Adopting an older cat can bring a lot of happiness to your family. If you see an older cat on a rescue or shelter, it is usually because something is happening outside of his control. Most older cats want to find a loving and safe home again. Here are seven reasons why bringing an older cat home is a blessing.

1. Older cats need less supervision

Sure, cats are cute, but they need a lot of supervision. They get into a lot of things, and they are more sensitive. You will need to show more patience with them as they get older, and you will need to provide more toys and distractions to keep them occupied. Adult cats offer several advantages that you may want to consider adopting an older cat. ¹   Older cats are more emotionally mature and more independent. They know how to occupy themselves while you are at work. Nor will she get into “problems” like cats usually do.

2. Makes less mess and wants to snuggle more

Cats learn by becoming involved in their environment. If they are not constantly supervised, it can ruin your home. As they explore their world, they can chew your stuff (just like puppies!), scratch your furniture, and run crazily, which can break items. Adult cats are mature, and their toys are calmer and not overly active. Of course, even the calmest adult cat needs plenty of attention, exercise, and playtime. They tend to be a little softer about everything.

As an added bonus, an older cat will likely want to stick with you when you go to bed or when you are relaxing on the sofa after a long day.

3. You know the quirks of an older cat

A cat’s personality is formed while it is young, so it can be a guessing game to figure out what kind of adult cats you will have. When you adopt a kitten, you have to navigate its development stages. When you adopt an adult cat, it is as if you are meeting a new friend. The shelter or rescue you adopt can tell you many things about her personality. Perhaps she has a certain aversion to trash or she is afraid of thunder. You may need a lot of elevated space, such as window perches and cat trees, to feel safe. Talk to a shelter or rescue to learn more about your potential cat. You can also talk to your cat’s vet and find out about any health issues or special needs she has.

4. You will know if the cat gets along with children or dogs

With an older cat, you can learn his preferences before you bring him home. This way, you will know in advance if he will communicate with other members of your family. Ask the rescue or shelter if it is okay with children, dogs, or other cats. Ask if it gets along with men and women the same way. If you are interested in volunteering with pet therapy services, you can ask if the cat feels comfortable with strangers.

5. Adult cats also need a forever home

About 3.2 million cats enter shelters in the United States each year. ²   Adopting an adult cat from a shelter or rescue is a great opportunity to give one a loving home. Animal shelters have limited resources, so when the shelter is full, they can’t accommodate the other pets they deserve. When you adopt a cat through a rescue, your cat will already be examined and spayed or neutered, so you won’t have the extra expense that you would with a kitten. And the shelter’s adoption fees often help save more cats.

6. You may relate to each other

Big cats who need a new home have been through a lot. You may have been through a lot, too. Sometimes adopting a big cat is the cure because you can bond with each other. Together, you can heal from the past and prepare for a future filled with love and adventure.

7. Preparing your home for an adult cat is fun

Furnishing your home for older cats is a lot of fun. Pick out a comfy cat bed, a cat flat, a scratch post, and lots of play with catnip. If your older cat has arthritis, you may want to buy small stairs that he can climb to get to your bed at night.