Question
Recently, I expressed to a friend my reservations in adopting one of the starving kittens badly needing someone to take care of them, due to my worries that it will ultimatly be miserable living in my small place (one bedroom, one WC and a corridor connecting them, where a small kitchen is located). Her point of view was that I am overthinking it and that it is illogical to project my own thoughts and worries to other beings, taking for granted on behalf of them what they are going to feel.
She insisted that it is much more preferable for a starving kitten which is struggling to survive to find a welcoming shelter, no matter how small it is, than to die and, as such, I should adopt it. Later, if I realise that it has indeed ended up feeling miserable due to its confinement in a small space, then I can search for a solution; in any case, I should face this particular problem when it actually arises and it should not stop me for doing what I feel it is right; saving a kitten from starvation.
However, my own train of thoughts leads me to believe that it is inevitable for the kitten to feel miserable living in a small place, when its basic needs will have been covered and any urgent pressure for survival will cease. Thus, since I won't be moving to a bigger house anytime soon, it is illogical to adopt a kitten when I know in advance that I can not offer to it the means to live, in the long term, a happy life.
What I would like to ask is if my friend is right. Is adopting a kitten without being able to provide the necessary space for it to live comfortably a responsible thing to do, if the alternative is to let it on its own and potentially starving to death? Will a having-faced-starvation kitten feel miserable living in a small place after a certain amount of time?
Answer
The most important things for a cat are food and safety. Many actually prefer a smaller space because it's easier to investigate, patrol and feel safe in.
Also, cats see their world more three-dimensionally than we do. If you can provide things for them to climb and perch on, like cat trees and shelves, that is far more stimulating for them than additional boring floor space, and being up high helps them because they can more easily observe their territory and feel secure from attack.
Finally, if you still aren't sure you or your home would be good for adult cats, you can consider fostering kittens. Socializing feral kittens (not adults!) so they can be adopted is a valuable service to your community and best done in a relatively small space. Look for TNR groups and shelters in your area, which can help with finding and placing kittens, respectively, and may have connections for low-cost vet services.
Answered By - StephenS