When entering a pet adoption agency, most adopters are drawn to the kittens. With their tiny features, shining eyes and playfulness, they naturally attract people to their cages. But these little cherubs are not always the choice for every household. As the cat adoption and foster chair for the Animal Protection and Welfare Society (APAWS) in Baton Rouge, La., I see this situation often.

When bringing a new pet into the home, owners must consider whether a kitten is the best fit. For example, when choosing a cat for a young child or an elderly person, kittens are not usually the best choice because they have not yet learned the rules about biting, scratching and climbing. If not properly supervised, the kitten or the human could get hurt. Kittens tend to climb everything, including human legs, which could be dangerous for an elderly person with varicose veins or a weak immune system. Kittens are also very delicate and can be seriously injured by a young childs rough treatment. Therefore, in some situations, an older cat is the most appropriate choice.

**For the full article, pick up the August issue of CAT FANCY.**