You can never have enough...

[Lilith7]

I couldn't handle a kitten these days, they are just too energetic and need a flexible person to live with. I aint flexible at all these days. Then there's all the vet bills for those first couple of years, and dealing with feathers and skinks and wanting to establish pecking order things that youngsters have to go through. The older cat has done all those things and is more settled with an established personality. If they are adult and cuddley, they will stay that way, if they are independent and self sufficient then that is what you can expect when you bring them home. The trick is to check health status, and understand a bit of past history, so you can be prepared for any quirks. But overall, in my limited experience, for our stage in life a mature cat with minimal issues is the best choice. Might mean dealing with that grief thing a bit earlier, but thems the breaks. After all, they might have to deal with that themselves, just as this little girl has.

And I really can't wait for Monday!

Agreed; I can't be doing with a kitten now either. Better an older cat who isn't too bossy (!) than a skittish kitten.