 posts)They don’t require or demand as much attention as a dog. When I moved to my house we had a flood that kept us from accessing the main road. we snowmobiled out the back way With our 10 year old golden retriever,and left our four cats in the house with the bathtub holding all the water dishes we had an entire bag of food open for them we had a window cracked open where they had access to the outside. when we came back four days later we walked in the house and the cats were curled up on the sofa. they looked at us, yawned and appeared to say what? you guys again?
brooklynite
(96,882 posts)You could always adopt a more mature cat.
Evolve Dammit
(21,777 posts)
JCMach1
(29,202 posts)I am 55yo and pretty messed up health wise, but I don't second guess the kitteh we got from the shelter last August.
Dogs are ok, but cats are the best.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/LKmDzknVyn6yk5jNA
https://photos.app.goo.gl/LKmDzknVyn6yk5jNA
tblue37
(68,436 posts)get a new cat or kitten, but I would also make arrangements for if I died, just as I have for the ones I have now.
Towlie
(5,577 posts)
←
I'm older than you, but I got my kitten from the county shelter and if I hadn't adopted her then she could very well be dead by now. If I have to give her up and I don't know anyone who wants her then I can take her back to the shelter.
Arazi
(8,887 posts)They really do better in pairs anyway right?
Novara
(6,115 posts)I lost my dear Old Man Cat last August. He was almost 18. He was an amazing Cat.
After rattling around in the empty house all by myself for about a month, I went on Petfinder and adopted a bonded pair of 2-year olds. I was 60 when I adopted them.
I love them. But they are a HANDFUL. At 2 years old (they're 3 now) they're just like kittens, but bigger and more destructive. I still have double-sided sticky tape on my couch because every time I take it off, they scratch it (it's been 9 months). My last pair never clawed furniture so I was spoiled. They've popped out my living room window screen and I had to get them back inside. I won't open my windows more than a few inches. I love them dearly but they are young and they are more work than I expected. I don't regret adopting them at all but I was used to old, sedate cats, and these guys are so incredibly energetic.
They are getting even more affectionate on a daily basis. I highly recommend a bonded pair. They keep each other company, play with each other, and sleep with their paws wrapped around each other. I am so glad they have each other when I am at work in the daytime.
But young cats take a lot of energy. In February I fell on the ice and injured my hip badly enough that I need a hip replacement now. And I am finding it difficult to do some of the physical work taking care of them. Not impossible, but I had to get a long handled litter scoop, a grabber to get their food dishes to them, etc. Changing their water bowls is physically difficult. It's something to consider when you think of their ages and your age. I had originally thought I'd get a senior kitty but when I went on Petfinder I fell in love with them, so here we are.
You NEED to have that love and companionship, especially after taking care of cats well into their old age. There's absolutely nothing like it!
Deminpenn
(17,506 posts)at a few years younger than you, but gave it a lot of thought beforehand. I set up a pet trust for her just in case.
There are also adult and senior cats. I got a relative's 12 yr old cat that lived for in good health for another 7+ years and was a great cat.
ironman99
(156 posts)You only as old as you feel! Even though I am eligible for medicare, on my good days, I feel 35.
Every kitten I ever had brought me back to when I was 25. Their love, fun and out and out nuttiness means that you get younger just having them around.
If you find the right puffball of fur, go for it!!!!!!
SharonClark
(10,497 posts)dogs last year and they, and my original dog, are all delightful.
Regardless of your age, should have “pet” godparents who agree to take care of your animals should anything happen to you. I have 3 longtime and reliable friends who will do that for me.
EYESORE 9001
(29,732 posts)I adopted three kittens at the first of the year. The older two will soon be a year old. I’m 67.
Never too late to have a little fluff ball of pure love and joy. 
mcar
(46,056 posts)Boston Terrier puppy on her 80th birthday. The dog outlived her but not him - he died at 101 and had the dog's cremated remains placed in his casket.
Go for it - or consider adopting an adult cat.
arthritisR_US
(7,810 posts)to take my 16 yr old baby into the pet crematorium as she had died in my arms just days before. Once we get her ashes home and begins, my age will not be a factor of when and if I get another darling.
niyad
(132,440 posts)and comfort to he4 grieving loved ones.
