These animals are generally well-cared for and are in people's homes. If you are calling a newspaper ad, make sure that the kitten is at least 8 weeks old. Kittens taken from their mothers younger than that often suffer serious psychological or health problems. Ideally, a kitten should stay with its mother until at least 12 weeks old. If the mother cat was accidentally mated, ask the person offering the kittens if she has since been spayed.
Kittens are adorable, but they have disadvantages.
They need more care, training and supervision. They need vaccinations, checkups and neutering or spaying. With an adult cat, you know what you are getting. Their personalities are completely developed and it is likely they are already altered. Adult cats usually have no difficulty adapting to new homes and bonding with their owners.