An older cat is out of the question. Mostly, the ones available have health problems, and I can’t even afford my OWN health problems. If I get a kitten (4 mos +) I can look forward to at least five free medical years. That will give me time to get my bills under control, and make sure my own medical is good to go!
I know how to deal with shredders. If the scratching posts don’t work, the squirter bottles do. Painless but poignant.
Shannon’s only about 7. Jake has been much more trouble, medically. Probably because he’s male.