So very sorry for your loss.
MuseRider
(35,176 posts)
arthritisR_US
(7,810 posts) 
MiniMe
(21,883 posts)Well, he is 9 1/2 weeks now. I never had a cat, but I think puppies are more trouble than cats. Somebody else can correct me if I'm wrong.
Meowmee
(9,212 posts)Last edited Mon Jun 20, 2022, 11:35 PM - Edit history (1)
To you it should be ok. Really it is your decision to make. I would think about taking in an older cat instead because they have a much harder time getting a home and they are wonderful.
I just took in two of my outdoor guys recently, It has been a lot of work, one guy is now a little love bug the other one is still scared, he hides behind the bed and runs in the closet when I come in the room but I think he will come around in time. Both were aggressive/ scared at first but I tamed them. And one before them who is a regular for a few years actually bit me outside, but he was touchable. Now he is also a big mush. Sadly 2 passed when I tried to save them.
Go visit a shelter if that is your plan and see who you like, usually the cat will pick you.
One of my recent rescue guys who I tamed is sleeping at my feet right now as I edit this post. He is the most adorable sweet love and a beauty too, with dichroic eyes and a long forest cat coat. Dvm estimated him to be one when I brought him there but he has to be at least 2.5 because it took me 2 years to get him inside after he was dumped.
gibraltar72
(7,629 posts)Wife and I were both 70 when she found our kitty under my race car trailer. Eyes weren't open yet and bawling his head off. We had the talk and I reminded her what we would have to do for several weeks. She brought him in and I started researching how we could nurse him until he would eat by himself. It was her decision but turns out he's my cat. Each day he brings me joy and a little aggravation. Go for it!
Demsrule86
(71,542 posts)my two daughters...that they will take the animals should hubs and I pass...
Jirel
(2,369 posts)The question is, should anything happen to you, do you have a safe place for your young friend to go? This should be a consideration for ANYONE, of any age, really. In your 60s, unless you have some really severe illness that you expect to either force you into long term care or possibly kill you in the next few years, you've likely got a ton of great life ahead of you. You could outlive your new little friend by a significant margin. You are no more and no less likely to be hit by a bus than a 20 year old, so the only real issue is emergency planning.
My father in law was about 90 when he was terribly lonely, and adopted the kitty who had been in the shelter longest. He had a fantastic companion that brought him joy every day. But he also made arrangements with local friends to take care of the kitty in case he wound up in the hospital, and with family to make sure that if he wound up in long term care he'd get visits from the kitty while kitty was still cared for at home, and with my husband and myself to provide a loving home for his kitty if everything else fell through or when he passed on. Sadly, he did, a couple years ago. His kitty came to live with us, and has been a loved family member ever since.
A new little friend needs a new big friend. A new big friend needs a new little friend. It sounds like a great match. Go for it. Just make sure you have a plan with friends/family, and know how emergencies would be paid for... just like person 1/3 your age should be doing when getting a furry companion.
calimary
(90,020 posts)You should get another kitten. Or two. Or three!
Lots of little fur babies need homes, and yours sounds like a good one - if your last little ones lived THAT long!
Raine
(31,177 posts)
Rebl2
(17,740 posts)aunt (in her early eighties at the time)whose daughter insisted that she get a cat that was about a year old. She wanted her to have company during the day and my aunt adores that cat! I am sure the daughter promised to care for it if something were to happen. There are so many older cats who would love to have a home and not be in a shelter. Maybe you might consider that.
drmeow
(5,989 posts)at 83 and 82. Late 60's is only too old to get a new kitten if you will have difficulty taking care of any cat (kitten or otherwise).
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)There are always tragically a lot more kittens than homes.
Anyway, modern medicine means you'll probably outlive current expectations. Pet owners even more so.
As for family should it ever become their business, inheriting pets quite often just comes with it. Last winter we met a daughter who was taking her dad's elderly cat home. She drove from NY to FL to pick him up (!) because their dad had been upset at the thought of shipping him. So they didn't. 
malaise
(296,102 posts)
wendyb-NC
(4,691 posts)
IrishAfricanAmerican
(4,471 posts)We just had to have our 16 yo Jack Russell go on Sat. I'm 61. We will be moving in a couple of months. After that you better bet we'll be getting another dog.
niyad
(132,440 posts)and send peace and comfort to the grieving loved ones.
