This spring in shelters, new kittens are joining all the older cats still hoping for homes. So if you’re looking to adopt a feline friend, you have choices aplenty. But choosing between a cat and a kitten may not be as obvious as it seems. Sometimes an older cat may be the wiser choice.

With a kitten, there’s no doubting the cuteness factor. But be prepared to deal with a kitty’s off-the-charts energy level for at least a year or two. You’ll also need to watch her every moment — or keep her confined — to keep her safe. And be ready to rise early, because kittens love to play at dawn before you leave and again in the evening after you get home. Then there’s litterbox training …

If any of this is more than you bargained for, adopting an older cat may be just the ticket. You’ll get the cuddles and may just be saving a life at the same time.