Cat or kitten - first pet for my partner

[C1239]

Hi,
I have grown up with cats (from kitten age) and love the love they can bring to a home. My partner has never had a pet but is starting to come round to the idea of having a cat.
We had been thinking about getting a kitten as I know they are so much fun. It will be the first time I’ve been completely responsible for a pet as before I had them when living at home with my parents but haven’t had one since moving out over 10 years ago! We have started to wonder if a 1/2 year old cat from a rescue centre may be a better option especially for my partner who hasn’t owned a pet before... with the thinking being it may be a little less stressful than having a kitten and by that age you know more about the personality of the cat.. any thoughts much appreciated!

the cats needs come first. are you going to be at home during the day? kittens need company and can get into all sorts of trouble if they're left alone. don't get a kitten because they are fun, that's not what they are for. why don't you both visit local rescue centres and see what cats are available, if they like you, you like them and if your work/life/home situation suits everyone. post us any pics if you do adopt.

Thank you HappyHammy. I visited a cats rescue centre last week but only looked at the kittens they had available. Last year I volunteered at another cats rescue centre with work one day and they had slightly older cats and I loved all of them too!! I love the idea of both a kitten or a cat but I want my partner to feel comfortable too as getting a first pet it is quite alien to him!

Definitely adopt.

Posted too soon
Definitely adopt an older cat. My daughter adopted a 9 yr old and had 6 lovely years with her.

kittens can be quite a handful!! as you know. take him to the rescue centre and let the feline choose

Older cat, kittens are mental balls of destruction & mess.

Our bengals 10yo and I am scarred for life. Actual scars.

Thank you everyone! I think I am starting to lean towards a slightly older cat. A cat 1/2/3 years old is still often playful aren’t they just maybe not as havoc creating as a kitten?!
When first introducing a cat of that age to the home would you still follow the advice of it having a base room at first then allowing it to start explore the house when it looks ready to? Do cats sometimes settle in quicker than kittens? Depends on each individual cat I guess.

We adopted DCat2 when she was about a year, she settled right in but I think that was more to do with her than her age. DCat1 we got as a kitten and I vowed never again, she was so cute but my goodness she was hard work.

Our cat was about 3 and explored from day one. She couldn't wait to sniff everything and had her paws firmly under the table. The day we moved to a flat with a garden she was straight out in and out all day.