So very sorry for your loss.
IrishAfricanAmerican
(4,471 posts)
If it makes you happy, get a kitty!
Maine Abu El Banat
(3,537 posts)Who have a lot of love to give.
paulkienitz
(1,507 posts)niyad
(132,440 posts)
jcgoldie
(12,046 posts)There are so many cats in rescues or on the street looking for homes that will love them. Maybe it will outlive you but you will make its life better and it will make yours better!
we can do it
(13,024 posts)yellowdogintexas
(23,694 posts)If you want a kitten, get a kitten
iemanja
(57,757 posts)My grandmother got a cat in her 80s, and it gave her a new lease on life. I don't know what your family members are talking about.
TNNurse
(7,541 posts)Just do what YOU want. I do recommend if you get a kitten...get two. They will wrestle and play with each other and therefore less scratching on you. That has worked for us.
niyad
(132,440 posts)c-rational
(3,203 posts)
Ziggysmom
(4,123 posts)with a mama. They love what they do and the fosters end up well socialized before adoption. Fostering is another alternative to long term ownership. I hope to do that one day if I can afford to retire.
Emile
(42,289 posts) former9thward
(33,424 posts)if you have health issues or worse. That said, if that is something you think about,many of the replies have mentioned older rescues.
Fla_Democrat
(2,622 posts)After that I consider them a cat, not a kitten. 
How is your health? Do you feel that you could care for a kitten? Late 60's seems still young, imho, but only you would be the better judge of your abilities.
Maybe foster a cat/kitten till they could find their forever homes, if you are unsure. 
LuckyCharms
(22,648 posts)You are not too old
jeffreyi
(2,571 posts)Just ask my cats.
Baltimike
(4,441 posts)Search for a bonded pair.
Good luck!
Tree Lady
(13,282 posts)And after awhile I told her get a kitty and if you die before the cat I will find a home for it.
Many years later my mom at 94 sleeps with her 10 yr old cat that keeps her happy. I have a strong feeling my mom will make a hundred she is tough.
Her senior home allows small pets.
Polybius
(21,900 posts)Do you mean 16 and 19 YO cats?
Skittles
(171,710 posts)GET YOUR KITTEN!
flvegan
(66,279 posts)Emile
(42,289 posts)That little dog keeps her company and something to mother. Kiki is 12 years old now, the aunt is 92 and they're both going strong.
Hotler
(13,747 posts)out there is a friend that needs a good home. I'm 67 and a couple of years ago I got owned by a two strays during a winter snow storm. Not a problem, they've trained me well. Got to go, I'm being stared at. 
Tom Rinaldo
(23,187 posts)We rescued an 8 month old kitten. He is approaching his 9th birthday now. We figured it is not that unusual for a cat to live to be 20 or older, same for humans reaching their mid eighties or more. Some cats make it past 25. Some people make it past 100. Who knows which of us will live longer?
It is a real issue because it can be very hard for older cats to find homes when they suddenly need them. We learned of one who died while living on a porch in the winter after it lost its home while attempts were still being made to find it a new home.
So, no it is not a crazy concern. So much depends on your larger support system. Are there younger people in your life who you can count on to step forward to care for your cat should anything happen to you? If so it would be wonderful for you to take in a kitten now. Our cat has a step mother who knows and loves him, just in case.
RobinA
(10,478 posts)Everybody should have a care plan for any animal they have. Have a plan and adopt a cat, kitten, whatever your heart desires. We got my mother an adult dog when she was 89. My aunt was appalled, said my mother was too old. We knew who would care for the dog if my mother couldn't. My mother outlived the dog and is still going strong.
bdamomma
(69,532 posts)to get fur babies.
Hassin Bin Sober
(27,461 posts)He figures it will be his or his brother’s some day.
On the other hand, his dad’s doctor just told the dad he’s healthy enough he might live to 100. The dad responded “that’s the scariest thing a doctor ever told me.” The mom has COPD so her prognosis is iffy.