Often commenting on our over-full shelters and with kitten season upon us once again, I have been thinking about how people go about choosing a cat. Having adopted both kittens and adult felines in my lifetime, I find each age comes with its benefits and pleasures.

Kittens, of course, are adorable and instantly push your “must have” button. You adopt one, take it home and find out just how much work is involved with one tiny being.

Kittens are so cute, loveable and grow up all too soon. Until that time, you may sometimes count the days towards when you can safely leave your cell phone plugged into the charger and not return to find the cord severed by tiny teeth.

I’m not advocating against adopting kittens, but rather adopting two kittens at a time. It is less work, more than twice the fun, and emotionally healthier for the animals as they are usually littermates.

Kittenhood is the stage that most people fall in love with, and the hours of pleasure will be well worth your efforts. Kittens are also easier to introduce into a household where there is already a pet in residence, cat or dog. It seems as though the appeal of babyhood is universal.

I would adore kitten season, were it not for all the heartache that is attached to the rescue/foster end of it. The success stories and happy endings are what keep us sane and plugging away at our spay/neuter efforts.

We have little problem finding homes for the little ones, but not so the older cats.

Adult felines are not without their benefits. They can be equally as endearing as a kitten, and definitely much less work. They come already “trained” for laps, litter boxes, “Here kitty, kitty,” and the sound of a can opener.

Previously-owned cats that languish in our shelters were once loved by someone. All they want is to find a nice warm lap to curl up in and an occasional head scratch again. Cage life is tough and lonely, even if they do get some social time on the floor.

Unless the cat is still very young, the average adult feline will be quite sedate and easy to care for in comparison to a kitten. Perfect for an older person or an active, on-the-go household, they require much less attention than a youngling.

There are also pairs of older cats that often come in together and need to stay that way, in case you are looking for more than one.

I have previously written about kitten-proofing your home, kitten/cat household hazards, and introducing new cats into the home. These can be read or reread on our website, in case you missed them in print.

I hope that many of you out there will be in the market for a cat or two this year; there are always more than enough to go around for laps and barns.