Pros and cons of the cat-or-dog question

Question: Our family is considering adding a pet to the family. We can't decide on a cat or dog, or a young or older animal. Can you help us lay out the pros and cons?

Answer: Kittens and puppies are irresistible. But the Hawaiian Humane Society can attest to the fact that adult animals are equally so. Just like most humans, pets get better with age.

Cats and dogs have different needs. For example, canines benefit from two walks a day for at least 20 minutes. Cats might seem like lower maintenance, but they need a stimulating indoor life and playtime with you.

Kittens are entertaining and energetic, which means these joyful little beings need more attention and supervision than older felines. Households with very young children might consider an adult cat who might be more tolerant of being handled and can walk away when he's had enough. A kitten could also be a challenging match for a home with a dog, who might play too roughly or mistake the kitten as prey or a toy.

Watching a puppy grow is rewarding, but they need even more supervision and a great deal of unrelentingly consistent and positive training than kittens. Pups need to be fed several times a day and let out every few hours to eliminate.

An older dog is likely to be house-trained, more self-disciplined than his younger self, and what you see is what you get. There will be little change to his size, appearance or temperament.

Q: My elderly mother recently moved into a pet-friendly senior living community, and she loves the idea of adopting a cat. Does the society offer discounts to senior citizens?

A: Our Seniors for Seniors program waives the adoption fee for animals age 6 and older for anyone who is at least 60.

On Sept. 22 and 23 the society will be at the Senior Expo at Neal Blaisdell Center sharing information about the program. Or, visit the shelter to speak with an adoption counselor who can help match your mother with her new pet.